Lessons from Oscar's Red Carpet

Interest in "who wore what" is rivaling interest in "who won what" at the awards ceremonies these days. The biggest lesson for marketers from the recent Oscar's is the "memorability" factor. Who will remember Helen Mirren's gorgeous dress several weeks from now? Who can forget the hideous thing that Jennifer Hudson wore over her dress or the Nicole Kidman's entrance in that stunning red sheath?

Yes, subtle still sells, and bad design is especially memorable. Jennifer Hudson's talent will outshine her outfit, but a badly designed product doesn't have that advantage. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, if you want your products or interiors to be noticed and remembered, go for contrast!
(If you want to refresh your memory, E Online will probably show those gowns longer than any other link.)

Houses both Simple and Small

Urban Europeans have a tradition of "garden houses" that gradually expanded from tool sheds. These sheds have been formalized and can now be purchased as this Waldon inspired and named model from Moormann in Germany. (On display in Cologne at Design Week.) Sleeping space is in the loft space with a skylight to the stars.

The New York Times "thinks small" with a story with great information about the mini-house movement in the US. (Don't know how long the link will be good.) The traditional style Katrina Cottage, built by Cusato Cottages LLC and offered by Lowe's, is generating interest beyond just the New Orleans area. For fabulous contemporary mini's, weeHouses offers a versatile collection of "shoebox" stacking units.

Forget timeshares! For an instant vacation house, drive one of these units up to your own piece of Waldon, no matter where it is, and simply hook it up to utilities.

US style leader in finishes

Just when we have everything figured out, things change. The trends from Europe that influenced the American market were on a predictable schedule, what would translate was also predictable. Judging by the recent Cologne Design week, we are starting to strongly influence European style. It had to happen, Hollywood is, after all, the pervasive entertainment for the Western World. Clodagh and Fu-Tung Cheng were the first to bring us concrete as a luxury interior finish. Europe has embraced concrete as a refined interior finish with "concrete look" poured monolithic floors, thin concrete paneling ,countertops and furniture - fabulous looks all! Note the concrete look wall in a retail showroom in Cologne - also note the horizontal use of cherry veneer.Vertical wood grain is starting to almost look "dated" in Europe. This look should translate well to the American market.

In the face of technology – a universal yearning for an analog world

The "Farm Project" presented by Dornbracht was by far the most visceral and far-reaching design statement presented in Cologne during design week this winter. It is appropriate that it was part of Passagen, as opposed to the official fair. It speaks to our current fascination with the iconic. Created by Mike Meiré, you can hear his fascinating interviews 1, 2, 3. about the project. Yes, our sleek, shiny monolithic technological objects cry out for a reaction, and this is a most interesting reaction. When we design our homes we forget that our lives at home are more than the sum of our building materials and machines. It is amazing that we need to be reminded that after the design stage that homes teem with life, just like the "Farm Project" and offer us warmth, protection and refuge. It is the design process that makes comfort possible, but much of today's designs look downright foreboding, hence the success of this presentation.

Favorite Superbowl Ad

Yes, I am one of those people that watch the Superbowl for the ads - and animals ruled the day. By far the most memorable 1 minute narrative was the "Dalmatian." Budweiser managed to engage every demographic with their series of ads - Impressive! As of this post,the mutt is still being voted "best of" the 2nd quarter at AOL Sports.