In my world as a Global Trend Ambassador for both AmericasMart Atlanta and Maison & Objet in Paris, I utilize the Language of Design as the method that mobilizes my movement around the globe. I now define trend via my own set of ever-evolving ABCs.
A is for Adventure these days: Enhanced experiences and emotion influence our product selections. Traveling to remote destinations to absorb the culture while being educated in its craft augments our understanding. B is for Beautiful, and beauty beyond the physical piece itself: the beauty that is found in sustainable materials, resourcefulness, vision and the exchange of ideas. C is for Craftsmanship: the touch of a hand, the unique qualities of a particular material, and the soul that an artist’s touch brings to the products that will populate and add warmth to our environments.
Employing this Language of Design permits a more profound bond with each product. Meaning meets manufacturing, and trend emerges through transparency.
Working through the alphabet is not sequential. Tendencies emerge as the developments dictate. Trends that are top of mind at the moment are colorful, innovative, warm and inviting.
O is for Orchid Petal
Ripe and rich and full of flavor, this luscious color sits firmly at the intersection of pretty and powerful. Reddened and ravishing seating and home textiles erupt in succulent and saturated color. Orchid petal adds that delicious pop.
Metric Objet chair www.meeloa.com
Essential Home Coppola rug www.essentialhome.eu
Louise Roe Jewel vases www.louiseroe.dk
Brabbu Begonia armchair www.brabbu.com
Birgit Morgenstern Studio Hortensien pillow www.birgitmorgenstern.de
Arcade Vitrum glass candle www.arcadevitrum.com
T is for Tropical
Whether our focus is turned towards rainforests or retreats, seaside or sanctuary, a trek to the tropics is beckoning us. Palm patterns and leafy green shades abound. Crisp and clean imagery and large-scale motifs are slightly retro-inspired and take us south of our borders. Greens refresh and restore and the tendencies toward Tropical are a natural response.
Takaokaya Ojami cushion www.takaoka-kyoto.jp
Fürstenberg Aureole Coloree dinnerware www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com
Drugeot Labo Toucan hook www.drugeotlabo.com
Witch and Watchman Amazonia Light velvet fabric www.witchandwatchman.com
Laizze Lucie Rati cushion cover www.laissezluciefaire.com
Tedzukuri Hitari lamp www.tedzukuriatelier.com
CM Creation Painted Blue Palm canvas www.cmcreation.com
Solo Athens Lounge Puges www.soloathens.com
M is for Molten
Browns influence metallics and they become molten, deepening and warming from the current copper craze or brilliant rose gold. Glimmering glints of luster offer us a sophisticated spark and a hint of vintage glamour. Smooth and sensuous surfaces, as well as molded and faceted facades, offer up lightplay and possibilities for reflection.
Cinabre Gallery Ecorce mirror www.cinabre.com
Neoz Tall Poppy lamp www.neoz.com.au
DÔME DECO Verdon armchair www.domedeco.com
Koket Zebra chaise www.bykoket.com
Haymann Wave stool www.haymanneditions.fr
Bomma Soap pendant www.bomma.cz
DÔME DECO Tom pillow www.domedeco.com
Klaar Prims Glass & Craft Amorf bowl www.klaarprims.be
P is for Pretty & Pale
Barely there colors — chalky and dusted — are serene and subtle without being saccharine. Creamy colored whites work on casually crinkled textiles, as well as simple shapes in ceramics. Tinted tones decorate decor in matte and muted mystery.
Ozeclore cup www.ozeclore.fr
Feinedinge Royals vases www.feinedinge.at
Cécile Preziosa bowls www.cecilepreziosa.com
Chic Antique pillows www.chicantique.dk
Muuto bowl www.muuto.com
Thibault Van Renne Iceberg rug www.thibaultvanrenne.com
Material by Fernando Mastrangelo stool www.m-material.com
Mars & More placemat www.marsmore.com
S is for Silence
There is so much noise in our world. We have become accustomed to an onslaught of acoustic attacks and visual excess. We seek solace in the simplicity of color and configuration. We exhale at the sight of crisp, clean white in rounded forms that effortlessly take the edge off. Matte finishes absorb light and allow for us to rest in their humility. Silence is the new luxury.
Füerstenberg Blanc Weiss cloche www.füerstenberg-porzellan.com
Suomu Design TOFU tea set www.suomudesign.com
Wasara Maru plates www.wasara.jp
Leblon Delienne Star Wars x Zaha Hadid sculpture www.leblon-delienne.com
Paola C Vanity Collection www.paolac.com
Aldo Bakker Pot www.aldobakker.com
Haymann Marie lamp www.haymanneditions.fr
Ligne Roset Prado sofa www.ligne-roset.com
Lahumière Design éole suspension www.lahumieredesign.fr
L is for Layered
Textures and layered materials add dimension to functional forms and create new topography. Lighting becomes layered and luminous allowing for playful takes on modern lanterns. Stacked structures create tactile landscapes that call us to connect and caress. Light dances in and out of the shadows of shirred, pleated and ruched fabrics.
Ong Cen Kuang Zipper light www.ockdesigns.com
Paola Paronetto pendants www.paola-paronetto.com
Benoit Averly Wheels sculpture www.benoitaverly.com
Katsuki Connection cushion www.katsuki-c.com
Ooumm Orion and Sienna photophore www.ooumm.com
Luxxu Empire table www.luxxu.net