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Playing the Angles

The Trend for Geometric Design Motifs is Adding Up
We must confess that the last time any of us gave a second thought about geometry was back in high school. (And they weren’t happy thoughts!) Times have changed. It’s 2020 and we’re seeing a home décor industry embracing geometric motifs—and we’re loving what we see. Bring on the circles, triangles, and hexagons!

The opportunities for their inclusion seem endless. At every stop on our tradeshow circuit, we spotted something new. The versatility of geometric design can be found in nearly any category from furniture, tile, and lighting shapes to fabric, rug, and wallpaper patterns—and more! 
While some design enthusiasts may be diametrically opposed to these patterns as just too modern or too retro (think midcentury designs or David Hicks), our team shares a proclivity for the unexpected perspective that they can provide to a more transitional, even (don’t gasp!) traditional space. We take the viewpoint that geometric patterns and shapes are versatile enough to accommodate divergent design tastes and can be easily integrated with whatever your favorite décor style may be. Bold and abstract patterns can bring an unexpected, even whimsical touch to an interior. They offer the opportunity to bring balance to a room, by juxtaposing the classic with the sleeker geometric shapes. 

Despite the current upswing, be aware that this is no recent trend. The use of geometry in design is nothing new. These repeated shapes have their roots in ancient Islamic architecture and can be traced through to the 20th century via the Bauhaus and midcentury Modernism to a '70s revival in bright, eye-popping forms. Faded paintings of geometric animal and human-like figures have been spotted on the walls of Colombian tombs. In Athens, Greek artisans painted vases with geometric patterns as early as 900 BC. Persian rugmakers utilized geometric designs in rich colors, whether in tribal rugs or city carpets. And what is quilt making, if not geometric artistry assembled in cloth? 

That’s why we’re not surprised to see this timeless use of geometry climbing to new heights—and to happily share some of our finds. Have we got few new angles for you! 

Take a chance with your decorating! From our point of view, Tempaper’s Intersections Wallpaper in shimmering Urban Bronze from the Genevieve Gorder Collection (shown above) is the perfect easy solution for graphically updating a space—and quickly. The removable wallpaper offers the freedom to embrace pattern, texture, and color, and to create bold and expressive interiors without worrying about long-term commitment. Keep in mind that while bold patterns can overwhelm a room, they are ideal as an accent wall, in a breakfast nook, or adorning a hallway. Self-adhesive, the paper is categorized as a do-it-yourself product. Simply peel off the backing and stick Tempaper to nearly any surface for a fabulous, fresh new look. Here’s a plus: With its water-based adhesive and inks, the paper is lead-free, VOC-free, phthalate-free, and unfazed by heat or steam. Materials used are American made and production facilities are all located within the USA. 
When it comes to shape, structure, and purity of the line, the  Geometric Collection from Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture demonstrates a designer distilling creativity into the most edited forms. Visually captivating for its clarity, Geometric does not cloak itself in decoration, but rather honors the notion that the truth of form is the finest expression of modernist art. Shown here is the 6-drawer Geometric Dresser paired with JC Modern’s 48¼" x 48¼" Geometric Hanging Mirror , both crafted from cerused dark French oak. 
Circles, Triangles, Polygons & More 

1 | Ready to recalculate the look of a blah bathroom? This Jean Pierre ZigZag 2-Piece Bath Rug Set is a simple way to add not only color, but texture and pattern that won’t overwhelm a small space. The reversible, machine-washable 100% cotton rugs are shown in Denim Blue, but available in a choice of colors.

2 |  Get lost in the labyrinth of forms with the quintessential Olafur Eliasson piece, the OE Quasi LED Pendant for iconic Danish lighting maker Louis Poulsen. Inside a 35" tall triangular-faced framework of recycled aluminum in a pickled finish, Eliasson incorporated a white, 12-faced pentagonal reflector. The renowned Danish-Icelandic artist—his works span sculpture, painting, film, and photography—lined each edge of the floating form with sleek LEDs. From Lumens Light and Living.

3 |  For dimensional impact on a flat surface, add art to a wall.  Lightfoot, Series of 9 , a bold geometric pattern of triangles and squares painted on a series of nine wooden squares, adds graphic interest to any room. From Mercana; overall dimensions 35.5" x 35.5". 

4 |  The multi-faceted base of Mercana’s Patterson Table Lamp comes in a versatile blue-gray color topped by a white fabric drum shade. Whether paired with another to flank a sofa or bed, or used on its own, the 28" tall lamp can be an amazing geometric accent no matter your design style.

5 | With its sunburst design, the structural composition of the Euphoria Mirror from Howard Elliott creates a unique focal point for any room—whether used alone or in a grouping. It features a 21" diameter frame of bars arranged at different lengths and angles bordering a round convex mirror. Shown in a glossy navy-blue lacquer, the Euphoria Mirror is available in 14 vivid colors.

6 | Inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, the McManus Dining Table embodies the sleek, enduring spirit that defines the movement. While there’s no denying the beauty of the solid walnut oval surfboard top, it was the divergence of angles in the striking stainless-steel base that caught our fancy. From The HAD Collection by Heather Ashton Design. Made to order in Los Angeles; options for a rectangular top and finishes available. 

7 | The distinctively whimsical design of the Ardor Rattan Cluster Accent Table features clusters of uniform slices of rattan polie inlaid in black resin in a seemingly random geometric pattern. Even more intriguing is that the unexpected cantilevered structure appears to twist. (At least from our viewpoint!) The 26" tall table is part of the Signature Designs Collection from Artistica Home for Lexington Home Brands. 

8 |  A perfect 24" cube, the Angles Silver Side Table is aptly named. Stainless steel bars intersect to create asymmetrical movement and the most intriguing angles as the table’s base. Topped by a thick maple veneer wood top, this piece from Howard Mitchell will fit beautifully into nearly any décor. Just imagine the possibilities! Other sizes also available. 
Design Matters is the monthly trend viewpoint from the tradeshow-traveling, fresh-finding team at The Media Matters. Feel free to share any of these images and copy with your readers or followers.  Photos can be found here .  Plus, we’re always here to help you with ideas, resources and more.  Our team attends nearly every significant tradeshow so we can be your eyes, ears and heels on the ground. Our passion is creating connections, so use us.  Our contact information is below.

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