Monthly Archives: January 2023

Stefan Brüggemann

Stefan Brüggemann, a Mexican artist born in 1975, currently works and lives between Mexico and London.

Brüggemann's work combines conceptualism and minimalism with a penchant for punk and provocative artistry using textual forms and meanings.

During the first two years of the epidemic, Brüggemann worked on a series of works using gold leaf as a medium, priming the canvas with different gold leaf textures and displaying blurred, multi-layered text on top of them, creating a relief-like effect and attempting to explore in brief, contemporary poems the fluctuating value of gold in a time of uncertainty and epidemic. This body of work adds additional depth to the artist's wordplay.

Brüggemann is represented by the prestigious Hauser &Wirth gallery in London and has traveled the globe in solo exhibitions over the last two years, including Tokyo, Brussels, and Porto, and is a consistently contemporary artist.

Brüggemann's Collections

credit @Stefan Brüggemann

SOA Arts

Looking to revamp your hotel lobby? Got a growing art collection that needs some new pieces? Something else entirely? We're here to help. 

At SOA Arts, we have over a decade's worth of experience in producing, commissioning, and curating sensational art sculptures from around the world. Whether you're scratching your head and wondering where to start or know exactly what you're looking for, get in touch today and we'll be happy to help! 

The best way to keep life fresh is to take the initiative to create surprises. Especially at the beginning of a new year, it is best to start with the environment to inject new inspiration and vitality into life.

The new home design of 2023 is not only about comfort and beauty, but also about richness and individuality. It prompts us to embrace changes and trends, to give more possibilities to life with love and creativity, and to give more expectations for the future!

Next, I would like to share 10 inspirations about home design, which will fall into 2 parts. This post is part 2.

NO.06

More Energetic Palettes and Fun Patterns

The new year will see a gradual stray away from the once popular Scandinavian purity and simplicity of home design, with liberal and more diverse furniture decorations, as well as fun patterns and wallpapers, becoming increasingly welcome.

Home spaces are starting to incorporate more personal preferences, various colors and materials, rich shapes and patterns. Even in a small area, it also is full of intention and ingenuity, so the home can get rid of dull monotony and tedium and embrace change and vitality.

In an era where emotions and feelings are increasingly emphasized, homes no longer have only a calm expression.

A bold mix of different patterns, tones and textures can make every corner full of surprises. You don't have to worry about cluttering your home with too much complexity, as long as you keep a unified style, even items of different generations and materials can be all-inclusive.

Chic color schemes, rich patterns, intriguing shapes, and the collision of different styles exude an indescribable energy and temperament. It makes the space full of surprising balance and rich layers.

Because of the special meaning of home, the design is not only to meet the functional needs. Whether it is the design of the layout, the choice of furniture or the matching decoration, it is all about accommodating and creating more possibilities of life by creating a spatial experience.

NO.07

Outdoor-Inspired & Natural Light

As a product of nature and society, we are always looking for and creating spaces that can fully integrate and share with nature.

Today, with emerging of nature-admiring and orientated towards outdoor living, it is becoming a trend to enjoy natural elements such as sunlight and air fully and to integrate indoor spaces and outdoor environments in design.

Huge exposed floor-to-ceiling windows, light colors and reflective finishes can maximize the use of natural light. Sunlight permeates the interior in all seasons, improving mood and benefiting physical and mental health.

Wherever it is, many materials unique to the region harmonize with the environment.

For example, wooden furniture is prone to cracking in the dry north, while balconies and large floor-to-ceiling windows are more suitable for the wet and rainy south. Even the choice of indoor plants should match the local environment.

Home is not a closed residence; the two spaces inside and outside do not exist in isolation but are interconnected and permeable. Try to respect the region and environment in which you live while considering the integration of space to make life more comfortable and happy.

NO.08

Soothing Pastels & Nostalgia-Infused

If you think the decorative style is too flashy, there is a trend opposite this year's home design that plays on nostalgia to create a pleasant, quaint, poetic vibe.

