Catherine Bowen, Plascon Trends Editor

The Gastronomic Tree designed by Kraftisan at Weylandts’ Dutch Masters Evening in Cape Town showcased an array of treats in birdhouses and hanging from the branches. Photo courtesy of Weylandts.

Last night was the Johannesburg leg of Weylandts‘ Dutch Masters evenings, featuring the creative genius of both Jan Linteloo and Margot Janse. And with the cat being out of the bag now for the country (so to speak), we can let you readers in on some of the magic from the evening.

Continue reading →

Catherine Bowen, Plascon Trends Editor

Earlier this year at the Design Indaba Expo some nifty little digital developments were shared with the audience members. I, in turn, was forwarded a collection of links to review from the various presentations. Truth be told, I have been waiting for a quiet moment to review all of them. That quiet night happened last night and I felt that I simply had to share some of the fun with you.

Now, for those of you who may already have stumbled across these digital, interactive doodlings, I apologize for the repetition; but for those of you haven’t, then you may well enjoy what’s to come:

Continue reading →

Catherine Bowen, Plascon Trends Editor

Bosco Verticale / Vertical Forest, Milan, Image Source: infiniteviewer.wordpress.com

So a few months ago I posted on Future Cities and the new technologies and design techniques that will be shaping the skylines of the future. What I didn’t realize is that, in fact, the vertical gardens I was talking about in that post are rising in the city of Milan as I type…

Continue reading →

Catherine Bowen, Plascon Trends Editor

Neutral Colour Play, Image Source desiretoinspire.net

Every now and then it’s nice to revisit some neutral inspiration. Although the colour trends of the moment are very definitely around the stark contrast of black and white, or the playfulness of colour, neutrals afford a person “pause to think” – an opportunity for us to come up for air, so to speak – to pause and perhaps reset before committing to something a bit more emboldened in the colour sphere. And, of course, neutrals also lend themselves to spaces that don’t overwhelm or excite – soft enveloping spaces that are conducive to calming stressed or tired minds.

Continue reading →