Summer may be in full swing but it doesn’t stop the design world from looking ahead a season or two to what will become the trends in design. I’m not one for superfluous design trends, but I do find it interesting to see what overarching trends are occurring in design that we see time and time again.
One trend that forecasting agency TrendBible has highlighted for Autumn/Winter 2013 is something that I’ve noticed happening over the past few years.
“In a distinct move away from superfluous repeat prints, Assembled explores unfussy decoration in a pure form. Capturing a new minimal approach, detail and decoration is integrated through innovative use of manufacturing techniques. Pared-back pattern allows for visibility of construction and process. This is clever design that celebrates the science of manufacture.”
This trend might be a movement towards exposing the design rather than hiding it under gloss and polish but it sure has been around for sometime now. What appears to be different with this trend is that colour seems to be a strong element to the pieces. These are no shrinking violets but demand attention – the manufacturing process is highlighted by strong, bold colours so that these pieces stand out in a room.
This trend appeals to me because of its honesty and playfulness. If more designers are drawn to create products with this inherent qualities then we could see a really distinctive style take hold.
From top left: 1. Working Girl Chair by David Irwin for deadgood // 2. BR0102 stool by House Doctor // 3. Pop Stool by Industry West // 4. Kelly by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Tacchini // 5. Chest of Suitcases by Maarten de Ceulaer // 6. Clamp trays by Lina Huring
Further reading:
TrendBible Pinterest board
Zero2One PR blog post
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