This theme is inspired by the Modernist movement of the last century and Bauhaus in particular. In both design and architecture, simplicity of form was married to practical but aesthetically pleasing functionality - no division existed between art and design. Much contemporary design overwhelmingly embraces both the spirit and the philosophy of Modernism and its abstract architectural idiom.

Artists such as Albers, Scully and Mondrian inspire this more cerebral and structured approach to interior design and architecture. While minimalist in concept it is, however, a far cry from the staged Zen-like images of the recent past. Here the subtle interplay of tone and hue allow for this minimal concept to be softened without having to compromise on its principles of simplicity, linearity and spatial flow.

The mood is one for serious design aficionados - sleek, chic and cool. The look is very urban in feel, whether created via contemporary architectural projects or the reoccupation of the disused industrial zones of our cities. Residential spaces are being crafted from old industrial landscapes in order to create ever more challenging and exciting spaces for living and for working artistic communities.

The graphic and linear character of much modern furniture is well-suited to this slightly masculine and tailored image - this is enhanced by the use of colour blocking. Colour is used to express and define, to blur the edges of spatial delineation and to play games with our perception.

The palette is introspective and restrained, sophisticated and expressive, but never cold. Warm dusty greys are offset by hints of yellow - lemon, mustard and mimosa. Their use is disciplined and the overall effect is one of seamless, open and welcoming simplicity that offers a visually challenging concept of stillness.