One of the most significant features not to be missed at this year's Decoration + Design Trade Fair at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 19-22 July is Petite Rooms, an installation showcasing future design trends by an extraordinary line up of some of Australia and New Zealand's foremost style makers.
Architecture and interior design professionals, alongside textile, furniture, lighting and homeware designers will create a series of 12 concept spaces that represent this year's theme, 'About Time', established by a committee of industry experts headed by Barbara Marshall of Australian Colour Institute. Says Marshall of the theme, “'About Time' challenges designers to confront a fourth dimension, to explore how space and materials are modified by the physical and psychological reality of time.”
Under this umbrella theme designers have been asked to create spaces according to one of four sub themes – entitled 'Ephemeral', 'Enduring', 'Speed' and 'Slow' – future trends expected to drive the interiors industry.
Among the designers rising to the challenge is award-winning industrial designer Marc Pascal, who will weave his signature style magic with his interpretation of 'Ephemeral'. Design duo Marc and Rhynie Cawood of Publisher Textiles will peel away wallpapered layers of time with their version of 'Enduring'. Furniture and lighting doyens Pierre and Charlotte Julien will also take a journey of timelessness with their designs for 'Enduring', while Stewart Russell of Spacecraft will address 'Speed' with his personal library that explores temporality and how time expands and contracts. New Zealand-based designer Catherine David's witty take on how time slows down when we are kept waiting will represent the theme 'Slow'.
The architectural and interior design interpretation of 'Ephemeral' will be undertaken by high-profile designers Lara Johnston and Suzi Ward of Woo Interior Design, while Conrad Manolidis of Blackmilk Interior Design and architect Clare Cousins take on the creative task for 'Enduring'.
Brimming with ideas and creativity, the 2007 edition of Petite Rooms offers a rare opportunity to be inspired by 16 exceptionally talented people who share a common passion for design.
Petite Rooms is located in the Inspiration Pavilion at Decoration + Design, co-located with Furnitex, and will be on display Thursday 19 July, 9am-5pm; Friday 20 July, 9am-5pm; Saturday 21 July, 10am-5pm; and Sunday 22 July, 10am-5pm (open to the public from 1pm-5pm on Sunday only).
Decoration + Design is organised by Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Pty Ltd .
