We often find that an older piece of furniture, a decorative object in a very bright color or a special lamp that is in total contrast with the style of the room, fits perfectly to complete the decor. In fact, it's precisely that very different object that gives the place personality, taking it out of the ordinary. Objects belonging to different styles enhance each other, building together a unique and stylish space. This is the fusion style of interior design, a style highly dependent on the taste and personality of the interior designer.
When fusion came into being
About the fusion style (which simply translates as blending) some say it emerged in the '80s, others place it in the '90s. Those who go back to the '80s link it to Movement 8, a movement started by Antonio "Budjy" Layug, a Filipino designer with design studies in the US. Layug was fascinated by his country's folk traditions and incorporated them into his furniture. Together with other colleagues he decided to introduce a new style of interior design - fusion - combining several styles.
Those who give it as the '90s, link it to the introduction of the interior design in the US, traditional elements from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Although they come from countries with very different traditions and cultures, they complement each other very well and have given birth to the fusion style.
Regardless of when it first emerged, it's certain that the style has been picked up and developed, and is prized for its versatility. There have been years when it dominated interior design - 2015, for example - but it has never totally disappeared. Creative people saw it as the perfect way to materialize their imagination into creating a stylish and comfortable living space.
A style dependent on designer taste and choices
The fusion style is specific to those who choose to experiment with ideas to create the perfect space for them, according to their ideas, mood and beliefs. Rooms decorated in this way are comfortable and attractive although the ideas used are bold, sometimes even crazy.
The style brings together old and new, pastel and bold colors, straight and curved lines, spotlights and chandeliers, modern with classic and traditional. Fusion combines things that seem incongruous. And the result is harmonious, pleasant, with personality.
One advantage of the style is that even cheap but attractive and stylish solutions can be used to create an unexpected result. An old rug, a silk-trimmed cushion, a vintage lamp or an antique object can make a simple space precious, extravagant, even luxurious.
It's a style that suits apartments very well, as it's simpler to achieve here. A house has a certain style from the start, and it can be difficult to hijack it. The bedroom, living room or even the whole apartment are much easier to transform.
Style features
The fusion style is a simple, comfortable and pleasant style, with slight hints of preciousness and although it seems to have no rules, there are certain characteristics that define it. The style brings together two attributes that seem impossibly close: luxurious and simple.
Harmony is what governs style. All elements of style - materials, colors, textures, shapes - must be in harmony. Nothing should be forced or aggressive. The elements must complement and blend perfectly with the decor.
Simplicity. Even if there is a hint of luxury, it doesn't have to come from fancy items, but from simple things that have acquired their value through age, quality or appearance.
Strong colors in harmony with the place. The specific colors of the style are green, yellow, orange, pink, gold. Even though they are strong colors, they are not overpowering, they add life to the space without overpowering.
Using precious fabrics. It's how to add a little elegance without using expensive materials or objects. Decorative silk-faced cushions, a well-maintained antique Persian rug, velvet curtains can make the place stylish without adding the stiffness of luxurious spaces.
Sense of proportionis important to achieve a pleasant space. The line between cozy elegance and an aggressive lack of taste is very fine. Fusion style should bring pleasure and enjoyment, not epitomize or offend.
Using vintage objects and antiques. It's the perfect style to give old things you love a new lease of life. They come with their own stories and help create the atmosphere you want. They're also the ones that give 'weight' to the space. An old pocket watch, a vase, a small old medicine box, will add charm and personality to a mundane space.
Fusion is the style that many of us unwittingly adopt when designing our space to become the place we call home. The harmonious blending of old and new, the textures we enjoy touching, the colors that add life without being garish, the slight touch of sparkle, all "draw" this style that describes our personality.
Add comment