Trends reflect our lifestyle and the spirit of our times. This year, Heimtextil exhibition stylists wanted to encourage people to express their emotions in interior design. To achieve that, they presented the most important trends with the use of four distinct personalities – History Lover, Eccentric, Explorer and Geologist. One is nostalgic about the past, one is set firmly in the present, one thinks about the future. They are inspired by history, nature, science and life. Each of them has their own desires, hopes and dreams. Each of them represents a different part of us.
History Lover
The History Lover looks for inspiration in the past. In a world dominated by technology, he longs for objects which have a story to tell. He rummages through a treasure chest full of wonders created by the western civilisation in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. These inspirations are reflected in top quality materials, with baroque ornaments and decorations, fine embroidery and lace. This trend is perfect for those who love luxury, who appreciate the origins and quality of products. Let the magic of history seduce you...
Colours
The historical colour palette is muted, designed to echo Baroque paintings from the 17th century, lit by candles and full of mysterious shadows. The colours are brightened with pearl and metallic reflections. The dominating shades are those of gold, brass, bronze and copper, complemented by colours of old stained glass. Weathered golden surfaces emanate an aura of noble charm. Enthusiasts of bright colours will also be satisfied – textiles inspired by the feminine charm of Rococo, with powdery pinks and whitened pastels filled with light, will surely suit their taste.
Motifs
Modern technology breathes new life into old motifs. It brings back oriental ornaments, arabesques, plant tendrils, initials and coats of arms. Three-dimensional, multi-layered fabrics resemble a richly ornamented suit of armour. Quilting, decorative embroidery, laser-cut openwork and delicate lace are used lavishly. Velvets, guipure, jacquard weaves, perforated fabrics decorated with metallic prints, beads and sequins create products that are beautiful to the eye and sensual to the touch.
Explorer
The Explorer is a free-thinker, who loves to experiment and looks for ways to make his life more interesting and exciting. He is more interested in the process than in the goal itself. His favourite words are fun, entertainment and well-being. He likes objects that suit his personal needs and desires, and is attracted to the latest technologies such as 3D printing and novelty materials. The Explorer perceives the world through the sense of touch and likes to interact with his surroundings. He loves fabrics that come alive, undulate and take three-dimensional forms. He is fascinated with bold-texture materials: foam or technical fabrics, and recycled products. His surroundings and furniture are covered in soft, sensual materials that blend into a landscape resembling a futuristic space ship.
Colours
The palette consists of playful, surprising compositions: organic and fluorescent, warm and cold, sweet pastels, candy colours and metallic surfaces.
Motifs
This trend is dominated by pleasant, stimulating textures rather than patterns. It mostly uses transparent fabrics, nets and openwork grilles, veils that are full of light and materials which look like an iridescent plastic film. Sensual latex cast in layers and feather-light materials show their new, technical beauty. Layered materials are perfectly suited for use as upholstery fabrics and wall decorations.
Eccentric
The Eccentric is a hunter, who seeks new experiences, and a collector, who is bold in combining different styles and time periods. His hallmark are extravagant ideas endowed with timeless and highly decorative charm. He combines art with craft. He uses historical, folk, exotic and primitive motifs to create an eclectic mix bound by emotions and originality. The Eccentric’s collection is a “cabinet de curiosités” full of wonders, with each item telling a different story of travels, fascinations and memories.
Colours
The pallet consists of vivid passionate hues. It mingles European traditions with the colours of Asia and contains surprising combinations of colour, metallic patina and shiny threads.
Motifs
Fabrics are of the best quality and represent the highest level of craftsmanship. Yarn, etched patterns, cross stitch and tapestry structures will certainly be encountered within this trend. Motifs from around the world form an energetic and surprising mixture. The trend combines English tweed with black-and-white checks and stripes, patterns found on Japanese kimonos, folk floral motifs and Indian percale to create a whole new design quality. Other characteristic features include contrasting quilted textures, fabrics with manual colouring effect, etched flower motifs, faux crocodile skin and printed text. Fabrics are applied not only to furniture but also to walls and ceilings, which makes the interior look like a jewellery box.
Geologist
The Geologist loves nature and the Earth. He explores the beauty of nature and the charm of rugged geological structures. He is fascinated by the continuous evolution of organic growth, destructive and dangerous beauty of the forces of nature, and changes caused by erosion, oxidation and volcanic eruptions. His relationship with nature is also expressed in the desire to protect its natural resources. The Geologist is a demanding person, aware of the quality and origin of products. He loves nature but is also a child of our civilization and remains interested in technology.
Colours
The colour palette reflects the mysterious, dark side of nature. Colours of soil, precious gems and metal ores dominate in the compositions. Intense colours have a metallic sheen. There is also a bright palette with shades of silver and white, which echo the fascination with the wondrous aspects of nature: aurora borealis, snowflakes, frost and magical mirrors of frozen water.
Motives
The fabrics are inspired by gem stones, metal ores and fossils. Their raw textures resemble tree bark, cut stone or rustic leather with its pores and folds. They are adorned with beautiful copper hues, metallic yarns and prints that combine austerity with richness. Also used are irregular pleats, crystalline structures and mirror surfaces of precious minerals. The textiles change in motion when lit from different angles. Enhanced by oxidised surfaces, effects resembling gasoline spilled on water, iridescent sparks and pearl spots, their beauty is revealed in time.
Text and graphics based on the Hemitextil Trend Book.