Trade shows are a key part in keeping up with innovative designs for interiors. Often taking place in the Spring and Autumn, it provides us an insight into what we’re likely to be seeing more of in the coming year. Whilst avoiding fast-fashion interior trends, here are 5 things we will be considering integrating into future projects.
- Sustainable Velvets
Velvet is a comfortable, yet luxurious fabric which is often used for upholstery purposes. We often suggest easy clean velvets to our clients, which caters to a larger dynamic since worrying about spillages is now in the past. After a recent trade show visit, a wide range of suppliers are now providing sustainable fabrics… including velvet. After comparing sustainable with non-sustainable, our view is that the feel and look is almost identical, and more importantly it’s better for the environment.
- Curves
Curved items are a bit like marmite, you either love them or avoid them, and instead stick to straight edges. During our visit earlier this year, it was clear to see that there’s a lot more variety in curved things… from sofas to mirrors, nowadays we’re spoilt for choice. Although some items have a more modern approach, depending on the item it can add great dimension into your space and more importantly avoid you bumping into the corners.
- Statement Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important factors when designing a room as it alters the look and feel upon entering. Whilst walking around trade shows, chandeliers and pendant lights often create that ‘wow factor’ as it catches our eye enough to stop and admire the lighting. We feel statement lighting is a great long term investment.
- Conscious Design
Bespoke, artisanal items are what stand out during trade show visits. It’s evidently clear that these talented makers are becoming more admired, especially due to clients being more conscious of bespoke items that can be altered to how they want and really making it a one-of-a-kind piece which they can love even more.
- Tablescaping
Dinner parties provide a desired sophistication, items and décor for dinner tables were prominently clear when walking through the set designs at the trade shows so far this year. Tablescaping has come a long way, this was evidently clear during our visit to Decorex (premier interiors show) with 3 incomparable table sets on show for us to admire. The layers of mismatched individual items, textured table runs, and mood lighting created a sense of emotion whilst walking by; enough for us to stop and admire.
To wrap it up, these are the 5 things that have caught our eye so far in 2023… we can’t wait to see what the Autumn shows bring us for design inspiration.
Credit: Diningscapes by Bertrando di Renzo with Les Ottomans