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The Hottest Home Design Trends From Around the World
Bold, elegant and sustainable — we review the six biggest trends from 2019’s major design fairs
From Singapore to Stockholm and from Milan to New York, our editorial teams have been busy going from fair to fair to bring you the latest trends. Now that we’ve had a chance to read the local Houzz coverage and ooh and aah at the innovations presented at major fairs in the first half of the year, it’s time to take a step back and look at the big picture. What trends are rocking the globe in 2019? What’s on designers’ lips from Copenhagen to Las Vegas?
We dive deep into what the global fairs had in common and what we’ve learned about design around the world so far this year. Get ready for bold design, human-centered tech and real sustainability.
We dive deep into what the global fairs had in common and what we’ve learned about design around the world so far this year. Get ready for bold design, human-centered tech and real sustainability.
From left, Egg, Swan and Pot armchairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Habitat collection tile by Equipe Cerámicas
1. Color: Warm Reds, Moody Jewel Tones, Earthy Beiges
As our Spanish and Swedish editorial teams pointed out in their coverage of Casa Decor (Madrid, Jan. 24-March 10) and Formex (Stockholm, Jan. 15-18), respectively, 2019 is all about duality and opposites coming together.
1. Color: Warm Reds, Moody Jewel Tones, Earthy Beiges
As our Spanish and Swedish editorial teams pointed out in their coverage of Casa Decor (Madrid, Jan. 24-March 10) and Formex (Stockholm, Jan. 15-18), respectively, 2019 is all about duality and opposites coming together.
Aisuu side chairs by Ginger Zalaba for Walter Knoll
This year’s popular colors, for example, range from moody blues and blacks to reds and burgundies to earth tones, mustard yellows and forest greens.
The biggest takeaway from 2019’s palettes: We’re seeing a wholesale shift away from the grays of the past few years and toward bolder and richer shades.
This year’s popular colors, for example, range from moody blues and blacks to reds and burgundies to earth tones, mustard yellows and forest greens.
The biggest takeaway from 2019’s palettes: We’re seeing a wholesale shift away from the grays of the past few years and toward bolder and richer shades.
E la Nave Va sofa by Atelier Oï for Alias
Notably, this was also the year that our German editorial team declared the end of the gray sofa. Beige upholstery was everywhere at the German fairs in January (Heimtextil, Frankfurt, Jan. 8-11; Domotex, Hannover, Jan. 11-14; and the International Furniture Fair, Cologne, Jan. 14-20).
Worldwide, beige is back and starting to supplant the cooler white and gray tones that have recently reigned supreme.
Notably, this was also the year that our German editorial team declared the end of the gray sofa. Beige upholstery was everywhere at the German fairs in January (Heimtextil, Frankfurt, Jan. 8-11; Domotex, Hannover, Jan. 11-14; and the International Furniture Fair, Cologne, Jan. 14-20).
Worldwide, beige is back and starting to supplant the cooler white and gray tones that have recently reigned supreme.
Versace Home’s new collection at Gianni Versace’s home at Milan Design Week
2. More, More, More
Minimalism has had a good run, but this year is about maximalism.
2. More, More, More
Minimalism has had a good run, but this year is about maximalism.
There was this patterned wallpaper from Gucci Home at Milan Design Week (April 9-14; concurrent with Salone del Mobile and Euroluce).
And there were striking finishes in Day and Night in the Blue Kitchen by Rosa Urbano, presented at Casa Decor.
Punk Revolution Lounge Bar by Miriam Alía Mateo
In fact, we’ve seen pattern on pattern, color on color, texture on texture and unapologetically bold design at every major fair around the world.
In fact, we’ve seen pattern on pattern, color on color, texture on texture and unapologetically bold design at every major fair around the world.
Excuse My French installation at Maison & Objet
3. Let’s Do the Time Warp
This year, designers are looking to the past for creative ideas. Vintage and retro are being reinvented in modern-day materials and forms and being rethought for 21st-century living.
Which period is 2019’s design muse, you ask? It seems that no one can agree. But all the eras being channeled have one thing in common: a mixture of elegance and unabashed loudness.
