Shapes, colours and stories

Flexible and multi-functional living

The flexible living human being has a need for a more flexible living environment. Thanks to current technological developments, it is no longer essential to live in one set location or work from an office. Increased urbanization has led to a decrease in space (tiny housing) and made it necessary to think of practical solutions, to optimize the use and layout of small accommodation options. 

This trend can be seen in furniture and accessories that offer modular options, allowing users to alter their size and shape. Products need to be multi-functional in usage, shape and colour. Relaxing remains essential in this lifestyle, expressed in a calm, homely atmosphere with natural accents like comfortable knitted fabrics.

Smaller and more flexible living obviously also affects the choice in pets, such as smaller dogs or co-owning pets with neighbours, and the necessities for them. Dogs go to work with their owners in special carrier bags for bikes or watch their owners working at home from their multi-functional dog beds.

Crafts, reuse and crossover 

Collaboration between designers occurs more and more. Synergy is the keyword in this. We see an increasing number of craft versions of new products. 

Older crafting skills are being used to experiment and create new, innovative materials and shapes. The use of new durable materials and reuse of existing elements accompany this movement.

A new trend we see in materials is fabrics offering characteristics such as moisture management, an antibacterial effect, cool touch or UV-protection.

Surprising components and patterns originating from various cultures are being created. An example is the eye-catching combination of African prints and Scandinavian basics. 

Functional objects also deserve a beautiful look. There is a need for appealing, crafted and unique products, whether it is, for example, your pet’s food bowl or its grooming brush. 

Rituals and stories

Rituals and ‘old masters’ are an important design reference as well. This can be observed in the use of shapes and accessories inspired by these. The use of additional layers, ribbons, straps, buttons and pockets comes to mind. 

Prints that tell a story are trending. Storytelling can also be seen, more literally, in telling the story of the origin of the product or its usage. 

Natural basics and colourful elements 

When it comes to colours, this season will be characterized by lots of white, camel and brown as basic colours among others, that will be combined with pink, green, blue and red elements. Red appears to be a motivational colour, while the natural tones give a more relaxing vibe. This is what makes these colours perfect to combine in a multi-functional living environment. 

Colourful, spontaneous finds of items discarded on the streets might very well be a good combination with the neutral basics at home as well! And speaking of colourful accents: the floral print is still around, albeit somewhat more abstract, like an aquarelle.