A Rosy New Design Trend: Rose Gold

A design trend that I’ve been noticing everywhere lately is rose gold! Both real rose gold and the colour are being used in a variety of design work. Another thing I noticed about rose gold is how beautifully it pairs with white marble (See my blog post about the white marble design trend here). This blush-hued precious metal appears more exotic and exclusive than the flashier gold and silver, and is complimentary to pastels, black and white, and neutrals like grey. The possibilities are endless.

I did a bit of research to see if I could find out what makes rose gold so trendy today, and to see if it has any unique history. Turns out that rose gold was once referred to as “Russian Gold,” because this uncommon ally was only worn by them at the time. It’s popularity can be traced back to the 19th century Russia where it was first worn.

Over the years this beautiful colour of jewelry grew in popularity, including during the Victorian Era where rose gold was worn often. It truly gained mainstream popularity in the 1920s when Cartier designed their famous “Trinity” ring; the ring was made of three intertwining bands of white, yellow and rose gold.

Jean Cocteau commissioned Cartier to create the Trinity ring, which he was known to stack on his left pinkie. You can purchase the ring yourself here.

Eventually it’s popularity faded, white and yellow gold took over the scene. Now the jewelry world has been shaken again by this pink metal, and rose gold designs are offered from every major jewelry designer. This trend is beginning to influence all areas of design. The wedding industry is perfect example, you don’t need to search far on pinterest to find tons of rose gold themed wedding boards and invitations. Rose gold is used often in home decor to decorated all areas of the home.

All of these trendy rose gold finds are available for purchase online! The links to the retailers are all listed below!

1. Rose Gold Necklace 2. Skyer Gem Pendant, in Copper 3. ‘Tuscany’ Marble & Rose Gold Candle 4. Oola Rose Gold Terrarium

Not only has rose gold begun to trend in jewelry design, the fashion world in general has gained a liking to this blush colour. Rose gold has been used by a variety of fashion designers, even sportier ones like Adidas. The soft rose colour compliments any skin type, so it’s not surprise people love to wear it.

This adidas shirt with a rose gold logo is the perfect mix of girly and sporty. Purchase it from Urban Outfitters here.

 

Rose gold has a unique vintage quality that works well paired with modern decor and all sorts of texture. See below how this copper roof compliments the plain wood of this architecture design, and makes a beautiful accent piece in a bathroom against a marble textured background.

Image Sources: 1 & 2.

You might already know I’m a Graphic Design student and be wondering why rose gold jewelry, decor, and the likes are relevant; because trends in any form of design often influence trends in graphic design. This is true for rose gold which is currently making it’s mark in both print and web graphic design. Take a look at a couple of examples below.

Take a look at this beautiful business card design for Gourmet Tucker, a deli located in Auckland. This design was created by the agency Supply, who have created a successful, minimal design that draws your attention from the beautiful rose gold block foil print treatment. The rose gold foil contrasts really well with the recycled looking paper.

 

I found this identity design by graphic designer Whitney Blake, which uses a beautiful colour palette that features rose gold as the star. This is another great example of beautifully designed stationary that used a rose gold foil.

I personally love this trend, although I don’t yet own anything rose gold myself. I would definitely use this trend for a design system if it was appropriate. What do you think about rose gold, is it here to stay or is it only just a trend? Are you a fan of the colour? Let me know what you think in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

Sources:

The rose gold diamond ring pictured in the first image is available for purchase from etsy!

A Brief History of Rose Gold

 

 

A Marbleous Design Trend

Trends are constantly changing; trends will come and go, some last longer than others, and they’re usually reused and recycled over time. As designers it’s important to notice and stay up to date with current trends. It’s equally important to know when popular trends are fading out. In order to use popular design trends successfully, it’s beneficial to understand where the trend came from and if it has any historical significance.

One of the benefits to being a young designer is that most new designers of this generation will have a better understanding of the current and popular trends. To keep up with and better understand these trends myself, I’ll be blogging as regularly as possible this semester on design trends I’ve noticed. The first I’m exploring is marble! I’ve noticed marble (white marble in particular) everywhere lately. It’s timeless and versatile; it can be applied to countless areas of design.

Marble’s first use can be traced back to thousands of years ago in Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. This natural beauty is formed from stone and was originally used as a decoration by the earliest civilizations. Marble was used extensively by the Greek Empire in their construction, who considered pure white marble to be the best. Probably due to it’s history of use, marble evokes the feeling of cost and affluence as well as a refined, mature taste. Derived from the Greek word “marmaros,” meaning a snow white spotless stone, the classic white marble is making a come back.

This ancient stone is tactile and strong, making it great for contemporary interior design. It brings an instant elegance to any home. The chic look of marble compliments other natural materials like wood and steel, and when paired with a minimal palette is classy and understated.

Although it is sustainable and environmentally friendly, it is important to note that marble is not a renewable resource and can become very costly in design. Despite the cost of real, exquisite marble, faux marble can be used in many design applications and evokes the same feelings as this luxury item. The possibilities of it’s use are endless. Take a look at the different ways marble can be used in design.

PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY

I’ve noticed a lot of designers using white marble as a backdrop to showcase their work. The texture is subtle enough that it doesn’t distract from the work. It can actually be a great compliment to minimalistic print material, especially with a pastel colour palette.

View the full collection of photographs here and here.

TECH ACCESSORIES

Marble is making it’s mark in the world of tech accessories. Marble iPhone cases are sold in virtually any colour of marble imaginable. Another popular use for this beautiful texture is laptop skins. If you’re willing to splurge to personalize all your gadgets,  tablets like iPads also have marble skins available.

Purchase your own marble macbook skin here.

FASHION

White marble texture can be applied to all areas of fashion including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Of course this already luxurious texture works well with high fashion, and with the price of this marble Balenziaga handbag you’d think you were paying for real marble. For a more affordable option you can learn how to make your own marble jewelry just like the bracelet pictured below.

 

BEDDING

Marble can be used as an accent piece to any interior and is now a popular pattern for bedding. A striking marble comforter brings a sophisticated look to any bedroom. If you’re looking for something more subtle, a marble pillowcase is the perfect accent piece to your couch or bedding. The pillowcase below is available from Etsy for an affordable price. Purchase your own marble quilt cover here.

WEDDINGS

The wedding world is drawing inspiration from this interior design trend, bringing a sophisticated elegance to the special day. This popular trend was used frequently in 2015 on marble textured cake. Wedding stationary is another perfect use for faux marble, blending classic and modern elements together.

Read more about this wedding stationary trend.

SCULPTURE

Artists and designers are still using pure marble in a more traditional way with a modern twist. Much like the way ancient civilizations sculpted beautiful pieces of art from marble, modern sculptors are doing the same to create marble art pieces with a more contemporary feel. I saved my favourite design for last. These marble surfboards from the Reena Spaulings Gallery are stunning. The surfboards also function as outdoor sculpture. See more of these surfboard designs on remodelista.com.

Other Sources

1. 2. 3. 4.