3. Let’s Do the Time Warp
This year, designers are looking to the past for creative ideas. Vintage and retro are being reinvented in modern-day materials and forms and being rethought for 21st-century living.
Which period is 2019’s design muse, you ask? It seems that no one can agree. But all the eras being channeled have one thing in common: a mixture of elegance and unabashed loudness.
Botero chairs, designed by Matti Klenell and Peter Andersson for Källemo as part of the National Museum renovation in Sweden
Fin de siècle and Art Nouveau. With the renovation of the National Museum in Stockholm, 19th-century and Art Nouveau decor was reinvented in new forms in Scandinavia.
Fin de siècle and Art Nouveau. With the renovation of the National Museum in Stockholm, 19th-century and Art Nouveau decor was reinvented in new forms in Scandinavia.
A number of products besides the pieces designed for the museum also channeled Art Nouveau elegance. One example is this Valborg pendant light by Anna Berglund for BSweden, presented at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair (Feb. 5-9).
Art Nouveau also was represented in the resurgence and reinvention of marquetry at the International Furniture Fair Singapore (March 9-12) and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (New York, May 19-22).
Sustainability Isn’t Just Talk at the Stockholm Furniture Fair
Art Nouveau also was represented in the resurgence and reinvention of marquetry at the International Furniture Fair Singapore (March 9-12) and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (New York, May 19-22).
Sustainability Isn’t Just Talk at the Stockholm Furniture Fair
“Luxury Graphic” display by Elizabeth Leriche at Maison & Objet
Gucci Decor at Milan Design Week
Art Deco. Maison & Objet (Paris, Jan. 18-22) highlighted Art Deco. Roaring ’20s influences, including black-and-gold combos and oval forms outlined in brass, were felt at most of this year’s fairs. There’s no question that the era is one of the biggest influences on this year’s designs.
Maison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to Elegance
Art Deco. Maison & Objet (Paris, Jan. 18-22) highlighted Art Deco. Roaring ’20s influences, including black-and-gold combos and oval forms outlined in brass, were felt at most of this year’s fairs. There’s no question that the era is one of the biggest influences on this year’s designs.
Maison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to Elegance
Cassina Perspective at Salone del Mobile
Bauhaus. Nonetheless, it was Bauhaus that dominated the Salone del Mobile (Milan, April 9-14). This year’s edition of the iconic fair reflected the geometries, bold colors and multifunctional utility of Bauhaus style.
Salone del Mobile 2019: The Changing Face of Design
Bauhaus. Nonetheless, it was Bauhaus that dominated the Salone del Mobile (Milan, April 9-14). This year’s edition of the iconic fair reflected the geometries, bold colors and multifunctional utility of Bauhaus style.
Salone del Mobile 2019: The Changing Face of Design
The Cage Hotel Lobby, designed by Inmaculada Recio and Silvia Trigueros from Ele Room 62 and presented at Casa Decor
’80s glam. It wouldn’t be maximalism without the ’80s. At Salone del Mobile, the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair and Casa Decor, the ’80s came back larger than life.
’80s glam. It wouldn’t be maximalism without the ’80s. At Salone del Mobile, the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair and Casa Decor, the ’80s came back larger than life.
The Design Bar by Anderssen & Voll at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair
4. Bringing Nature Home
This year saw nature continue to be pulled indoors. Botanical inspiration was clear in designs and materials, and plants were even integrated right into the pieces themselves.
4. Bringing Nature Home
This year saw nature continue to be pulled indoors. Botanical inspiration was clear in designs and materials, and plants were even integrated right into the pieces themselves.
Josh sofa by Edward Van Vliet for Moroso
Floral patterns continue to be prominent. Only at Formex did we see a shift away from floral prints and toward a more urban, graphic aesthetic.
Floral patterns continue to be prominent. Only at Formex did we see a shift away from floral prints and toward a more urban, graphic aesthetic.
