Any savvy interiors retailer would like a crystal ball to know what consumers are looking for over the coming year. For those buying wholesale months in advance – and with a continually shifting design and fashion landscape – it’s an asset to have a channel into the Zeitgeist.
One of the key questions each year at the Decor + Design show is what lays ahead. UK Trend Forecasters Scarlet Opus have become staples at the show and will be returning in 2017 to host Trend Design Tours and predict the Macro Trends for 2018.
There are a number of key trends which promise to be going strong for the rest of the year. If you are planning a wholesale order or even individual purchase, these are the pieces which will continue to be in vogue.
Handcrafted Furniture
After the mass-produced frenzy of convenience that characterised the noughties, consumers are looking more and more for pieces that are lovingly and thoughtfully made. Light woods such as pine have made a comeback. There’s something earthy, fresh and comforting about this Rocco side cabinet in Pine Plywood from Felix Furniture. The latter is a boutique bespoke furniture company currently based in the ever-cool Richmond in Melbourne, where there is a Makers Collective Pop Up shop. Each piece in their collection is well-thought out and will be a special, lifelong addition to any home. 2017 visitors to Decor + Design can see them in situ at Stand F06.
Desert Wanderer
The Desert Wanderer trend is best described as ‘controlled rusticity’. It’s primitive and raw – challenging the austere lines of the minimalist Scandi vibe that was so predominant for a while.
The materials and textures used in this trend invite reveries of far-flung locales and fluttering Bedouin tents. Imagine these extraordinary Shaggy Raffia lampshades from Water Tiger hanging poolside, evoking a desert oasis.
Shaggy Raffia Lampshades from Water Tiger
Water Tiger is based in Sydney and carries a range of furniture and homewares inspired by Asian sensibilities. It fuses the modern with the ancient in beautifully crafted pieces that celebrate the artisans from India, Turkey, China and Indonesia. They’ll be bringing their evocative pieces to Stand D25 at Decor + Design 2017.
Moroccan Tumblers: St Barts
The trend also feeds into a Moroccan vibe, which has longevity in the market thanks to the mesmerising patterns to be found in traditional Moroccan design. These are popular across textiles, bed linens and also tableware. St Barts is a luxe bohemian lifestyle company that has a whole range dedicated to the swirling blue and white patterns. These Moroccan tumblers will fly off the shelves. St Barts always have an eye-catchingly beautiful display at Decor + Design. See them at Stand G19.
Natural Materials
‘Lola’ Chandelier from Cafe Lighting & Living, with Brazilian AgateNatural Stones and Materials
With an ever-broadening trend towards ‘Conscious Design’, designers are celebrating carbon neutral, natural materials.There are some beautiful natural stones which are being used innovatively and to great effect. The ‘Lola’ chandelier from Cafe Lighting and Living uses Brazilian agate, which is found as sizable geodes of layered nodules and is known for its healing properties.
Cafe Lighting and Living is a family-owned wholesale company based in Sydney, well-known for hosting an incredible exhibition each year at Decor + Design. 2017 show visitors can find them at Stand A2, B2.
Plan your trip now to Decor + Design 2017, July 20 – 23 in Melbourne. It’s Australia’s No.1 Interiors Event, with over 250 exhibitors displaying their latest collections.