Are you curious about the design and interior trends for the year 2020/21? At the annual international Trend Council workshop in the Netherlands, identity was an ever-present topic as part of a broader discussion on gender and cultural diversity, on tolerance and curiosity.
Today, the self-identification process seems more complex than ever. Identities are now formed through experiences that take place simultaneously, on different levels―locally, nationally, globally, both online and offline. Identity therefore can consist of many different layers. In fact, individuals can all have multi-layered identities.
The overarching theme, Where I Belong, addresses these layered identities via five trends.
Puff and Stuff by Christopher Schanck, Photography: Michelle & Chris Gerard; Image courtesy of Friedman Benda
Maximum Glam
Pleasure seekers revel in layering theatrical influences and glamorous showtime aesthetics, forging a fantastic marriage between the crafted and digitally rendered. Textiles show a ‘more is more’ attitude through a mash-up of glam, gradients and spectrums, fake fur, pile and fringe, jacquard weaves and fantastic prints. The flashy, kitsch colour range becomes brutally glam thanks to electric sheen, synthetic shimmer, digital glitch and artful blur―a riot of clashes and rebellion.
Pure Spiritual
Idealists seek perfection and purity, restoring equilibrium by connecting with the uber-natural. They embrace technology for good while shifting between realism and mysticism in pursuit of a personal haven. To address a renewed bond with nature, organic matter, raw materials and pure textiles are selected which show nature’s traces, organic structures and irregularities. Shades are created from the earth and cultured by man. An elemental and pure range reflects the source of their existence.
Working Girl Lounge Chair by David Irwin, Copyright Deadgood Trading 2019
Active Urban
Urban dwellers confront the challenges of the fast paced, shape-shifting, man-made environment by searching for utilitarian, adaptable solutions. They value tech performance while making smart use of available and renewable resources. Functionality is prioritised, while looking cool and working well remains key. Interior/sportswear hybrid textiles show smooth surfaces and a fun mash-up of graphic textures. The palette shows uniform blue, asphalt grey and caterpillar yellow.
The Chapel at the Jaffa Hotel By John Pawson, Photography by Amit Geron
Heritage Lux
Preservers of historic legacies treasure sensuousness alongside the uncanny, enlightenment together with darkness, for a whole new immersive experience. This new narrative translates to a love for luxury and splendour, decoration and embellishment. Finding beauty in history and nature through ornamental patterning and alluring surface enhancement. Reflecting on ancient history results in a palette featuring enigmatic blood red, sapphire and a lustrous mother-of-pearl.
Overallt collection by Laduma Ngxokolo & Michael Axelsson in conjunction with Ikea, image courtesy of Ikea
Multi-local
Hyper-locals go global, celebrating inclusivity over appropriation, honouring traditional craftsmanship and adjusting the world’s gaze to embrace exchange, creative integrity and diverse identities. Indigenous style meets global influences. This is a celebration of crafted and decorative pattern, from tribal and folkloric to geometric and abstract. Textile colours become part of a wider cultural narrative, linked to local community, cultural heritage and private identity.
Envisions – Wood in progress DDW18, Photography by Ronald Smits
Main Image: Envisions for Heimtextil, art direction by Sanne Schuurman & Emma Wessel, Photography textiles by Ronald Smits, VR visuals by Roel Deden