The more unpredictable the environment, the more we desire a home with a sense of stability, timelessness and even nostalgia. That is why vintage styles with soft tones give homes a more lasting impact.

Interiors are also moving away from overly artificial and highly saturated tones, and are beginning to shift to softer, more restrained, simple and elegant Morandi tones.

Gorgeous to the extreme, it returns to plain. Low-saturated colors and time-washed objects reduce the impact on emotions, creating a subtle atmosphere that sets off the temperament of the space itself.

In addition, monochromatic spaces are gradually dominating the mainstream. Through different shades and layers of primary colors, textures and shapes, layered monochromatic colors can also create a rich and warm atmosphere.

NO.09

Perfect Imperfections 

Home interior design can bring comfort and ease, as well as evoke memories and emotions.

Original and rustic but unique handcrafted products are becoming popular in fashion and design. The once glamorous home design is becoming more rustic and restrained, trying to convey a sense of authenticity and awkwardness.

Therefore, home decor in 2023 will be more organic, handmade, and local. Home furnishings also begin to return to simplicity and originality, to discover the beauty in simplicity, and through the accumulation of details, to perfectly integrate the inner temperament with the outer aesthetic.

Home is a mirror of life, and uniqueness is fundamental. Home decoration design also emphasizes personal preference, aesthetic taste, and life attitude.

Compared to the perfection of the new design, the rough and primitive quality of the scraps that have been baptized through time is the more inclusive beauty, meaning the unique and inimitable style qualities.

The furniture and decorations, full of handcrafted temperature and unique design, began to become the new current style. The unique beauty conveyed is not only the visual simplicity and timelessness but also the spirituality of returning to the basics.

NO.10

More Curves and Rounded Edges

The most beautiful of the graphics is the circle. Over the past few years, the angular geometric shapes in home design are gradually being replaced by gentle and soft rounded curves.

Whether it is the arched round hall, the crescent sofa, the tulip and egg-shaped chair, the round carpet and the mushroom lamp, lending to the versatile arc, from the structure to the home furnishings, all become the home of arc rendering.

Compared to the hard right angles, the soft curves and rounded arcs make the furniture more elegant and add a comfortable and cozy artistic atmosphere to the space. It creates a visual focal point and at the same time, creates a warm and comfortable feeling.

Try pairing curved furniture with other nature-themed decors. Combining unique patterns and textures creates a compelling feel and makes the space richer and more exciting.

Curved elements that soften the effect of space are also suitable for archway and wall designs. The flowing and curving lines can elegantly set the tone of a home space and can add a touch of class and great texture to your home.

In addition, the once popular curved niches are back in vogue this year, both to showcase beautiful art deco and add layers of space and interest.

These design trends are not absolute but represent a new expectation for home space. You can choose how you like, to incorporate them and give your home a new look for the new year!

Home is where the heart is, and with a new start to the New Year, there is a chance to take a moment to think about what the ideal life looks like for you and what kind of space that makes you feel free and comfortable.

Because the most important thing is not where you live, but whether you can find a way to agree with yourself and follow your heart's choice to enjoy life.

Reference

Change is a constant in life. After the ups and downs of the past year, we look forward to a new year full of hope and beauty.

The best way to keep life fresh is to take the initiative to create surprises. Especially at the beginning of a new year, it is best to start with the environment to inject new inspiration and vitality into life.

The new home design of 2023 is not only about comfort and beauty, but also about richness and individuality. It prompts us to embrace changes and trends, to give more possibilities to life with love and creativity, and to give more expectations for the future!

Next, I would like to share 10 inspirations about home design, which will fall into 2 parts.

NO.01

Nature-Inspired Spaces

Interior design trends that incorporate natural elements will continue in the new year.

In addition to incorporating fresh greenery in home design, it reinforces the strong connection with nature in living. By drawing inspiration from the environment, the vegetation and freshness of the outside are brought indoor.

Home design becomes more environmentally friendly and sustainable, filling your home with natural life energy through the seamless integration of natural and artificial decorations.

