STYLE FILE: Mark Woodman
STYLE FILE: Mark Woodman
What led to your initial involvement in the Heimtextil trend board?
MesseFrankfurt and Heimtextil sought a voice from North America, and as that area'srepresentative for Global Color Research, Limited, my participation made sense.I do have years of color and design work behind me and am president of the Color MarketingGroup, so thepersonal credentials were there, too.
How do you interpret trend direction differently for theEuropean market versus the American market?
The North Americanmarket, though always craving the next exciting thing, still has a bit of acautious heart. It's important to go full on with what is inspiring anddirectional, then filter it with practicality.
Trending stories have equal validity around the globe. With instantaneousinformation on a global scale, we look at and embrace things simultaneously.It's the nuances that separate us. The story will be the same, but there willbe slight tweaks that make something more specific to North America. For Global Color Research's Mix Trends book, we devote a section to North AmericanNuances, as the color shifts can be very important. For instance, the interestin mid-century industrial design has a more architectural angle in the US as werevisit home designs from the 50s and 60s; especially those of southernCalifornia and Florida.
There is great news in color from North America! Where, in the past, we'd haveone or two "hot" colors, we are now embracing full spectrums of colorfor every part of our lives.
You travel around the world with your work. Do you findthat your travels influence your trends?
Mostdefinitely! Travel is one of the best ways to open your eyes, mind and heart toinfluences. I like to immerse myself, when I can, in where I am. For instance-take public transportation, seek out area eating spots, shop in local grocerystores, etc. It's where you get a better feel for wherever you are. Then youcan gain a better outlook on what makes an area and its inhabitants unique andhow they play in the world stage. The sheen of Asian-inspired lacquer,the rich colors of the tropical rain forest, or the media-tech world of majorcities are all elements that become even more enticing when you are surroundedby them.
How do you describe your personal décor style?
Traditionalwith contemporary. I approach decor much as I do getting dressed; mixing itemsthat provide comfort, a sense of personal style and a bit of fun.
You work on many different kinds of projects. From acreative stand point, what has been your favorite to date?
This is almostimpossible to answer. Since they are so different, they appeal to differentparts of my creative outlets. Whatever I'm working on at a particular momentalways seems to be the favorite as I am so "in the moment" with it.That said, I have fond memories of designing two friends' first child's bedroom19 years ago!
When you’re at the homes of your friends/family, do youever find yourself thinking that you want to re-decorate?
I think aboutdesign all the time, not just in people's homes. A different font on anadvertisement, a different color for a shirt and, naturally, the interiorspaces I visit. But it's not critical, it has become an exercise in "couldthis be better?" Making something better is the best result in design;whether aesthetic or practical, it is for what I strive.
Texworld USA runs July 24-26, 2012 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, and is co-located with the International Apparel Sourcing Show and Home Textile Sourcing Expo. Register now to attend: www.TexworldUSA/TCALB
