Brass. It's the New Chrome.

(Guest Blogger -- Woo Woo!)

I, Guest Blogger, recently noticed a trend, and then heard Realtor whispers that were perhaps an initial validation of our observations. I wonder if modernist design is starting to go the way of modernist art. In the '70's, the hearty flamboyance and self-confidence of neo-expressionist art came as a very logical response to the mechanical precision and restraint of modernism. I think we're starting to see a similar transition now in the the world of design. Just in time too because when builders start opting for electric ranges because of their "sleek clean look", it makes us think consumers have pushed new-moderism just a tad too far. Don't get me wrong, I heart good, authentic modern design just as much as the next design-oriented individual but I also find a sense of comfort in the unabashed unpredictability of color and form that we see in places like Ian Schrager's reawakening: http://www.gramercyparkhotel.com/gramercy_park_hotel.html?gclid=CL_s-4Cr4YwCFRG3hgodlVsNzQ

Perhaps the abundance of muted colors everwhere has made us feel like we've cut off the circulation to our senses... this new look has the blood running back in again.