Air cabinet by Mathieu Gustafsson for Design House Stockholm
Natural materials, especially wood, cane and rattan, also continued their upswing, appearing everywhere from Maison & Objet to the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Natural materials, especially wood, cane and rattan, also continued their upswing, appearing everywhere from Maison & Objet to the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Corian solid-surface material in Beech Nuwood (shower wall) and Mahogany Nuwood (tub surround)
The International Surface Event (Jan. 22-25) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (Feb. 19-21), both in Las Vegas, showed that surface manufacturers also are doubling down on the natural aesthetic, especially with wood- and stone-effect tiles or finishes, such as this wood-look Corian.
Wood finishes, and even wood parquet “tile” modules, also were clearly represented at Cevisama, the Spanish tile fair (Valencia, Jan. 28-Feb. 1).
New Looks for Cabinets and Countertops Emerging in 2019
The International Surface Event (Jan. 22-25) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (Feb. 19-21), both in Las Vegas, showed that surface manufacturers also are doubling down on the natural aesthetic, especially with wood- and stone-effect tiles or finishes, such as this wood-look Corian.
Wood finishes, and even wood parquet “tile” modules, also were clearly represented at Cevisama, the Spanish tile fair (Valencia, Jan. 28-Feb. 1).
New Looks for Cabinets and Countertops Emerging in 2019
Nebula pendant light by Studio Mirei
Viceversa light fixture by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for Kundalini
Lighting designers likewise paid homage to the natural world. Several exhibits at Euroluce (Milan, April 9-14) worked plant pots right into light fixtures. The International Contemporary Furniture Fair also showed off fixtures inspired by natural forms.
Euroluce 2019: 6 Features of Cutting-Edge Lighting
Lighting designers likewise paid homage to the natural world. Several exhibits at Euroluce (Milan, April 9-14) worked plant pots right into light fixtures. The International Contemporary Furniture Fair also showed off fixtures inspired by natural forms.
Euroluce 2019: 6 Features of Cutting-Edge Lighting
Green walls wowed at the International Furniture Fair Singapore and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
At ICFF, New Furnishings Show Off Curves and Versatility
At ICFF, New Furnishings Show Off Curves and Versatility
The RHS Back to Nature Garden, co-designed by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Davies White Landscape Architects, at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show
A similar shift is taking place in the world of garden design. At this year’s Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show (London, May 21-25), we saw a move away from perfectly manicured gardens and toward naturalistic landscapes with wild plantings and woodland-style gardens.
Top Garden Trends From the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
A similar shift is taking place in the world of garden design. At this year’s Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show (London, May 21-25), we saw a move away from perfectly manicured gardens and toward naturalistic landscapes with wild plantings and woodland-style gardens.
Top Garden Trends From the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Lightcycle by Dyson
5. High Tech, High Comfort
New gadgets and technological innovations are always one of the main attractions of trade fairs. This year, tech emphasized the human element, with exciting innovations that tailor the experience of space to our desires, habits and bodies — serving up human comfort and ease while adding a touch of luxurious indulgence.
5. High Tech, High Comfort
New gadgets and technological innovations are always one of the main attractions of trade fairs. This year, tech emphasized the human element, with exciting innovations that tailor the experience of space to our desires, habits and bodies — serving up human comfort and ease while adding a touch of luxurious indulgence.
Veil Lighted collection from Kohler
Human-centric lighting was a theme at several fairs. Lights or even entire bathroom spaces keyed to circadian rhythms or tailored to specific activities were presented at Euroluce and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.
Fixtures integrated with bluetooth and speakers were big at Acetech (Hyderabad, India, Jan. 25-27), while Li-Fi LED integration in light fixtures at Euroluce advanced augmented reality by making it possible to provide information in real time as a person moves through a space.
Human-centric lighting was a theme at several fairs. Lights or even entire bathroom spaces keyed to circadian rhythms or tailored to specific activities were presented at Euroluce and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.
Fixtures integrated with bluetooth and speakers were big at Acetech (Hyderabad, India, Jan. 25-27), while Li-Fi LED integration in light fixtures at Euroluce advanced augmented reality by making it possible to provide information in real time as a person moves through a space.
