Color for the Sensory Deprived

Today is our last post on products, marketing, architecture and technology for the sensory deprived. For more information on our coverage this week, click on of the links above, or feel free to sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter (at right). Our final post includes some great ways color can appeal to sight and touch from the Heimtextil 2009 show and a few other innovations that are making color a more sensory experience.

Our visit to the trend hall at Heimtex was certainly a feast for the senses! We love this dimensional floral fabric in stunning sunshine yellow from Jeel.

This shaggy, deconstructed textile from AS Creation is a perfect trend / counter trend to it's pattern partner, an elegant tone on tone circle motif in shades of lavender.

Artecnica is launching 7 new collections in 2009, one of which is this interestingly colored and laser cut "Bright Times" from Studio Tord Boontje. Bright Times is a collection of tea light candleholders that pack flat and then pop out to reveal doily-like styles that cast intricate shadows. This wraps sensory week here on the blog, but make sure to join us next week for more from Heimtextil as well as a special week of coverage dedicated to "Recapturing Americana" in honor of the historic inauguration. We will be covering how red, white and blue is experiencing a resurgence, the return to handmade in America and reclaimed & authentic materials that are quickly becoming the must-have item for decor and construction materials.

We will also be coming at you live from the International Builder's Show, the IMM Cologne Furniture Fair and Maison Objet in Paris, France, so check back often - it's going to be a busy week!