
The last few years have seen agate slowly creep into designers’ consciousness. And with increasing popularity of naturalist decor, it is hardly a wonder that this colorful crystallized rock is so in demand. Agate is one of nature’s many wonders, with the array of amazing textures and colors that are grand and soothing at the same time.
While the trend initially started out with decorative items around the home, one can now see full countertops and walls done in detailed agate. The interior trends this year have shown a marked demand for color, veering away from the neutrals that have dominated the scene for so long. In that respect, the diversity of design and variety of colors offered by the agate decor syncs right in with what designers and homeowners want today.
Designer Carla Aston has interesting comments on this rising trend. Trendspotting early this year, she announced that agate decor is all set for huge popularity rise. Calling agate a natural gift, she stressed upon the positive elements that this unique element of nature can bring to every home.
With their intrinsic gemstone quality, agate items offer a more glamorous and luxurious look to the home decor. Along with this look, they bring with them a touch of pure nature that simply cannot be replicated in machine-made items.
The kind of attention agate got in the Spring 2014 High Point Market more or less wrote its fate as a star in the making. We now see use of agate beyond the smaller decor pieces, a natural progression. The trend is definitely shifting from small pieces to using agate as a wall, fireplace, vanity or even a countertop. As the year progressed agate took center stage with top designers all over, especially those who focused on nature and natural elements.
There is one point to be noted here: Agate does not come cheap. So planning your budget and then sifting through agate options would be wise.
Agate balances well with various needs — for designers who want bright and big statements as well as for those who want to downplay the neutrals without dumping them altogether. In the latter cases, use of agate elements helped balance the decor with a mind-blowing focal point without being overwhelming.
With bigger chains redesigning their home design sections to house more agate items, the rising popularity of this trend and its demand is evident. A case in point is Target’s fall collection, which includes a series of agate items to choose from.
From agate bookends, lamps and trimmed mirrors, glass-topped accent table to the agate-inspired rugs, it’s easy to lose oneself choices. A touch of color to an otherwise staid look, an agate-inspired hand-painted wall can do wonders for an old room that doesn’t need too much work during renovation phase.
The jeweled tones that come naturally to agate can blend into dazzling in no time at all. What’s more, you need don’t have to spend thousands to get that luxurious look, a touch of agate can make your interiors look elite and eclectic easily.
What’s truly amazing about agate is that one can get a variety of colors at play within the same product. Dramatic dark tones interspersed with lighter earthy hues is not an uncommon design when it comes to agate. Again, earthy can easily blend in with sleek and modern making agate decor truly unique.
The vivid colors of this stone match with its innate energy patterns that is said to protect and induce positivity at the same time. With more interest in feng shui, vastu and naturalistic design, it is no surprise that agate is high on every designer’s list this year.
About the Author
Archita Datta Majumdar has been writing for various industries for more than 14 years. She has contributed articles to The Economic Times, the leading financial daily of India, and she loves research, business analysis and knowledge management, which paves the way for a steep learning curve.
This article was provide by Multibriefs.