pantone color of the year

Today Pantone Color Institute reveals The Color of the Year for 2018... Ultra Violet

"As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands."  -Pantone Color Institute 

I love reading the online posts today about the chosen color. So many ways to interpret what this color means within our culture, along with past and present events in society. 

Purple hues have several universal meanings. Musical influence (Prince), political uncertainty (Republican red+ Democratic blue), historical (wealth and royalty), and our Minnesota football team the Vikings.  For some, violet represents the unknown limitless galaxy, non-conformity, unconventionality, optimism...

My favorite addition to this year's color is the complimentary color pairings. I do love these combinations:

We will see a lot more purple in 2018...and hopefully more peace.💜

reception

Two recent remodels received new custom reception desks. Commercial spaces must meet ADA requirements for heights and transaction counters, but many features are customizable.  

Both work well functionally and aesthetically in their new spaces. Congrats to Northern Elite and Mortgages Unlimited on your new offices!

fushion + captured

This year's IIDA Fusion was a creative, interactive event. A unique blend of music, artistry, and display. Competitors created artful backdrops inspired by musicians and specifiable materials. Attendees were invited to capture selfies and unique compositions through photos.

The venue: The Machine Shop, NE Minneapolis

“This event is about a multi-sensory experience – about emotions that people experience within a space – the noticing, feeling, and interacting in our environment.”

-IIDA-northland.org

...Hundreds of event photos on the IIDA flicker link: 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iidanorthland/sets/72157662630359368

red indeed

NEXT UP | Another office building full remodel.

Dramatic red accents will be incorporated in paint, furniture, signage, custom art murals and installations throughout. Can't wait.

And guess what? Benjamin Moore just announced their 2018 Color of the Year, which happens to be...RED. 

"This year's choice will stop you in your tracks." - Benjamin Moore

office makeover

Our recent office make-over showcases how updating a workspace design to align with the company brand creates positive results...mentally and physically!

All new furniture, paint, and artwork. 

We started with lighter walls and custom furniture, including sit-to-stand desks for all employees. There are significant physical health benefits with adding sit-to-stand desks into offices. 
(See article: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-b-trafecanty/the-benefits-and-consider_b_9996782.html)

Also, incorporating art into the workspace has proven emotional benefits including stress reduction.
(See article: https://mic.com/articles/106504/science-shows-that-art-is-having-fantastic-effects-on-our-brains-and-bodies#.YemXGgoN5)

There are so many factors that contribute to well-being and efficiency in the work environment.  Design affects so much!

Before:

After:

glass view

PALETTE | Office space in Minneapolis, with new furniture, finishes, and branding. Lots of glass and skyline view. 

New bright reception area photos to follow...

open house

We popped champagne and celebrated the office building remodel completion!  
Such a fun evening. 

this

Finally seeing our design in person.  
Enormous custom barn doors separating the new open office area from the conference room.  

A creative work environment for a creative marketing agency.  I want to work in this space!