It seems that designs suggesting outer space can always be found in décor. But lately, they are being seen more often, and in a larger variety of interpretations. And although lighting seems to have a particular affinity for the topic, space-themed designs are also cropping up in a greater range of … [Read more...]
Memphis Revival
Embed from Getty Images With this year’s centenary celebration of Ettore Sottsass’s birth, exhibitions and books focused on this artist’s work have made his design sensibility a topic of conversation yet again. At the forefront of recollection is Memphis. This short-lived design movement was … [Read more...]
London is Going to the Dogs
On a retail trend-spotting tour of London last week, dogs seemed to be everywhere. They were seen in the shapes of items from giant erasers to flocked busts. Used in pattern, dogs popped up on aprons, tea towels, plates and platters, baking dishes, bedsheets and lots of cushions. They were … [Read more...]
How Do You Say Blue?
How many ways are there to say BLUE? At the Ambiente 2016 trade fair, held in Frankfurt, Germany earlier this year, an exact number was difficult to pin down. That’s because there were so many types and personalities. They were found in products from dinnerware and decorative accessories to textiles … [Read more...]
On The Wire
In markets around the world, wire-frame geometry is on-trend. It updated in mirrors at the Hong Kong Houseware fair and made vases look modern at Maison & Objet in Paris. Picture frames at Ambiente in Frankfurt made use of it, as did tables at the High Point furniture market and glassware at the … [Read more...]
Italian Design and Designers at Ambiente 2016
Ambiente’s partner country for 2016 is Italy, following in the footsteps of Denmark, France, Japan and the USA. Nicolette Naumann, Vice President of Ambiente/Tendence, is expecting some truly crowd-pleasing Italian exhibitions in 2016 that will be right in step with the show’s overall theme of … [Read more...]
For Trend-Spotting, Ambiente Tops The List
Because The Trend Curve has a worldwide reputation for accurate trend forecasts and information, I’m often asked which trade shows I consider the best for revealing new trends. Ambiente is always at the top of the list. Ambiente bills itself as the top international trade fair for consumer goods. … [Read more...]
Going Dotty
At the recent New York Tabletop market, dots were on a roll. They popped up in several glassware patterns, and also appeared in an abundance of new dinnerware designs. Typically part of a color-on-white story, rather than a multicolored polka-dot look, they came in perfect rings (Ryder from … [Read more...]
Versatile Concrete
As summer turns to fall, concrete stands ready to prove that it is more versatile than everyone might have expected. It can work as easily inside the house as it does in the garden. On the table, concrete chargers update place settings in any style (trend alert: chargers are returning). In the … [Read more...]
Simply Marbleous!
In a world filled with instability and bouts of raging weather, it’s not surprising that consumers are being drawn to the anchoring allure of stone for their décor. In 2015 and 2016, the most-preferred stone will be marble. The word marble comes from the ancient Greek for “shining stone” and it has … [Read more...]