NEON SIGNAGE

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Signage is impactful- as usually the first thing a guest or passerby sees, signage can entice, dispel, awaken and define. What a better way to do this, than with neon?

Neon signage, with it characteristic reddish-orange glow, awakens fond memories of 1950's diners and bowling alleys. And that's exactly why it is still being used today- it is memorable. The ability to write and demonstrate in glowing, bright colors is quite attractive to any brand, contemporary or midcentury. Any other colors besides the reddish-orange, is actually a different type of inert gas or element, creating a whole spectrum of colors depending on gaseous mixtures and electric current.

We see it today in lots of applications: brand names and logos, unconventional text and phrases, a back-lit glowing effect and often encased in metal lettering to resemble vintage marquee lettering. A new trend taking the neon scene, is typography created from custom bent glass tubes filled with a gas. See the Nike sign below- a demonstration of typography at its finest, conveying brand values through a specific campaign.

RECREATE: explore different branding techniques using neon signage, especially custom typography and shapes. Or scout some antique malls and incorporate vintage signage into a bar scene for a nostalgic vibe.

BOTANICALS ON WHITE

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botanical : of or relating to plants

Don't be afraid of white walls. Too often, we assume that we need to paint over plain white walls or add a pattern through wall coverings. White walls are a perfect clean slate for adding greens. Green and white create crisp lines, outstanding contrast, and yet a warmth and familiarity. Fresh plants, including succulents, palms, money trees, cacti, and more, all stand out on a white canvas of a wall or container. Uber popular right now are white ceramic or porcelain containers, in geometric shapes (see links below). Our favorite palms for an indoor space: ruffled fan palm (for large corrugated leaves), banana palm (very tropical with large, single leaves), slender lady palm (who can't love that name), cat palm (lots of small stalks with feathery leaves). 

These plants aide in filtering indoor air, while filling out otherwise blank spaces. Succulents and palms are relatively easy to keep alive, although we even have a couple that are not doing too hot (sorry, very sorry). Do research before you buy; here is one of our favorite resources.

Looking for containers? These ceramic hanging ones by lightandladder come in different sizes and are easily mountable with a wood dowel. lightandladder also sells these wonderful, organic ceramic containers, with hexagonal wooden seats. redravenstudios sells these amazing porcelain envelopes, which can add dynamic shape and pattern to a botanical installation. Father Rabbit sources these conal ceramic planters by Gala Collier, easily mounted with a single nail. Keep exploring- these are just our favorites.

Don't be afraid of fruit: lemons and limes are organic and crisp against a white canvas, but kumquats are the cutest in size and bitterest in taste. How about having these scattered between cafe tables where guests can pick their own fruit?