05 Aug Design Uncensored with Mark Woodman
Ready for another inspiring discussion on trend & design with Stacy’s weekly live series Design Uncensored? On the twelfth episode, Stacy hosts an intriguing conversation with designer, stylist and colorist, Mark Woodman. As a Color Marketing Group member and former president, Mark gives amazing color trend insight that can be sure to impact the decisions of your next design project!
See 3 Key Takeaways From the Conversation Below!
1. Impacting Lives with Design
Each year multi-industry color professionals from around the world join each other in “Chromazone Workshops” which is a global discussion of future trends and color directions. With these being taken place via Zoom the past few months, Mark explains how successful they have continued to be as color is something people are so passionate about, it will drive an invigorating conversation no matter where you are in the world. However, it’s not only color that evokes this sense of excitement. Mark says, “As designers, we always have to remind ourselves you are impacting someone’s life in a positive way”. Whether it’s a new paint color in a space or a new product such as a light fixture, these elements can introduce a “moment of joy” as they create a sense of contentment, solace and renewal. Mark adds, “excellent design becomes the backdrop of life”.
2. Moving Forward with Clarity
Rather than discussing the highly talked about topic of “neutrals”, Mark says many of his conversations with CMG have been surrounding around the idea of “clarity”. This means cleaner color palettes that are more fine-tuned, but not necessarily light or airy hues like you’d think when visualizing this word. In fact, they are looking at pretty saturated colors of 80 – 85% for 2022, which are strong and instantly recognizable. A color palette Mark calls out in particular that he finds will be a huge trend in the coming years is the earthier tones of rich camel, beige and warm grays. He says this is a look you can easily transition with things you already have and slowly evolve your space from there. And if you don’t like the sounds of “beige” then listen to Mark when he says “it is not a dirty word”.
3. Historical Colors – Then & Now
Mark has had exposure to some amazing historic properties including the Mount Vernon Estate of Colors, which was George Washington’s residence, the Caroline Low Country, and the colors for Nashville, TN. He recalls a time while at the Mount Vernon property where he actually held a porcelain Tang Dynasty bowl which served Lafayette at a dinner and was George Washington’s inspiration for his home. Mark speaks of the beautiful coloring of the piece especially the rich turquoise inner rim which is a color that wound up on palette he created called “Porcelain Edge”. One of they key takeaways from his experience at this residence however, is how colors that are over 200 years old are so contemporary nowadays. Blues and greens are historical colors which were extremely relevant of the time period as they extremely expensive at the time and meant you were a person of means. Our country used these colors to show off our early prominence and that we were ahead of the curve compared with other European countries. Today, these colors are still relevant and make quite a statement in a space, continuing to tell a story of establishment.
More About Mark Woodman
Mark Woodman, CMG, Designer/Stylist/Colorist
Mark Woodman CMG, a passionate designer, trend-spotter, writer and accredited speaker, has designed interiors, consulted on diverse product lines, and contributed to the pages and airwaves of media, and the stages of international exhibitions.
His unique perspective allows him to weave narratives and solutions of design and color from influences as diverse as cuisine and fashion, home décor and transportation. His consultancies include Corian® Design, Glen-Gery, Canadian Tire’s Premier Paint Collection, Blackfin Realty, and more. Mr. Woodman’s aesthetic understanding of “real-life” balances his approach to product specification and design.
More About Mark Woodman
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