The Uncommon Place: Limited-Edition Pin Collection Inspired by 2019 Color Trends
04/24/2019 | specs+spaces staff |
Orange County, California-based Katie Thierjung likes to create things that bring her joy, and what better way to spark joy than with color? In 2015, she launched her brand The Uncommon Place to do just that. The online boutique offers unique pieces of flair, art prints, and design services.
Thierjung finds endless inspiration in the colors surrounding her, and she’s constantly thinking of new ways to share it through her designs. Most recently, she’s been inspired by the Dunn-Edwards 2019 Color Trends in “Spirited Journeys” and mid-century modern architecture.
The California designer collaborated with Dunn-Edwards to launch a limited-edition collection of enamel pins, now available here. The Uncommon Place x Dunn-Edwards 2019 Trends Collection features three pins all with the classic mid-century modern home design, the kind seen at Palm Springs Modernism Week, and eight colors – including the 2019 Color of the Year, Spice of Life – from Dunn-Edwards’ latest trending color palette.
We spoke to Thierjung about her company, her art, and why she chose to pair the Dunn-Edwards color trends with mid-century architecture.
This gable roof house features a SUMMER SUN (DE5405) door.
When did you start The Uncommon Place? What was the impetus to do so?
The Uncommon Place was my original handle when I first made an Instagram account back in 2012. It started out as a virtual place where I could explore my creative side and develop my art, but then eventually branched out into a shop in late 2015. I had an overwhelmingly large urge to create things that brought me joy, and I quickly discovered that I found limitless, effervescent joy in color.
How has The Uncommon Place evolved over time?
When it was first created, I was still in high school! I used my Instagram to share little bits and pieces of what I was creating during my art classes. There was no structure in it and I was just starting out, but I loved having my own place to share my work with the world. When I went to college to study visual arts, I explored different mediums, made hundreds of projects, and began to develop my own creative voice. As time went on I started to find myself, and when I look back at my past work I think it reflects that journey of self-discovery as well.
This Swiss Miss-inspired A-Frame house features a PORT HOPE (DE5731) door.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I like to think of it as happy, fun, and colorful--but with a twist. I am constantly pulling inspiration from the 1960s-1970s eras, and they influence my design aesthetic heavily.
In what way does color impact your every day?
Color rules everything around me. It sounds silly but it’s so true! Every color tells a story, conveys different mood, and emanates a certain energy. It’s the first thing I think of when I pick out my clothes in the morning, and the last thing I think of when I’m up late working on designs. I am very sensitive when it comes to my work environment and the energy that it presents, so I make sure to surround myself with the colors that fill me with inspiration and joy: oranges, pinks, and yellows.
What was your initial reaction to the “Spirited Journeys” color palettes? In what ways would you say your own designs & brand are influenced by technology and pop culture?
I immediately fell in love with the “Spirited Journeys” collection and its five unique color stories. Each palette is unique on its own, but they all come together to convey the same narrative--balance. Opposing forces tango together to create harmonious duos: relax and play, past and future, masculine and feminine. I think that the blending of two opposite themes is something that happens quite often in pop culture. With my work, I love contrasting retro, mid-century elements with some sort of bright, modern twist.
Can you share about the process of working the 2019 Dunn-Edwards color trends into your designs?
When we decided that this collection was going to be inspired by mid-century architecture, everything fell into place. One of my favorite places, Palm Springs, CA, also happens to be the home of some of the greatest mid-century houses in the entire world. Those beautiful homes feature a rainbow of different door colors all throughout the city, making this pin collection the perfect canvas to showcase the 2019 color trends. I wanted to feature those colors but also pay homage to the modern, angular shapes that are often found in mid-century architecture, giving the designs some personality and also their own story to tell.
This butterfly roof-inspired house features a SPICE OF LIFE (DET439) door.
Why do you think Mid-century design and architecture resonates with so many?
I think that it resonates with a lot of people because it’s the perfect hybrid of old and new. Nature is juxtaposed with bold colors and angular shapes, making a unique style that is incomparable and timeless. It’s loud yet minimal, organic yet modern, and playful yet functional. Because Mid-century design a mixture of so many different elements there will always be something for everyone, no matter the perspective.
What did you think when Dunn-Edwards first approached you about a partnership?
I was absolutely speechless. I still remember when I opened up their first email and I thought was dreaming! I couldn’t even begin to fathom that I had the chance to work with one of the biggest gatekeepers of the color world, a world that brings me so much inspiration and happiness on a daily basis. Working with Dunn-Edwards on this 2019 trends collection has been such a wonderful opportunity and I’m so grateful for them and their generosity.
Featured Paint Colors
The pins will be available through The Uncommon Place shop from now until September 30 for $12 each or as a set of three for $30.
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