Toward Utopia FABRIC S, WALLCOVERINGS & SURFACES
Ahead of the 2019/2020 season, leading exhibitions and design houses predict the interior trends set to shape the industry.
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of high-gloss and matte textures join curves and rounded forms to add a sense of tactility that challenges the imagination. ‘Seek Sanctuary’ meanwhile, focuses on the notion of moving away from hyper-connected life and creating utopian havens of peace amidst the noise. With an appreciation for design pieces and concepts that are simple and functional, the trend sees designers combine a minimal colour palette with carefully considered textural details that retain comfort and warmth. The third trend predicted for the coming season celebrates a closeness to nature with hardwearing textiles, sturdy twill weaves and rubberised finishes such as leather and suede that lend a sense of endurance and longevity. ‘Go Off-Grid’ sees primary tones of deep blue and khaki mixed with vibrant orange that adds vigour to base hues of concrete grey, cream and beige, while earthy colours and patterns inspired by the environment honour its natural imperfections. The fourth notion, ‘Escape Reality’, responds to desires for deeper and more lasting experiences in daily life. Dizzying pinks and blues blur the boundaries between fantasy and reality, while shimmering and iridescent surfaces meld with high gloss effects to create fluidity and dynamism. The palette predominantly uses ethereal combinations of light pastel shades to create a surrealistic, hyper-real mood. Till’s final observation blends a modernist style with solid craftsmanship to form a utopian vision of the future of luxury. ‘Embrace Indulgence’ sees deep-pile textiles, opulent silks and velvets radiate sensual warmth, with a rich palette referencing traditional approaches to indulgent luxury using sumptuous burgundy, deep ochre and fresh lilac that lifts and contemporises interior schemes. Set to be unveiled in January at Heimtextil’s new Trend Space, designed by Atelier Markgraph to highlight how the various scenarios can be lived out, the themes represent a combination of inspiration and interaction with trailblazing projects and design initiatives.
iven the time lag between designing a hotel and its opening, trends in hospitality are often difficult to define. While many interior design firms prefer to remain non trend-driven, the popularity of specific colours and materials is inevitable. In its bi-annual trend report, London’s Design Centre Chelsea Harbour has identified a number of design and colour themes for the year ahead. ‘Colour Crush’ supports energy and optimism with vibrant tones from the likes of Dedar, Phillip Jeffries and Casamance; ‘Ravishing Gardens’ looks to lush botanicals by Cole & Son, Romo and Style Library; and ‘Freedom of Creativity’ takes cues from a free-spirited approach to colour and pattern, as seen in designs from Topfloor by Etsi, Arte and Flexform. Meanwhile, Heimtextil – the trade show for home and contract textiles – has set the course for the coming season with its trend report. Entitled Toward Utopia, it champions the idea of escaping our complex lives with a desire for deeper connections and a greater sense of meaning, yet is conscious that the search for new lifestyles in which mindfulness and sustainability play an important role will be a challenge in coming decades. During an exclusive briefing in London, Caroline Till, co-founder of research, design and forecasting studio FranklinTill, provided insight into future style worlds with the presentation of key themes for 2019. “We live in an era of uncertainty and mistrust in the established order,” Till explains. “As a reaction, we try to live a meaningful, conscious life based on positive relationships. We take responsibility for our lives and look for ways of life that fulfil our value system in search of a new utopia – a society that aims at promoting the wellbeing of all its citizens.” The first of five fundamental ideologies, ‘Pursue Play’ supports the notion that in turbulent times, we satisfy our need for optimism and creativity with play. The theme sees the use of rich primary colours that are daring, cheeky and bring a touch of humour, while combinations
Pursue Play sees the use of rich primary colours that are daring, cheeky and bring a touch of humour.
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