To say Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters are fans of the 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element would be an understatement. The Atlanta-based duo behind Forbes Masters don’t just cite the movie as one of their favorites; it served as the inspiration for their Bernhardt Designer in Residence gallery design on display at Fall High Point Market. “While sourcing for this project, a common thread evolved of bold, contrasting colors and futuristic design elements,” Forbes tells Business of Home. “We drew inspiration from a past BIDN conference titled ‘The Future Is Female’ as well as our favorite sci-fi movie, The Fifth Element.”
The scheme—which spans three separate spaces including a bedroom, lounge and entryway inside the IHFC showroom—is every bit as bold as it is forward-thinking. The mood boards that guided each design teemed with vibrant color combinations and interesting materials. Masters describes them as “moody and futuristic, emphasized by eclectic pops of color against a monochromatic scheme of casegoods.”
The final designs offer a medley of eye-catching colors and textiles inspired by the four elements (earth, water, fire and air), ranging from liquid metal–look side tables to acrylic headboards and bright orange velvet fabrics that pay tribute to the hair color of one of The Fifth Element’s main characters. “The theme is a juxtaposition of earthly elements with the opulence of a futuristic resort destination,” says Forbes.
Credit: Caroline Biggs, Business of Home