The Heimtextil Trendtable, a group of international experts charged with compiling important general trends to provide reliable predictions for furnishing specialists and designers, has released a preview of its latest trend book, Being, ahead of the 2013 Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany.
The new trend book comprises four themes, each illustrated by a striking character. Under the motto, “You are how you live,” the trend experts have created four personalities, all of whom have their own unequivocal concept of life and being. The result is four completely different characters: the historian, the eccentric, the inventor and the geologist. Avant garde projects from the fields of interior design, architecture, fashion, design and art are presented to illustrate these concepts.
“Heimtextil Trends 2013/2014 concentrate on concepts we all feel emotionally connected to,” says Anne Marie Commandeur, designer and CEO of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam. “We aim to create spaces with character and address intimate inspirations, personal aspirations as well as practical needs.”
An overview of the four new trend themes:
The Historian
This personality sets great store by enduring values and, at the same time, discovers new ways of bringing the past into the present. Hence, s/he loves fine products distinguished by superior craftsmanship.
S/he gains inspiration from the late 16th and the 17th centuries—epochs characterized by a wealth of historical art and exquisite craftsmanship. Expressive ornaments, luxuriant decorations and wonderful details radiate an aristocratic dynamism. The historian is an aficionado of luxury with a sense for the quality and origins of objects. Thus, textiles with a layer look are part of this, as are net fabrics and artistic embroidery.
A variety of different techniques and materials, from lace-making to laser cuts, reveal not only the broad spectrum of historical, but also of future-oriented arts and crafts. Environments are brightened by shimmering gold, bronze and copper, as well as sophisticated reflections from material surfaces. The colors in rooms tend to be subdued and dominated by mysterious shadings.
The Eccentric
The eccentric’s passion is for extravagant discoveries combining timeless qualities with decorative character. S/he searches for unique items, curiosities and original articles distinguished by exotic or ethnic influences. At all events, what s/he finds must be traditional and authentic.
The modern dandy and bohemian loves elegantly made textiles, such as hand-colored silk, extremely lustrous artificial snakeskin, upholstery fabrics inspired by suit fabrics or oriental jacquards. The wall coverings take their inspiration from textiles. The dominant colors have an Asian touch and interact in an extraordinary way.
The Inventor
To develop things that make life exciting—that’s the inventor’s challenge. S/he works on concepts that combine function and fun, as well as wellness and pleasures. His yearning takes him to undiscovered worlds full of marvels and adventure. He loves to try new things, a character trait that has a decisive influence on the design process.
Fabrics are literally brought to life: they sway, flutter and grow as flowery ornaments—extremely sensuous and tactile. The inventor experiments with extraordinary upholstery fabrics, openwork weaves and meshwork. Foamed textiles create an airy depth and give rooms and furniture a new look. Technical veils, iridescent films and latex are also used. Feather-light constructions play with light and reflections. Lively colors ensure extraordinary contrasts and awaken curiosity.
The Geologist
The nature lover appreciates and protects the earth and all its treasures. S/he researches into them down into the deepest layers and travels on a journey of discovery to find the unknown and unexpected. S/he knows the quality and origins of a product, and is fascinated by the irregularities of geological surfaces.
In his or her environment, natural structures are upgraded by colorful marl aspects and winding, viral patterns, as well as rough graininess, bark-like textures and rustic leather, skin or natural cork. Blotch effects bring otherwise sober surfaces to life. Broken, mysterious brightness flashes from the materials. The color series reflects the enigmatic dark side of nature. Intensive colors are rounded off by shades of virulent intensity and metallic lustre.
VIEW: Watch the official 2013 Heimtextil Trends video in the I&S Media Center.