Blue is the new black, and gold is bold as art deco makes its comeback: we look at the inspirational trends that have emerged from the latest international design fairs.
With some of the most revered international industry names showcasing the latest in furniture, lighting, fabrics and colour, the global program of design fairs provides the touchstone for what's hot and what's not in interior design.
Armchairs and sofas, for instance, are creating a whole new level of interest, with digitally printed and quilted fabrics, and embossed leathers with bold geometric patterns. "After several years of Scandinavian-inspired, 60s retro forms and timber finishes, the more intricate, detailed deco forms and finishes that started filtering in last year really came to prominence this year," says Andrew Thornton Hick of ULTIMO.
Crowds in Milan were fascinated by the theme of space, meanwhile, particularly as seen in the repetitive use of strong metallic finishes in hand-burnished coppers and bronzes.
Having attended Maison & Objet in Singapore, Jenny Jones Rugs was engaged by organic designs and nature-inspired themes. "More and more, people are looking for products that are on trend yet still have an effortless and timeless quality about them," she says. "People are wanting unique pieces that they aren't going to throw away – a piece to add to their castle, so to speak – that shows a connection."
For more on what's hot and what's not, we asked four globetrotting experts for their top trend discoveries at the fairs.
CONTEMPO | BLUE HUE
For Contempo director Lillie Bull, first impressions of the 2015 Milan Fair saw rich and polished metal finishes, in copper, nickel and gold, on the stands of luxury brands such as Minotti.
"The Minotti stand was quite simply the standout of the Salone del Mobile exhibition," says Lillie. "A completely new collection was released which, combined with a fresh stand design with exquisite materials and meticulous detail, was unsurpassed." Specific highlights of Minotti's presence include the Seymour sofa and the Yang range.
Minotti's Seymour sofa range reveals that curves are back, for a softer look in the lounge room.
The exhibition confirmed that walnut is still the predominant choice of wood, accompanied by dark stained timbers, while the on-trend colour was undeniably blue. "Ranging from light blue-grey to dark royal blue, this colour theme was displayed in everything from fabrics and plastics to walls and doors."
Just outside the walls of Salone del Mobile, and as part of Milan Design Week, Tom Dixon launched his novelty Melt luminaire in a temporary and contemporary selling space called The Cinema. "Melt looks like molten lava or a melting, blown-glass pendant lamp shaped like a sphere that has softened through warmth," says Lillie. The distorted globe comes with a copper, chrome or gold-coloured finish.
The Yang range includes a beautiful bed that comes without slats, and has a built-in pocket spring mechanism under the mattress.
Minotti's 2015 collection will arrive at Contempo in September, with an entire floor dedicated to the brand. The store will also launch its 'shop in a shop' concept to showcase some of the world's top brands including Knoll, Roda and Porada.
Contempo (08) 9446 9244, contempocollection.com.au.
JENNY JONES | NATURAL FORMS
Following a successful exhibit at Maison & Objet Singapore – the international trade fair for lifestyle, fashion and trends – Jenny Jones from Jenny Jones Rugs shares some insider info, and what she'll soon be bringing to the Perth market.
The Atlantic design exemplifies why blue and green are always popular colours when it comes to interiors.
What can we expect to see from you in the coming year?
Our Elements collection is coming to the showroom, our new Fusion collection is emerging as a big hit, and Batik reveals something that no one else has done. While we can't say too much about it just yet, we are working on a new collection that will be unveiled at the Domotex world fair in Germany. We have completely upped the stakes in colourways and design, so watch this space!
What are the key trends?
Anything nature-related is huge. Think leaves, trees, florals and animal skins –
not necessarily obvious in design, but more abstract and overlaid. Flawless symmetry and uniformity is being replaced with primitive and playful patterns, with the appearance of brushstrokes like a painting. In terms of colour, green is big at the moment, as is blue. A pervasive colour in the natural world, it is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it.
The Kimono in Petrol reveals hints of floral and leaf patterns synonymous with the nature-related trend.
How about that insider info?
We will let you in on a secret: from being at all the fairs and exhibitions, our predictions are that for 2016/17 the colour trends will shift from deep, moody tones to soft candy colours and fresh, bright fruits of summer. But we can't tell you any more!