You can even try small-scale indoor landscaping, enriching the space with natural materials such as plants and bridging the boundary between indoors and outdoors, thus creating a natural, fresh and comfortable atmosphere.

Indoor incorporation of natural colors such as grass green, aquamarine and ochre can bring in natural elements such as water, fire, sunlight, air and plants to awaken the sensory experience of nature in the most intuitive way.

Likewise, some interiors echo natural shapes and patterns. Drawing inspiration from the curve of a wave, the ridge of a dune, a winding vine, or anything in nature can inspire a home to linger green in the new year.

NO.02

Return of Art Deco and Dramatic Space

Tired of monotonous minimalism, the new year will see home design indulge in richly layered and dramatic Art Deco styles as spaces seek to reveal their character and highlight their features.

Art Deco, derived from the French Art Decoratifs, is a style of exquisite and precious materials, strong and bright colors, and chic and elegant decorations, blossoming with a charming and powerful spatial effect.

The most characteristic of the Art Deco style is to create a romantic mood with the help of artistic decoration and exquisite design.

Often with primary and metallic colors, organic lines combined with decorative patterns highlight the dramatic spatial aesthetics. The rich artistic air gives the interior space a particular specific emotional atmosphere.

Intense colors, delicate textures, three-dimensional sculptures and metallic luster, together with ambient lighting and decorative details, the collision of brilliant colors and gorgeous elements create a refined and elegant spatial effect, giving depth and hierarchy to the space.

The new Art Deco style, mixing comfort and contemporary vibe, collides romantic sentiment with pioneering quality. The contrasting saturated colors and the fashionable atmosphere of melting metallic texture highlight the rich and complex infectious power in the collision of time and space.

NO.03

Organisation and Wellness

Being in a world of change and uncertainty, especially with the ongoing effects of climate change and epidemics, has prompted people to redefine the relationship between career and family and find a spatial balance between health and life.

The quality of the home environment will directly affect the quality of life, so design to enhance the physical sensation and the spatial atmosphere is a major trend for the future.

Healthy design is to give priority to temperature and humidity, lighting and ventilation, as well as the impact of home amenities on the environment, taking care of the full range of living needs.

Healthy space includes both "physical level" safety, emphasizing home materials safety and environmental protection, and "psychological level" health, emphasizing an active lifestyle, both complementing each other.

The healthy design takes into account factors such as comfortable lighting, good ventilation, and sanitary equipment for wet and dry separation at the initial stage. It selects materials according to local conditions to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

It is proven that our lifestyle is largely influenced and shaped by the environment we live in. Therefore home design is crucial to ensure a comfortable, efficient, and healthy indoor environment.

NO.04

Expressive Stone and Marble Furniture

The new year is also calling for new materials, and natural stone will take its place alongside traditional wood in this year's interiors.

Usually, marble is associated with classical sculpture and architecture as a decorative material that has stood the test of time. Today, this exquisite, timeless, high-quality material is also increasingly used in home design.

In addition to its high strength and durability, the aesthetic characteristics of natural stone are also highly distinguished. Its unique textures and diverse, rich tones make it one of the most popular materials for interior design. 

The unique elegance, naturalness, and strength of stone are suitable for interior walls, floors, decoration, and furniture design. The unique color and texture can add brilliance to any space.

However, large areas of dark stone can easily create a cold and detached feeling. Therefore, it is best to choose the white and textured stone as a partial accent, along with cotton, wool, and other natural materials, to echo the warm and cold, both soft and rigid.

With a unique texture pattern of stone countertops, sturdy, durable, and noble and elegant, which is perfect for the finishing touch, and creates a visual focus.

NO.05

Enhanced Home Multifunction 

Influenced by the external environment, mostly staying at home has increased significantly in recent years. Amid the change of demand and function, the house is not only a haven for life but also becomes a comprehensive space to accommodate a variety of activities.

Home space is not a simple superposition of furniture but an arrangement and combination of life. You can eliminate fixed functional restrictions and build a comprehensive multi-functional combination space around different lifestyles.

