New year, new moodboard! At Cheree Berry Paper & Design, our team of award-winning designers always has an ear – or better yet, a highly discerning eye – to the ground. They’re constantly drawing inspiration from different disciplines – fashion, interiors, fine art, photography, pop culture – to expand their already well-cultivated palettes.
While it’s not in the CBP DNA to jump on the bandwagon of the latest passing trend (has the rise and necessary fall of low-rise jeans taught us nothing?!), that’s not to say we don’t enjoy the challenge of visually reinterpreting a design trend it in a way that will better weather the test of time.
For us, trends aren’t a creative mandate or framework – they’re an invitation to think innovatively. After all, we prefer to be the tastemakers rather than the taste-followers.
To help spark your own imagination, our designers are giving exclusive access into their inner inspiration sanctums and sharing the yummy visual morsels currently occupying space on their moodboards and in their minds. Keep reading to see what’s caught their attention and how they envision translating the “latest” into something that lasts.
1. Layered Palettes and Patterns
Taylor says build interest with layered color palettes and patterns. Whether exploring monochromatic or high-contrast schemes, moving away from simpler stories of just a few hues creates more depth in stationery in the same visually appealing way as it would with tablescapes or floral arrangements. Plus, it offers more opportunities for unexpected combinations.
2. Typography with a Twist
Cheree says don’t put typography in the corner – it determines an invitation suite’s success. What’s an invitation without words? The text and typesetting should be as considered as the painted florals in the envelope liner. The hierarchy of your words along with the fonts you choose or the calligraphy you infuse should be considered at every angle.
A drop cap on a reply card? A tiny quote on the back of invitation? An expressively typeset weekend booklet cover that’s as compelling as a NYT bestseller? Let your text surprise and delight.
3. Silver and Chrome
Kate says silver is the metallic of the moment. In short, cool is cool! The sleek vibes are vibing with silver, platinum and gunmetal foil stamping, hits of chrome, metallic paper stocks and more. If you’re like us and tend to gravitate toward warmer gold palettes, don’t be afraid to meet the trend halfway and mix your metals – it’s not just a tip for styling jewelry!
4. Event "Mascots"
Ho-ho, hey-hey, Carmi says event "mascots" are here to stay! Whether it's a doodle of your dog or a martini-toting toucan, a personalized emblem sets a spirited tone from beginning to end. Adorn your save the date, website, after party matchbooks and everything in between – it converts everyone into a fan.
5. Love Symbols
Taylor says embrace nostalgic or retro symbols of love. Think things you’d see on a vintage valentine mixed with a little white chapel Vegas wedding – hearts, swans, bows (yep, they’re still here), birds holding ribbon – to add a little whimsy to otherwise traditional or formal occasion. And you know we never pass up a chance to add a bold pop of red!
6. High-Touch Personalization
Jamie says go the extra mile for guests and incorporate high-touch personalization where (or when!) they’ll least expect it! A pre-event handwritten telegram or monogrammed party favor à la Buly 1803, an under-the-plate P.S., notes on escort cards – the main takeaway here is that making guests feel beyond special can be as simple as a few letters.
7. What's Old Is New Again
Morgan says what’s old is new again in the realm of weddings. Look for more vintage-inspired Lambeth cakes and high-contrast film photography. But this isn’t your grandmother’s big day! Think Vegas kitsch, short or repurposed dresses, unexpected pops of color and unconventional wording used in traditional ways.
8. Hand Painted Details
Kait says think big picture and unify your branding with a custom mural or toile. Take creative cues from Tess Newall or Sheila Bridges and infuse bright colors and personal reference into centuries-old art form, whether on a smaller canvas like the wrap around your invitation suite or on a larger scale like the bar backdrop at your event.
9. Sustainable Materials
Anna says opt for sustainable options that are more readily reusable, recyclable or biodegradable. A save the date that doubles as a scarf, seed paper invites, linen menus – you can be environmentally-conscious and undeniably chic simultaneously.
10. Retro-Inspired Digital
Maggie says retro stays relevant in the digital world with bold shapes and vintage palettes coming to life with animated flair. Is it just us, or could you not just watch the Palm Royale opening title sequence on repeat all day?
Thoughtful Design Never Goes Out of Style
Today’s design trends will inevitably go as quickly as they appeared, perhaps not to be well-regarded again for another 20 years, if ever. The key to overcoming their fleeting nature is in a finessed application, a particular skill at which Cheree Berry Paper & Design excels. We don’t create with only the current moment in mind, but rather with the intent to produce something of enduring quality. Something that will be just as beautiful and aesthetically relevant now as it will be in 25, 50, 100 years and beyond now.
Whether stylizing typography, mixing metals or referencing retro influences, what’s “in” and what’s “out” begins and ends with what brings you joy. The rest is just noisy, unsolicited opinion. Or as the kids would say, you do you!
If you’re ready to present the best, most authentic visual representation of yourself or your client, get in touch. Or if you’re looking for more inspo, go to our blog to get those creative juices flowing.