Are there any new designers you are bringing back with you?
Jaya International – we love what they are doing. Sadly, the wonderful Jaya recently passed away. At Maison and Objet, he was awarded the Asia Hotel Design Award for Outstanding Contribution and is listed by Architectural Digest as one of the 100 Best Designers in the World.
Jenny Jones Rugs (08) 9286 1200, jennyjonesrugs.com.
MYAREE CERAMICS | NEW DIMENSIONS
Showcasing the best of the best in tiles, natural stone, architectural ceramics, bath equipment, enamels, colours and more, Spain's annual Cevisama event has been a steadfast source of inspiration for the industry for more than 30 years. Lisa Ciccarelli of Myaree Ceramics (inset above) was on the scene of the 2015 exhibition to discover the latest products that are set to shape our interiors in the future. "We saw embossed tiles that looked like pressed tin, and colourful patterned tiles suitable for floors and walls," she says.
WOW's Delta 3D tiles create a dynamic feature wall for any space.
"Tile technology is always evolving and changing – to the point where we visited a massive factory responsible for tile production worldwide and it had absolutely no staff. It was completely machine-operated."
Lisa reveals that while terracotta is making something of a comeback, there are two fresh trends that are set to turn heads.
3D tiles "Definitely the most exciting new product at the event, 3D tiles have become a massive worldwide trend," Lisa says. "We were taken by the versatility and different effects that can be achieved by laying them in different ways."
The Fiore tile by WOW delivers a softer look with a floral theme.
Metallics "We personally can't wait for the return of gold tapware. There were a lot of metallics – especially shades of gold and bronze – for both fittings and tiles on show. I know I keep saying it, but art deco style is going to be the next major trend. Expect to see it everywhere for years to come."
Keep an eye out for the addition of WOW's 3D tiles to Myaree Ceramics' showroom, coming soon.
Myaree Ceramics (08) 9330 3611, myareeceramics.com.au.
ULTIMO | INSPIRED LUXE
In a sea of dreamlike innovations like Fiam Italia's integrated TV mirror, Cattelan Italia's laminated ceramic-top dining table, plus satellite-inspired tables and constellation-like chandeliers, ULTIMO's Andrew Thornton Hick found lots to inspire at Salone del Mobile.
Simple style is made even more relaxed with colourful aqua fabric in the 580 armchair and footrest by Rolf Benz.
Trend | Deco forms and finishes
"On armchairs and sofas we will see beautiful new, digitally printed fabrics, quilted fabrics and embossed leathers with bold geometric patterns," Andrew says. "Luxurious velvets in strong, bold colours offset with striking geometric patterns in rugs, scatters and side tables." Get the look "Cattelan Italia's Rubik rug plays a trick on the eye, while Tudor Bonanza's Emmemobili sideboard stuns
in its geometric simplicity."
Trend | Soft shades
"Old rose, soft salmon hues and aqua tones were the new highlight colours moving on from celadon greens. After a sea of deep navy velvet last year, blue and green tones were still prevalent but the quilting of three to four colours in schemes made for many dynamic environments on display." Get the look "The Rolf Benz 384 tub chair in coral, and 580 armchair in new aqua fabric add instant colour to rooms. CC Tapis's Dipped Angle and Dipped Origami rugs also touch on the geometric movement."
Bold geometric patterns are used in everyday items, such as the Tudor Bonanza sideboard by Emmemobili.
Trend | Carved timber
The use of timber, and in particular its detailing, was of great interest. Artisan manufacturers Emmemobili and Hulsta showcased two very different, striking styles alongside the dynamic creations of Royal Botania's O-Zon oval dining table and Varaschin's Barcode sofa platform system. Get the look Emmemobili stole the show with phenomenal craftsmanship in pieces such as the Evolution sideboard, and its ability to be both a collectable art piece or antique of the future. Hulsta's new Gentis range showcases beautiful new timber detailing where solid edges are carved to accentuate natural movement in solid wood without risking structural compromise.
The latest lighting innovation in the Hulsta Gentis range of cabinets allows a shift from warm to cool lighting, plus dimmable options, all from one remote.
ULTIMO (08) 9201 2479, ultimointeriors.com.au.