From the Inside Out

As the economy sputters along, there is a glimmer of hope. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) recently announced that in the first quarter of 2012, firms reported increased billings for three consecutive months, an improvement on both the prior quarter and the previous year. “This is very positive news for the building industry, and in particular, for interior design services,” according to Jack Kleinhenz, ASID’s economic advisor. “The ASID Billings Index has shown a solid pattern of increased activity over most of the past year, led by continued demand for remodeling projects versus new-construction spending.”

The latest products for interiors reflect this optimism; manufacturers are becoming more adventurous with colors, patterns, and textures. Kohler has collaborated with the designer Jonathan Adler to launch four bright new shades that will surely bring cheer to any room. For users looking to make a more austere statement, Warp & Weft’s Kaleidoscope rug, with its strong geometric shapes, might be just the thing. The surfaces, textures, and products shown here are a snapshot of the exciting material applications that designers can look forward to in the days to come.