Salt & Pepper lights by Tobias Grau
In keeping with the theme of tailored lighting, portable, wireless lights were a new trend at Euroluce. Often rechargeable with a USB cable and boasting impressive battery life, these make it possible to create the perfect lighting scheme — inside or out — regardless of outlet availability.
In keeping with the theme of tailored lighting, portable, wireless lights were a new trend at Euroluce. Often rechargeable with a USB cable and boasting impressive battery life, these make it possible to create the perfect lighting scheme — inside or out — regardless of outlet availability.
New and improved whirlpool bathtubs with hydromassage jets and chromotherapy capabilities were showcased at Acetech, while the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show presented touch- and voice- operated showers and this bathtub with zero-gravity technology from Toto.
The love affair with smart tech also continues. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show featured smart toilets with self-cleaning functions and even integrated Amazon Alexa home assistants.
In kitchen tech, the same fair featured digital family hubs designed to hang over the stove or on the fridge, providing access to family calendars, recipe databases, Netflix and more. App-controlled kitchen appliances also continued their dominance this year.
The love affair with smart tech also continues. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show featured smart toilets with self-cleaning functions and even integrated Amazon Alexa home assistants.
In kitchen tech, the same fair featured digital family hubs designed to hang over the stove or on the fridge, providing access to family calendars, recipe databases, Netflix and more. App-controlled kitchen appliances also continued their dominance this year.
Illustration of the components of the seaweed-based TangForm chair by Nikolaj Thrane Carlsen
6. Sustainability Is Finally Here
Perhaps the most exciting trend seen at 2019’s global fairs is that sustainable design is finally here for real. Over the years, we have seen some small manufacturers presenting sustainable approaches. This year, however, there was a flood of new sustainable materials, processes and products, and a new prominence given to sustainable design.
6. Sustainability Is Finally Here
Perhaps the most exciting trend seen at 2019’s global fairs is that sustainable design is finally here for real. Over the years, we have seen some small manufacturers presenting sustainable approaches. This year, however, there was a flood of new sustainable materials, processes and products, and a new prominence given to sustainable design.
TangForm chair by Nikolaj Thrane Carlsen
The Join exhibition by Norwegian Presence at Salone del Mobile promoted well-made sustainable and durable furniture.
A major theme of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was the regeneration of landscapes in the face of climate change.
New sustainable materials — such as textiles made of recycled plastic waste and furniture crafted from seaweed or mushroom fibers — appeared at the German fairs, the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, Salone del Mobile and the 3 Days of Design festival (Copenhagen, Denmark, May 23-25).
The Join exhibition by Norwegian Presence at Salone del Mobile promoted well-made sustainable and durable furniture.
A major theme of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was the regeneration of landscapes in the face of climate change.
New sustainable materials — such as textiles made of recycled plastic waste and furniture crafted from seaweed or mushroom fibers — appeared at the German fairs, the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, Salone del Mobile and the 3 Days of Design festival (Copenhagen, Denmark, May 23-25).
Bioplastic Ice-Dream chairs by Fabio Novembre for Sammontana
Significantly, we’re now seeing sustainable designs from major brands and established manufacturers. Swedese showcased furniture made of remnants at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. At Salone del Mobile, major manufacturers presented furniture made out of bioplastics, or plastics produced from renewable materials.
Significantly, we’re now seeing sustainable designs from major brands and established manufacturers. Swedese showcased furniture made of remnants at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. At Salone del Mobile, major manufacturers presented furniture made out of bioplastics, or plastics produced from renewable materials.
Bioplastic Componibile storage units by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell
At 3 Days of Design, Danish manufacturers of all sizes focused on the reuse and refuse sides of the sustainability equation.
Thors-Design turned wood from old ferry wharves into beautiful furniture, including this table. Others presented high-quality furniture that can be used for generations. Still others bet on vintage classics to sustain consumers for decades to come.
Thors-Design turned wood from old ferry wharves into beautiful furniture, including this table. Others presented high-quality furniture that can be used for generations. Still others bet on vintage classics to sustain consumers for decades to come.
