European Trade Fairs

A FIRST LOOK at European Color Trends

So much happens at the beginning of each year! Trade fairs around the globe reveal key details about the color trends to come, and everyone wants to get a jump on the newest directions. That's why The Trend Curve created First Look: European Color Trends from Heimtextil 2012. This new trend report puts a laser beam on the color shifts that mattered at 2012's first European trade fair, Heimtextil. Michelle Lamb, international trend authority and Editorial Director of The Trend Curve tells you Continue reading...

Filed Under: European Reports, European Trade Fairs, Featured, Heimtextil, Trend, Trend Products

Trend Album – What’s In Outdoors for 2013

Outdoor furnishings at Maison & Objet have settled comfortably into their stand-alone home in Hall 8. The building looks small, but the Outdoor_Indoor show-within-a-show that it holds includes a range of categories, from seating and sun-shading products, to garden pots and outdoor lighting. Hall 8 also held a wealth of newness. Color had new preferences. Shape held different options. Materials and patterns were also on the move. The shifts and evolutions in those categories confirmed that Continue reading...

Filed Under: Current, European Reports, Featured, Maison & Objet, Seasonal Forecasts, Trend Products

Ambiente Trends 2012

Vigor and optimism pervade the 4 key trends for the 2012 Ambiente International Trade Fair. They will have instant appeal and be socially and ecologically correct. ELECTRIC ROMANCEIf a downturned economy has led to the fiscal and ecological wisdom of “fix it yourself,” the contrasting and coordinating colors of this self-confident trend has put “mix it yourself” in the forefront. Sturdy and dependable shades of brown and gray are the backdrop for brave splashes of bright red, green and Continue reading...

Filed Under: Ambiente, Current, European Trade Fairs, Featured

Creepy (but fun) Christmas Tree

Everyone wants familiar icons to feel new. Michel Taillis Creation updated the Christmas tree with animated bears. Fun—and a bit creepy. (Michelle Lamb is at Christmasworld in Frankfurt Germany and will have much to report in our upcoming Trend Album™ Christmasworld 2011 out in just a few weeks. This afternoon she sent the staff this video shot for us to post). Continue reading...

Filed Under: Christmas World, Current

Discover What’s In Outdoors

The Outdoor_Indoor show-within-a-show at Maison & Objet is all about the furniture, lighting, pots and dividers consumers use to create outdoor environments. This year, many assortments exuded a sense of maturity and you can read all about this event in Trend Album™ What’s In Outdoors for 2012™. Forms were more practical and less experimental. Features expanded to meet the needs of consumers who are accustomed to the same comforts outdoors that they have within their homes. Textures Continue reading...

Filed Under: Current, European Trade Fairs, Maison & Objet

It’s here! Trend Album™ Maison & Objet, September 2010

The addition of yet another building in the Maison & Objet trade fair allowed the integration of Meuble Paris, a furniture-based show that has run concurrently with Maison & Objet for years. So, while Maison & Objet was already considered one of the world’s premier trade fairs for home décor, it is even larger now. The result of this integration was a new rhythm to parts of the show that helped even ongoing products look fresh. There was another change at the show as well: more North-American Continue reading...

Filed Under: European Trade Fairs, Maison & Objet, Trend Reports

A Few Minutes With William Yeoward

The William Yeoward stand at Maison & Objet was filled with delicious crystal accessories in an extensive range of colors. But among all the options, Mr. Yeoward sees three as most directional. He shared his trend-forward list with me on the trade-fair floor yesterday. The first color of note is slate, a mid-tone gray that Mr. Yeoward says is replacing chocolate. Next comes Tea, a rose-infused hue with enough sophistication to make it feel fresh and new. Finally, olive joins the Continue reading...

Filed Under: Current, Maison & Objet

Unexpected Materials at Tendence

One of the most interesting aspects of the Tendence trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany is the number of artist-produced products that use everyday materials in unexpected ways. Pictured is one of my favorites from a company called Filo-Design that I visited in Hall 11. These bags are made of Astroturf. Fun! Continue reading...

Filed Under: Current, European Trade Fairs, Tendence

New Talents at Tendence

While perusing the gifts and consumer goods at Messe Frankfurt’s upcoming Tendence trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the new talent in the Loft section. This special area showcases up-and-coming home-décor designers who have translated their youthful energy into exciting products. These students and graduates are guaranteed to delight and surprise you with their new slants on style and function. Of special note: Continue reading...

Filed Under: Current, Tendence

Royal VKB’s Boomerang Wok

Tabletop products take up a lot of the visual field at Ambiente in Frankfurt, Germany. But there are lots of other products, too. For example, pots and pans make up an important category that is in transition. One major shift, of course, is the eco trend. Makers are offering everything from water-based ceramic coatings to layered-mineral coatings that require very little energy in production. Color is also changing the look. Pots and pans for Le Creuset, for example, confirm that the Continue reading...

Filed Under: Ambiente, Current, European Trade Fairs