It's official!  2014 will be all about "Radiant Orchid" #18-3224, according to the color authorities at PANTONE®    

They've been predicting the hottest color trends for over a decade and are considered the leaders in professional color standards for the design industry.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. describes this year's shade as "An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today's society.  An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

We expect to see Radiant Orchid appear on the interior design stage in accessories, accents, and wall color--livening up neutrals with a warm rosy glow.  PANTONE®  notes that the hue is universally flattering to skin tones, reflecting a healthy glow on both men and women.  And seriously, who doesn't want a room that makes you look good just by living in it, right?

Fabric that’s clean…green…stain, moisture, mildew, bacteria and odor resistant…AND made in the USA.  Contemporary Design Group newest Partner Crypton Home fabrics is lending stress-free, mess-free technology to some of our favorite designs!  
Until recently, people just had to put up with smelly pet beds, stained couches, soaking wet patio furniture and germy placemats. Now there's an answer to those little annoyances, and it's called Crypton Super Fabrics. The development of Crypton Super Fabrics began in 1993 by Michigan residents Craig and Randy Rubin. Fifteen years later they report more than 60 million yards of their sophisticated fabric have been installed worldwide!  

“There are several choices when it comes to protection of fabric, but Lazar chose ‘THE BEST’ in our opinion,” says Robert Luce, President of Lazar Industries. “The new Crypton Home products have a great feel and carry all of the cleanable aspects of [the commercial grade] hospitality products.”I think that this product segment in textiles could absolutely explode in the coming years.” Luce adds. “First, Crypton is made environmentally sustainably which is a characteristic of growing importance to consumers.  Second, it really works well in terms of the cleanable attributes, and third it allows fabric to ultimately compete with LEATHER!!!”

Luce is a fan of Lazar’s Calabasa and Ramona series products using Crypton.  He compares the pieces’ design to a “playground” because the components are intended to be moveable and changeable.  He also recommends the series for the family room or kids playroom because the ability to clean furniture there is crucial.

Crypton Home fabrics are available in a growing selection of colors, patterns, and textures—all with easy-clean, durable, and microbial-resistant properties.  An engineered textile made with pre-tested and approved fabrics; fibers are permanently transformed with a stain and microbial protection before receiving an integrated moisture barrier with a five-year warranty.  Crypton fabrics are also available on select pieces by CDG Partners American Leather and Thayer Coggin.