Lighten up home decor with Lucite
/Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press• June 8, 2013
Kate Spade lucite heel.
It never fails. What you see on the runway is eventually going to make its way into home decor.
And just as Lucite heels and jewelryare the rage in fashion magazines, pieces are again making an appearance in home furnishings and accessories.
And just as the sparkle of Lucite in a heel has a modern, fresh look, you would not want an entire shoe made of it. The same goes for the home. Less is definitely more. Use sparingly and you have a look. Use too much and it can look cheap.
Ozzie Pancaro, owner of the Casa Italia showroom at Miromar Design Center in Estero, says the trend has been "gaining steam for the past two years and that it was seen prominently at the Milan furniture in April."
The Italian, contemporary design, he says, was used sparingly as accents such as "night tables, floating bases, with lighting, sideboards, panels and floating legs."
Most dramatic: Casa Italia offers a 100% eco- friendly produced bed that is available in 32 colors of matte lacquer or it can be upholstered. It sits on a On Methacrylate base with LED lighting and gives the effect of floating.
Photo: Casa Italia, Miromar Design Center, Estero.
And don't forget the 2002 classic Ghost Chair, designed by Philippe Starck. It now comes in colors, giving it a little less ghost and a little more pizzazz. It has an elegant, timeless look. Using a single piece of translucent injection-molded polycarbonate, Starkcreated the one of the most recognizable chairs of the 21st century. Versatile enough for almost any space, it is often seen at events such as weddingsbecause of its comfort and durability indoors or outdoors. Fabric chair covers can be added for comfort and color.
What is Lucite?
Lucite is the brand name for a clear, acrylic resin material that has been around since the early twentieth century. It was firstused for commercial purposes but became a popular material for jewelry and interior decoratingin the 1950's. Today itappears in wall sconces, chairs, benches, tables, lamp bases and other home accessories.
Using Lucite in your home
Not a serious line of furniture, Lucite takes on a modern, almost whimsical feel. In other words, have some fun with it!
It is great for small spaces and does not take up a lot of visual space. For a small room it can be a good solution as it basically disappears and lightens up the space.
Lucite furniture is perfect for spaces where pattern, texture or paint color, are the focal point. The transparency creates a balanced look to the room and does not add unnecessary visual clutter.
Ghost Chair, designed by Philippe Starck. Photo: Casa Italia.
Kohl's lucite bistro set.
Photos: Casa Italia
Like the look but afraid of committing? Try a magazine rack, barstool or tray for a table. Kohl's, Target and other big box stores feature accent tables, bar stools, bistro sets and a wide range of accessories.
Lucite combined with brass or other materials and designs can serve as a point of interest. And furniture manufacturers are also making Lucite legs as an alternative to wood to make a piece a focal point in a room.
It's eco-friendly!
Perhaps the best reason of all to consider Lucite in your decorating plan: it requires no cutting down of trees, no toxic glues are used and it can be recycled. It is also durable, making it usable indoor and outdoors.
Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator. Visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog
Sources:
Casa Italia
Miromar Design Center
10800 Corkscrew Road
Suite 250
Estero, FL 33928
239-390-0643
www.casaitalia.com
Kohl's
www.kohls.com
