We are coming to an end of a decade. The year 2020 is around the corner with lots of new opportunities. I asked some of my trend scouting friends in the industry to talk about what they see for the close future. It’s not a competition. Every trend scout looks for affirmation from their own angle. So do I.
Here are four European trend scouts I very much respect and I think have a huge importance on the design industry. This is what they analyze being important for the next year.
From Susanna Björklund, Finland
Colour blocks
After a long era of floral prints everywhere, geometrical and graphical design language feels just right. Bauhaus having 100 years anniversary has an influence and impact towards this style as well. Colour blocks, where many different unicolour shades in the same product are combined, appear in table tops, carpets, lamps, not to mention fashion – of course.
Photo by Martti Järvi from Signals exhibition 2019 at Habitare Interior Fair, designed and curated by Susanna Björklund and Sisse Collander. Pendants by Market Set from Armas Design, footstools by Interface.
Diversity on the rise
Not long ago mainstream ruled design. Now there are signals everywhere taking into account all kinds of people and their different needs. How cool is that? Tommy Hilfiger has designed an Adaptive collection for handicapped people ready to launch during spring 2020. The aging societies also need new ways to look at design, at the same time there is a huge business potential. Who wants to be surrounded by hospital furniture when you get old and start to need aids for living? Together Canes are a set of beautiful functional walking aids designed by Lanzavecchia + Wai. More of these, please.
Photo courtesy of Lanzavecchia + Wai.
Find more of Susanna here; Instagram: @enne_susannab, Twitter: @ENNE_SusannaB
From Pascal Douglas, France
Trend 1: New Memphis
The bold and colourful Memphis aesthetic is making a comeback in 20/21. Bright and saturated colours paired with geometric and mismatched shapes bring the 80s design trend back to life, specifically in hard goods and decor. A sense of futurism will however tone down the traditional clashing colour blocking effect, thanks to the use of a more pastel, almost evanescent, colour-way and colour palette. Think unexpected soft colour combinations that somehow work.
Trend 2: Neo Heritage
Neoclassical inspirations are a major trend for 20/21. Columns, marble, stone, Greek busts, modern nude plaster sculptures, and Ancient aesthetics are standout decor details that speak to a sense of nostalgia, a return to the past for meaning, the everlasting popularity minimalism, and the comeback of brutalism. Ancient Greek inspired busts, portraits, limbs, and bodies are figurative in home decor or more abstract as traced artwork on soft goods. We predict a growing popularity of the Neo Heritage trend for future seasons.
Find out more from Pascal here: Fashion Snoops, NYC @pkd_19
Elisabetta Rizzato, Italy
My idea is that 2020 will be the year of circular design (and actually I hope so!). Reducing waste is a need we can no longer ignore and a circular approach to design is becoming a necessity. This will bring more and more development in the research of new materials, new ways to reuse waste or any other kind of material that before we never considered. This goes strictly together with the development of new technologies (ex. 3d printing) that will give more possibilities to create new materials, for a more conscious and sustainable approach towards design and more in general towards life.
Wellbeing mega trend will continue to influence interiors and design in 2020. I think there will be a huge development in what is called the Neuroaesthetics research, that’s to say on how the design of spaces ( made of a combination of colors, materials, sounds..) can really improve our mental wellbeing. This for sure will bring new ways to design spaces – in part already started with a new attention for example towards tactility – in ways that can positively impact us emotionally.
Find more from Elisabetta at Italianbark.
Pej gruppen, Denmark
MATERIALS IN CHARGE
As innovative materials and alternative processing techniques with responsibility, quality and longevity as focal points slowly begin to gain mainstream acceptance, we will experience design in the future, where materials are completely in charge. Colours, patterns, finishes and textures will therefore increasingly be defined by the inherent qualities of materials, where the recycled, lab-grown, natural and (de)composed use their origin expression to affect how design and colours look and feel.
ABSENCE OF COLOUR
After a few seasons defined by ultimate presence of colour, we begin to experience a demand for the absence of colour reminding us to slow down in a world on speed. With a new decade just around the corner, we reconsider our lifestyle and are naturally drawn to the colourless symbolic value of a fresh start. Therefore, white shades and light neutral tones will feel cleansing and hopeful while highlighting a wide range of new sensory details that help us to focus, reflect and reconnect.
Find out more from Louise at Pejgruppen here.
Stefan Nilsson, Sweden
Mint Condition
Last week I did my photo shoot for 2020. Next year we will see min green as a main colour. The whole colour scheme will be more cooler and sharper compared to previous dusty and earthy hues. I am referring to “mint condition” also to our fascination for vintage and used stuff. Pairing a baroque flea market chair with a sharp newly designed table and a tiffany lamp. Orange details in hand stiched and repaired fabrics or wood.
Paisley Park
Patterns are back. 70s pattern with paisley of all kinds will grow. A combination with zigzag and rustic patterns gives a playful, yet historical touch. History and local craft will grow to compete with the mass produced things in China. 70s colour combination like chocolate brown and orange.
More about my next trends can be found at www.storatrenddagen.se
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