INTRODUCTION
Discover what’s new in interiors for 2015-16 with id’s global design guide. identity’s international team spent this year scouting the planet for the best new shapes, colours, textures and concepts – and in these pages we share our favourite trends from the major shows, to inspire your own design journey.
Softer colours, organically shaped furniture, macramé, lace and crochet work, and geometric patterns were just a few of the trends presented at the 2015 design shows that are finally making their way into local retail sources. From accessories to furnishings, lighter wood grains and gold tones such as brass and rose gold are making their way into living spaces at home and at work. Top Italian, French and German brands are bringing these top trends to the region, as are Scandinavian designers, who are becoming more active in the marketplace, as seen in the return of Danish brand Georg Jensen and Finland’s Iittala.
Many of the new ideas for home accessories and furniture were revealed at January and September’s Maison et Objet shows. This year’s themes were ‘Sharing’ and ‘Previous’, two trends reflected in the tech-friendly and inter-creative designs featured at both shows. Products were designed to incorporate technology as well as the desire for bespoke, finely crafted pieces ethereal in design and spirit. Patterns were light, shapes were soft, and colour was used sparingly alongside warm metallics and wood in designs intended for a portable, global lifestyle.
In April at the Internazionale Salone del Mobile, office and lighting offerings took centre stage as part of the biannual Work Space 3.0 and Euroluce shows. Top designers envisioned customised workspaces that reflected wellbeing trends, as well as shifting public and private spaces. With specialised pods for working and communicating, endlessly configurable seating and workspaces that encourage movement, the new office is a living space.
Most recently it was London Design Week that won most people’s attention as, yet again, the British proved they have significant impact on global design. This year’s festival brought a re-emergence of craft, often in combination with the latest developments in product technology. From handmade objects to organic shapes inspired by nature, designers have been looking towards a refined, minimal style that emphasises the luxury of hand-crafted details in furnishings and accessories.
Take a look at the new protagonists of style. Whatever your preference – vintage, retro-chic, contemporary, modern classic, shabby-chic or Hampton’s waterfront – you’re the judge, so enjoy!
For more Best New Collections: Kitchens, Lighting, Sofas and Chairs, read part 2 of Design Highlights in the December issue...