Haas&Hahn at Storefront for Art & Architecture
Goodbye, white walls. OK, so it's not for everyone, but at the extremes of the art and design world, geometric patterns are big. We've noticed more than a few recent projects that involve designers slathering the walls and floors in bright reds, purples, and blues.
- Haas&Hahn at Storefront for Art & Architecture: The first photo shown above comes from an exhibition currently on view at New York's Storefront for Art and Architecture. Dutch artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn — who work under the name Haas&Hahn — swath interiors, buildings, and even whole city blocks in bright color.
- Alessi's New Milan Flagship Store by Marti Guixe: Just opened last week in Milan, Alessi's flagship store by self-described Catalan "artist/performer/ex-designer" Marti Guixe is a patchwork of reds, purples, blacks, and whites.
- O.H.W.O.W. Cappellini by Rafael de Cardenas: Currently a hot name in the design world, Rafael de Cardenas has designed several high-profile commercial projects including a meanswear storefront in South Africa, a collaboration with New York City restaurateur Cobi Levy, and O.H.W.O.W. pop-up storefronts for well-known brands. (The red interior shown above is Cappellini's O.H.W.O.W. pop-up.)
- Opus Shop by Paradox Studio: A patterned, textured "chair rail" and a swath of yellow paint differentiate this space in Taipie, designed by Taiwanese firm Paradox Studio.
- Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills by Kelly Wearstler: Glam revivalist Kelly Wearstler updated the 1940s-era Avalon Hotel with a deco-modern triangular pattern in various shades of blue.
Images: Brett Bayer via Storefront for Art and Architecture, Alessi, Architecture at Large, Paradox Studio, Avalon Hotel
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This works in retail places. Would it work in homes?
Oh my goodness. I like color on the walls and on the floors, but I'm not sure I like this. Maybe some examples from "real-life" homes rather than art gallery and retail spaces would have helped.
I agree that this style isn't suitable for residential use. My first thought was: "what an ingenious way to discourage people from loitering in the lobby of a hostel or contemporary euro-style motel."
Not a fan. Perhaps minimizing the color contrast and working with tessellation would provide a more cohesive approach to colorful whimsy sans the phrenetic hangover. Talk about a bad trip...
Oh, I dunno -- I could really dig it in my gloomy garage!
I did this in 1971 in my entrance hall. We called them "supergraphics." It went really well with silver mylar wallpaper and a couple hits of acid.
This is awesome! I'm glad colorful walls are getting attention.
Vertigo!