Trends From London Design Festival 2019
Find out which room is the ‘new kitchen,’ and see the latest trend in green walls
Some clear trends were seen at London Design Festival 2019, a group of events that took place across the British capital Sept. 14-22. Sustainability and recycling were big — and very stylish — news. There was a surprising contender for the room we may want to show off most in 2020, as well as unexpected color and a mossy takeover. And well-being was still on the radar, in the form of gentle shapes, beautiful biophilia and high-tech feel-good lighting.
Colored Toilets and Sinks
Color in general was a trend in the bathroom. This display by West One Bathrooms shows how colored toilets and sinks have gotten a stylish upgrade.
Color in general was a trend in the bathroom. This display by West One Bathrooms shows how colored toilets and sinks have gotten a stylish upgrade.
The display was one of several that offered examples of muted, matte sinks and toilets in shades of teal, charcoal and dusky pink.
Preserved Green Walls
Biophilic design, which focuses on connecting interiors with the natural environment, was another festival trend. One example was this preserved moss wall installation by Bright Green, at the 100% Design event.
A preserved moss wall is natural but doesn’t need the upkeep a living wall demands. (The moss is typically treated with a biodegradable preservative, so it doesn’t need watering.)
Textured walls in general were big throughout the festival’s shows, whether incorporating concrete, wood or handmade tile.
Biophilic design, which focuses on connecting interiors with the natural environment, was another festival trend. One example was this preserved moss wall installation by Bright Green, at the 100% Design event.
A preserved moss wall is natural but doesn’t need the upkeep a living wall demands. (The moss is typically treated with a biodegradable preservative, so it doesn’t need watering.)
Textured walls in general were big throughout the festival’s shows, whether incorporating concrete, wood or handmade tile.
Curves and Natural Materials in Furniture Design
Wooden curves have continued to grow in popularity, gaining fans through soft lines and lots of gorgeous grains.
Wooden curves have continued to grow in popularity, gaining fans through soft lines and lots of gorgeous grains.
The table lamp in the previous photo and this pendant light, both on display at 100% Design, are by Lomas Furniture.
Soft profiles in seating nod to natural forms and suggest comfort. This Benchmark sofa with curved back, sitting behind the side table, was on display at 100% Design.
Brights
Amid the muted shades and natural shapes were flashes of bright colors and bold patterns.
Design festival installations throughout London included vibrant in-your-face geometric designs on benches, banners and planters in South Molton Street by Camille Walala. There was a new look for Wembley Park’s Spanish Steps, which visual artist Maser transformed into Saturation Surge, with neon yellow, pink and red shapes. And a neon-colored lion appeared in Trafalgar Square courtesy of artist Es Devlin.
Doing their bit for colorfully clashing interiors was Sonya Winner, with her lively multicolored rugs; Morris & Co., which combined historic flora and fauna with neon-lit letters; and Safomasi textiles, pictured, which paired bold prints and big colors on cushions and upholstery.
Amid the muted shades and natural shapes were flashes of bright colors and bold patterns.
Design festival installations throughout London included vibrant in-your-face geometric designs on benches, banners and planters in South Molton Street by Camille Walala. There was a new look for Wembley Park’s Spanish Steps, which visual artist Maser transformed into Saturation Surge, with neon yellow, pink and red shapes. And a neon-colored lion appeared in Trafalgar Square courtesy of artist Es Devlin.
Doing their bit for colorfully clashing interiors was Sonya Winner, with her lively multicolored rugs; Morris & Co., which combined historic flora and fauna with neon-lit letters; and Safomasi textiles, pictured, which paired bold prints and big colors on cushions and upholstery.
Lighting for Well-Being
There were multiple examples of lighting that mimics daylight.
Dyson has created a light that uses GPS to pinpoint your location and re-create the light outside your window at any point during the day. Luminus showed off a design whose replication of natural light shifts as the day progresses, going from the cooler rays of early morning to warmer light later on.
At 100% Design, in a talk on color and well-being, Jim Ashley-Down of Waldmann Lighting discussed biodynamic lighting that follows the body’s circadian rhythm.
There were multiple examples of lighting that mimics daylight.
Dyson has created a light that uses GPS to pinpoint your location and re-create the light outside your window at any point during the day. Luminus showed off a design whose replication of natural light shifts as the day progresses, going from the cooler rays of early morning to warmer light later on.
At 100% Design, in a talk on color and well-being, Jim Ashley-Down of Waldmann Lighting discussed biodynamic lighting that follows the body’s circadian rhythm.
Recycled Materials
Mixed materials. Numerous festival events featured products made of mixed recycled materials. Alusid, whose display is pictured here, turns glass, ceramics and mineral waste into Silicastone, which can be used for siding, countertops and seating.
Plastics. Last year, recycled plastic was named Material of the Year at the London Design Fair, and the theme of reuse continued in 2019. The striking slatted Jää bench by &New — made from recycled polyethylene and polypropylene plastic — was launched. At the Designjunction show, Design Fresh used recycled plastic on table legs.
Mixed materials. Numerous festival events featured products made of mixed recycled materials. Alusid, whose display is pictured here, turns glass, ceramics and mineral waste into Silicastone, which can be used for siding, countertops and seating.
Plastics. Last year, recycled plastic was named Material of the Year at the London Design Fair, and the theme of reuse continued in 2019. The striking slatted Jää bench by &New — made from recycled polyethylene and polypropylene plastic — was launched. At the Designjunction show, Design Fresh used recycled plastic on table legs.
Accessories. Recycling was in evidence on a smaller scale too. Textile artist Heather Orr showed her handmade lamps, pictured, at the Design Fair. They were made from discarded shades that had been stripped back and macraméd with materials such as recycled cotton cord and reclaimed wooden beads.
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Emerging Interior Design Trends From Maison & Objet 2019
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More for Pros on Houzz
Emerging Interior Design Trends From Maison & Objet 2019
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Spotted at the festival’s 100% Design trade event was this bathing space by Porter Bathroom. It illustrates a trend toward bathrooms that are as thoughtfully designed as the kitchen and as inviting as the bedroom. Designers are tapping into homeowners’ desire for a bathing space they can show off and retreat to for some quality relaxation time.