This article will look at a number of different Trend Forecasters/Interior designers and present their projections. We will look at global projections including the following publiciations , 'High Point 08 Fall Trends' and 'IMM Cologne visions 2009'; two of the biggest furniture exhibitions on each side of the Atlantic.
Obviously it is a hugely subjective area where success is short-lived. It does involve a huge amount of research and travel to a plethora of trade shows combined with some scientific methodology, experience and the balls to state it all in the public domain. I am not going to analyze the various submissions but only present their findings, It is up to you to interpret. I have also attached all my references you can explore even more.
One theme that is certain though, the future is 'Green' - No doubt!!! Johnny Cash once sang there are 40 shades of it and New Order sang "Everything's Gone Green". It is hard to say if trend analysts/designers have more Johnny than New Order on their iPods, but both are right. Everything is going Green and there are so many green themes out there, which is definitley injecting a lot of innovation into our products. IMHO, in a dozen years 'Green' will just be presumed as part of the implicit package when buying furniture, a little like we assume quality today. Hard to fathom that quality was once a truly Unique Selling Point in the 1970's.
William Higham, Trend Analyst with Next Big Thing , proposes that tomorrows interiors will feature increasingly natural forms, colours materials and textures. He accentuates the importance of skilled crafts that represent cultures and heritage, “…it’s not just about home accessories but a renewal of interest in skills and crafts as a reaction against uniformity, globalisation and mass market production. Rather than shopping being about “hip” labels that make us look good, it’s more about making choices that acknowledge our heritage and contribute positively to our community...”. [1]
Philippe Selva, of the Selva Company, in the 'High Point Market Industry Insights Review' publication, noted that at the Milan Fair in April, organic forms was going to replace the minimalistic, transitional approach that has been prominient over the last number of years. “Fashion design today, because of the news media, viral communications, and the ease in which we travel, is naturally more multi-cultured than ever. In April I attended the Milan Fair where I noted that strong, dramatic, notable designs were the new mainstay of the fashion world of home furnishings and accessories. As with all change though, it is happening over time and all around you, there are those moments of “awakedness” when you are fully conscious that something has passed and something new is before you. That is what that market experience was for me.
I found that the minimalistic, transitional approach so enjoyed over the last few years was no longer embraced. It had lost its position and had given way to more organic, yet opulent forms. Too, we experienced more blending between modern and traditional elements. Whether it be in fabrics, accessories or lighting, the world of home fashion was transformed, seeking items of quality; items that are meaningful, comfortable and make a statement.
The minimal lifestyle once so sought-after with “transitional” looks not defined or refined, but instead easy-going enough to allow the eye to seamlessly “transition” from one room, or space, to another, had passed as well.
This new trend is not just in furnishings, fabrics, or accents, though. It is experienced in art too. We see homes with very traditional art in contemporary spaces and vice-versa: very contemporary art in traditional spaces. It has become more about the art, taking its place along with the home’s furnishings and accents, in making a statement independently and too, in the space it represents."[2]
Libby Langdon, also in the 'High Point Market Industry Insights Review' is advocating the “The Eclectic Mix: Consumers are getting more confident about surrounding themselves with the things they love and by gosh, if they bought that enormous Southwestern dining table while they were on their honeymoon, but now like a 1960’s mod dining chair, they are going to mix them together and love it! Designers have done it for years. Now, thanks to all those design shows, everybody else is figuring it out. Expect your customers to trust their own taste a little more”[3]
At the Cologne Fair The IMM Cologne Trend Board, consisting of international design experts; New York designer Stephen Burks, architect Eero Koivisto from Stockholm, Paris based Israeli designer Arik Levy, design journalist Marcus Fairs from London and the Italian designer and textile expert Giulio Rodolfo from Udine classified numerous novelties and discussed their observations as well as striking developments, predominating colors and materials. In the end, they worked out four key trends: “Extra Much”, “Near and Far”, “Tepee Culture” and “Re-run Time”.
“Extra Much”
Ardor and extremes are popular here. Searching for limits with regard to materials, shapes and construction is a dominant feature. Typical, too, is a strong interest in modern techniques, artificial worlds and new spheres of experience. Innovative materials dominate the overall picture, however, there is no homogeneous style.
“Near and Far”
Nature with its complex and interrelated macro and microstructure acts as ideal example. The great system designer nature teaches the product designer how to combine opposites amazingly well such as high-tech constructions and natural materials or modern plastics and traditional production methods.
“Tepee Culture”
This trend highlights the nomad roots of mankind, thus, here too, being close to nature is essential. The world is experienced directly because we may pitch our tent wherever we like. Authenticity is revealed in traces: Nature does not offer smooth surfaces. Cracks and scratches are an evidence of real life, they coin objects and tell stories.
“Re-run Time”
Nostalgia is a dominating feature of this trend just as the desire for safety and even changelessness. Constancy counts rather than transformation, matters of course are more important than originality. Well known objects are re-valued. Traditional shapes are refined by reducing them to their essence so that the basic idea shines through again. [4]
In the High Point Official Trends publication – Fall 08. Revco’s Glen Revivo states, “medium and dark tones are still the best sellers,” but finds retailers worried that “stores are looking too brown. As a wood manufacturer,” says Revivo, “we’ve been asked to ‘kill the brown.’ So, we’re developing finishes to help the retailer tone down the brown in their stores.” In her European travels, Eiseman has seen a new style in wood finishes emerging from the sustainability movement. “Eco-concerns have led to an increased use of reclaimed woods,” she notes, “and they’re being combined in some fascinating ways. I’ve seen cabinets constructed of multiple wood species. The doors might be one type, the sides another, the drawers yet another–all reclaimed materials. It’s a patchwork effect that’s quite unique and extraordinary. Though some are a little funky, they’re all artfully executed. In addition, I’m seeing a conglomeration of light and dark patterns created by the mingling of different substrates such as patterned laminates mixed with glass and wood in very exciting combinations. In part, I think this movement arises from the younger generation’s putting environmental concerns ahead of the old design rules.” [5]
References
[1] http://www.devonfurnituremakers.org.uk/news_article.php?article=29
[2] http://www.highpointmarket.org/columns/20081016.aspx?IIC=yes
[3] http://www.highpointmarket.org/columns/20080319.aspx?IIC=yes
[4] http://www.imm-cologne.com/global/dokumente/imm/imm_visions_nov_2008.pdf
[5] http://www.highpointmarket.org/PDF/Fall08_Trends.pdf
For Further Information Please contact Eileen Larkin @Urban Haven
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