Furnishing trends in 2019 will be even more varied and individual, because style clashes and alleged contrasts are the new trend setters! Whether rustic surfaces on purist furniture or antique exterior smartly networked: we combine tradition with modernity, progress with sustainability and high-tech with the classic tried-and-tested. Thereby, we keep an eye on nature more than ever before and appreciate its healing power for body and souls, but have arrived at the ‘here’ and ‘now’ and do not want to exclude modern technology, but use it sensibly. In 2019, we will consume more consciously and scrutinise the origin and purpose of furnishing. Living means coming to rest while staying flexible and contemporary at the same time.
Young Minds
Flexibility starts in the mind: This trend is shaped by the young and the young at mind! The search for self-realisation requires competence and foresight. The means to an end is flexibility, mobility and digital networking, which is also reflected in the furnishings. The “Young Minds” seek ways for self-inspiration, wisdom and insight. The work-life balance is important and is lived despite career aspirations. The number of freelancers is growing. Work is done from everywhere, furniture is used inside and outside. Intellectual property is more important than material belongings. Sustainability and social aspects form part of the decision to consume, but are not a must, because consumption is kept rather low.
Many live in single-person households, in cities in confined spaces. The individual room functions merge, furniture can no longer be assigned to a single room only. The result is “hybrid furniture” that combines the functions of several pieces of furniture. Furniture is multi-functional and changes its purpose as required or disappears in space-saving mode after use. It has a plain design, is intuitive to use and has a fine material thickness to save additional weight.
In this way, many individual pieces of furniture are combined and can often be assembled and disassembled without tools. Clever storage space is integrated, some accessories are simply suspended casually and look provisional, just like in transit. Light woods are matched in a young and lively way with black metals and mostly pastel colour combinations. Elegant, strong colours, such as ruby or fir green round off the ambience, lending it an adult touch. Brass and copper appear individually or in a metal combination.
Eclectic Stories
What appeals is acceptable! People are the focus, experiences are captured, tradition is treasured and modernity is lived. Pieces of furniture are combined to a large potpourri – unique and unmistakable, just like the owner himself, they tell of journeys and hobbies. Handmade, even home-made, is gaining importance. Culture and tradition are highly esteemed and reinterpreted in the modern world. Furnishing is an adventure, memory and emotion, but also a statement and expression of personality.
Traditional, international patterns, woven and braided, are combined with modern, geometric designs and new areas of application. This can create a very colourful ambience. Natural materials, such as wool, linen, sisal, seaweed and skins play an essential role, also in their modern or luxurious finishes. Macramé, fringes and tassels are shown. The materials and surfaces come alive with different structures and 3D effects. Modern geometric designs often appear in black and white. Wood combinations with vivid structures, veined flowers or twigs can be spotted. Urban spaces become a source of ideas: the old pharmacy or retired factory inspire new furnishing ideas for the “industrial” look, which can also emerge in purist style with straight lines.
Augmented Biophilia
Nature with spirit and soul. Reports about micro-plastics in the food chain and headlines about the diesel scandal bring the global nature conservation issue directly to your homes. At the same time, urbanisation increases the yearning for nature. Green oases are emerging, which become part of the living space and invigorate body and soul, but also increase the value of the surrounding real estate. Nature is life and the term “biophilia” is the love for life, not only referring to nature, but also to people and animals.
The trend has therefore an important social aspect. This is how nature projects are jointly lived in the cities: Inter-generational housing projects, a place where old and young can meet for mutual benefit, are becoming increasingly popular. Spatial facilities such as TV room, fitness room, library, kitchen and terrace are shared with the community. Universal design becomes a necessity and is practised already at the same time: Design for all. Food is grown, harvested and cooked together. Community is as important as sustainability and social commitment.
Materials and furnishing have a decelerating effect: Ceramics and clay pots are displayed on the table next to large wooden spoons. The motifs of green plants are complemented with flowers and blossoms, including animals. Sunburnt, golden oak looms up. The wooden surfaces are naturally animated and decorated with flowers. This trend 2019 also stands for its open approach to modern technology: High-tech is used to promote sustainability and advance social issues. Up-cycling and recycling are valued and practised.
Historical Glam
You only live once! We celebrate life, the freedom of thought and consumption. Saving is out – the trend is to spend. We consume in search of fun and we love luxury, which is anchored in the designs of the past century. The re-interpreted classics stand for value retention and consistency, bestow us with inner peace and the feeling of security. Besides mid-century designs of the 50s – 70s, the opulence of the 20s is added in 2019: Art Deco elements and accessories.
Decorations play a key role: Pearls, sequins and lace is used on fabrics and velvet, silk and brocade surfaces. Faceted glass is undergoing a renaissance, animal figures are placed on the table, golden cutlery is laid on the marble top. This also includes the brass lamp with fabric shade and fringes, chrome is experiencing a revival. Even romantic motifs such as flowers and animals are appearing more and more frequently. We further witness traditional materials in modern design elements, such as the comeback of the frame front with profiled trim in a modern, linear piece of furniture. The noble colour scheme with plenty of gold, ruby, dark-blue and fir-green is enriched by fresh, modern shades to lend the ambience its contemporary lightness.
Layers of blankets and pillows made of different fabrics, colours and surfaces are draped on the beds and embroidery is unveiled. Carpets are placed in several layers, since layering and transparency are an essential stylistic element of interior design. Red and green tones can be combined to give the interior a dramatic effect. The golden metal tones are complemented by cream white, beige, caramel and mustard colours, violet and black. Walnut remains an important component in this trend, as do black woods.
