Positioned between red and brown, the new Sustained Color combines naturalness, durability and craftsmanship tradition. Inspired by iron-rich soils and the appearance of terracotta, it creates a bridge between cultural techniques dating back thousands of years and contemporary interior design. It stands for an approach to design that does not follow short-lived trends, It stands for an approach to design that does not follow short-lived trends, but creates spaces that stand the test of time – and that you would rather not leave at all.
Mediterranean Design with a Timeless Signature
“mother earth!” was designed by Roman Proubasta and Constanze Schütz at the renowned Pensi Design Studio in Barcelona. Founded by Jorge Pensi in 1984, the studio is internationally recognized for its furniture and product design. Its designs are characterized by clarity, elegance and timelessness. At the same time, the Catalan metropolis has shaped the character of the color: the warm natural stone, terracotta tones and winding alleyways of the Gothic Quarter are reflected in the Mediterranean appeal of “mother earth!”.
A Color with a Point of View
“It is up to us to rediscover the original beauty of nature and its materials. Only then can we live in harmony with our environment. ‘mother earth!’ is a key to this mindset,” says COLORNETWORK initiator Katrin de Louw. “The color invites us to appreciate the natural aging process, to become part of the whole and, in doing so, to find peace within ourselves. It stands for gentleness, calm and the acceptance of life as it changes over time.”
When Color Becomes a Fragrance Experience
One distinctive feature of the Sustained Colors is their olfactory interpretation. Each color is given a so-called Fragrance Story, developed by psychologist, sociologist and perfume designer Dr. Joachim Mensing. It adds another sensory dimension to the visual design.
Developed Together – Implemented Across Industries
Like all Sustained Colors, “mother earth!” is brought to the public together with more than 40 COLORNETWORK partner companies. The network’s aim is to establish a shared color palette that can be used over the long term across different product categories. A new Sustained Color is introduced each year. Now, with its tenth Sustained Color, COLORNETWORK once again underlines its ambition not only to anticipate color trends, but to provide the interiors industry with lasting guidance. “mother earth!” is therefore far more than a new color – it is a commitment to “mother earth!” is therefore far more than a new color – it is a commitment to timeless design, durable materials and a conscious approach to our built environment.
Constanze Schütz
Constanze Schütz graduated in industrial design from the Braunschweig University of Art in 1998. From 1995 to 2026, she worked as a designer at Pensi Design Studio and taught at various design schools. She is fascinated by the conceptual and creative processes, the diversity and the collaboration involved in her work, and regards design as a wonderful opportunity to create a more complex, more human and more accessible world.
Roman Proubasta
After studying to become an industrial designer in Barcelona and Great Britain, Roman Proubasta joined the studio in 1998, where we worked closely with Jorge Pensi for 27 years. He has taught at Elisava since 2005 and enjoys the creative process involved in all projects and the challenge of coming up with outstanding solutions that have value and that are in keeping with each client‘s specific brand needs.
Katrin de Louw
Katrin de Louw studied interior design in Detmold/Germany and set up her own design agency TRENDFILTER in 1997. She has worked on numerous national and international projects, specialising in the development of materials and surfaces. Her keen sense of trends led her to trend research in 2007 when she founded the FURNITURE FUTURE FORUM. In 2020 she initiated the COLORNETWORK. Katrin is a trend researcher, colour designer, author and keynote speaker and is now considered the leading trend expert for interior design in German-speaking countries.
You can find partners and products at www.colornetwork.org