Although the area is limited, you can still find unused space in your home, such as corners or corridors to make the best use of it. It can be used as a library corner, an audio-visual room, a lounge or even a gym. Every corner can be multi-faceted and ingenious.

For example, in recent years, social kitchen design has become a big hit. The open island is not only for cooking but also can be served as a bar for entertaining guests or a living room for entertainment and relaxation.

A flexible home space with various uses contains infinite life possibilities. It allows different combinations of functions to create a wonderful chemical reaction, accommodating the diverse needs of other family members.

Letov and Barski ArtLab

Contact #4/12 Collage - Limited Edition of 12
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Collage, Paper on Paper

Size: 20.5 W x 20.5 H x 2.4 D in

Letov and Barski ArtLab is a collaboration of two self-taught artists. Their art draws inspiration from mathematics, geometry, and contemporary art. They also appreciate traditions of abstract and kinetic art. Experimenting with paper as a media they create minimalistic and abstract 3D paper sculptures using geometric polygonal forms. On the philosophical level the artists attempt to visualize the noumenon through the fusion of math and art.

Minimalistic and Geometric Style

Resistance #1/12 Sculpture - Limited Edition of 12
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, art paper on art paper

Size: 28.3 W x 28.3 H x 2.8 D in

The piece was created in minimalistic style on an abstract subject. The artist combines intricate geometric mosaics with precise folds and creases to form shallow relief sculptures. Bright colors and an intricate sense of rhythm create vibrant pieces.

They used long life art paper and UV printing for most of their artworks. It comes in an aluminum open-edge frame and a shadowbox frame with an acrylic protective glass.

The precise folds and creases of the complex geometric mosaics are simply rhythmic and dynamic, and there is an obvious logical beauty in this. The intricate appearance of these works is what makes them so fascinating, all carved by hand and involving more mathematical planning and calculation.

Shallow Relief Sculptures

Evocative II Sculpture
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, Long Life Art Paper on Long Life Art Paper

Size: 39.4 W x 39.4 H x 2.4 D in

The contrast of light, shadow and tone in the meticulous folds of Letov and Barski's paper sculptures gives the impression of undulating movement. Combining precise engineering and design skills with an interest in geometry and origami, the two artists recall Gunther Oecker's spatial explorations, where plain materials form delicate patterns that create three-dimensional walls of distorted perception.

Letov and Barski's earliest sculptures were made of white paper, demonstrating how precise cuts and folds can highlight the interplay between light and shadow. They then began to merge colored layers into matrix-like surfaces. When viewed from different angles, the work changes, taking on new colors and gradations.

Golden Dragon #1/12 Sculpture - Limited Edition of 12
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, gold gloss paper on foamboard/HDF/hardboard

Size: 20.5 W x 20.5 H x 2.4 D in

Der Nostalgie #1/12 Sculpture - Limited Edition of 12
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, long life art paper on long life art paper

Size: 19.7 W x 19.7 H x 2 D in

Cruel Love Sculpture
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, long life art paper on long life art paper

Size: 28.3 W x 28.3 H x 2.8 D in

Polar Night Sculpture
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, Paper on Paper

Size: 34.4 W x 34.4 H x 3.3 D in

Brass Madness Sculpture
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, long life art paper on long life art paper

Size: 34.3 W x 34.3 H x 3.1 D in

Lost Experiment Sculpture
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Sculpture, Paper on Paper

Size: 40.6 W x 40.6 H x 3.5 D in

Random Access Memories #3/12 Collage
LetovBarski ArtLab

Estonia

Collage, Paper on Paper

Size: 20.5 W x 20.5 H x 2.4 D in

All images via LetovBarski ArtLab

SOA Arts

Looking to revamp your hotel lobby? Got a growing art collection that needs some new pieces? Something else entirely? We're here to help. 

At SOA Arts, we have over a decade's worth of experience in producing, commissioning, and curating sensational art sculptures from around the world. Whether you're scratching your head and wondering where to start or know exactly what you're looking for, get in touch today and we'll be happy to help!