Image courtesy of Ingrid Abramovitch
“I am realizing more and more how much our lives are wrapped in plastic. Buy local, carry a tote bag, and cook at home. There is nothing better than chilling at home with a great lamp and chair, or having friends over for a home cooked dinner.”
—Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor USA
Ingrid Abramovitch can take a flawed piece of furniture and give it a vivid, beaming future. She believes the design world is on the upswing for good.
“I am seeing a huge thirst for bold color,” says Abramovitch. “I’m a bit grey-ed out—everything has been grey for the last decade.”
Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey
Translucent, incandescent, pastel. Whatever you call it, and whether you’re into it, you can’t deny this trend. The aesthetic for this spring is that of a shimmery-shiney world screaming of colour. Juicy oranges, powdery blues, coral pinks and splashes of blue—the design world is taking a turn towards a fresh new coat of paint.
Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey
“Personally, I always gravitate to jewel tones and blues. Pink also aren’t going anywhere, but millennial pink is evolving into something that feels more natural and yet complex,” says Abramovitch.
With colours of old oozing its way back into the interior world, 2019 sees a new generational craving. Yummy yellows, posh purples, pretty in pink—you name it, you can probably coordinate it into your look this spring.
Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey
“What’s exciting is design has just exploded,” says Abramovitch. “It’s becoming an integral part of our culture. I love seeing the energy around design in hotels, restaurants, architecture, and in shows like Maison & Objet. So many people are attracted to it and are doing wonderful work. Most of all, I enjoy that people are increasingly house proud. There is nothing better than chilling at home with a great lamp and chair, or having friends over for a home cooked dinner.”
Abramovitch is also an author, setting a reinvention revival afire within her book, Restoring A House In The City. This guide exemplifies town houses that are developed into charming and nostalgic pieces. An introduction from her book states:
“What’s the difference between modillions and medallions? Where can you find chandelier parts and vintage bathtubs? How do you repair old floorboards, or bring light into dark interiors? Restoring a House in the City has all the answers. At the heart of the book are twenty-one real-life renovations in ten cities.”
With old-meets-new flair, Abramovitch steps back into tradition while keeping up with the modern paces of the future, combining a mix of both worlds. Pick up a copy of Abramovitch’s book here.
The editor believes students can make a mark sustainably by making one simple move at a time.
“I am realizing more and more how much our lives are wrapped in plastic,” says Abramovitch. “It’s getting worse with our ship-to-the-door culture. Buy local, carry a tote bag, and cook at home.”
As student, you no doubt are looking for cheaper alternatives. But remaining chic and trendy is the concern. Abramovitch believes that you can remain in style by going against the grain and blazing your own trail of creativity.
“Stay away from trends and go for quality that lasts,” says Abramovitch. “Vintage and antique furniture is often of better quality than new—and can work in contemporary interiors. Re-imagine it with a coat of paint or even a new purpose. Just as recycled clothing is gaining popularity in fashion, interior design should make use of the material culture that already exists.”
Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey
A fun DIY which Abramovitch suggests is using an ottoman—a chic device that comes with no back and usually in square or semicircular ends—to convert it into a sleepover bed with built-in storage, saving space. Try re-creating this upcycled Tie ottoman DIY by the Sustainable Home Hub here.
Abramovitch speaks about the most challenging, yet exciting element about being an editor to ELLE Decor USA.
“There are so many great stories to tell, and not enough time,” says Abramovitch. “Keeping up with the pace of information, creating a quality print magazine, while also feeding the beast of social media and minute-to-minute digital, is the biggest challenge.”
Follow Ingrid on Twitter, and don’t forget to pick up the latest issue of ELLE Decor to salvage your own interior inspiration here.
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