Sultry Origins

Bollywood is more than an influence – it's a metaphor for today's multicultural style sampling. Just as the Indian film industry interprets Hollywood glamour to create a distinctive aesthetic, so do we borrow ethnic elements that appeal to us and put our own spin on them.

Influences from Asia, Africa and the Middle East that once seemed daring and exotic are increasingly finding their way into American interiors. Even those who can't travel can go to the Internet and get a pretty good feel for a culture and its architecture, says Ralich Spak. "Technology allows us to reach to the other side of the world without a plane."

"Street couture" also colors our view. As we become accustomed to seeing our fellow global citizens in vibrant ethnic clothing, we internalize those looks. "Multiethnic influences have empowered people to use much more complex colors together," says Eiseman. "You might look at two strong colors and think they don't belong together, but when you see them in the context of an ethnic print, they work."

Indian and Moroccan elements remain strong, aided by laser-cut technology that gives textiles and wall coverings the look of heirloom lace or Moorish architecture. Eastern European, Spanish and Portuguese elements are emerging influences. "Spain is what Tuscany used to be," Eiseman observes. And as the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics approaches, all eyes will be on China, spurring interest in its rich design history.

This multicultural medley dovetails with a rising interest in artisan craft traditions around the globe and close to home. The Arts & Crafts revival, in particular, continues to gain momentum. Its clean, simple lines marry beautifully with the spice-infused hues of ethnic pieces, Ralich Spak says, and its underlying aesthetic still resonates. Just as it emerged as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, its resurgence today is a reaction to the technology-created design of the Digital Revolution.

"We live in a world that's increasingly mass-produced," Eiseman says. "So we feel a need to go back to something that has value, something that was artfully, lovingly crafted."

Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect Sherwin-Williams paint colors. To confirm your color choices, visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store and refer to our in-store color cards.

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