As the curtains close on 2019 and we prepare to enter a new decade, let’s take a look back at some of the major themes that have taken centre stage in the furniture and interior design industry this year.
Sustainable Materials
Perhaps 2019 will best be remembered as the year sustainable design stopped being a novelty and finally went mainstream. With topics such as climate change and plastic pollution dominating the news cycle more than ever in 2019, furniture designers are becoming more and more ingenious in their use of recycled materials and sustainable practices, in a bid to institute a truly circular economy.
Milan Design Week in April featured innovative eco-friendly ideas from designers across the world. We love these chairs, from the “On and On” collection by Emeco and Barber & Osgerby. They are made from a mixture of recycled PET bottles and fibreglass, and can be recycled again and again.
On and On Chairs by Emeco. Image: Dezeen
High-end designers have also joined the crusade, such as this collaboration between Balenciaga and Crosby Studios’ founder Harry Nuriev. Released at Design Miami 2019, this transparent vinyl sofa is filled with used clothing from the prestigious French fashion brand. Its beautiful oblong design is a piece of environmentally-conscious, functional pop art.
Sustainability will continue to be an important part of the agenda in 2020. At the 17th edition of the Australian International Furniture Fair and Decor + Design in Melbourne, 16 – 19 July, we’ll be replacing the ‘Trends Hub’ with a ‘Sustainability Hub’ , which will showcase the latest in innovative recycled materials.
Retro/Bauhaus
2019 marked the centenary of the Bauhaus movement, which was founded in Germany by architect Walter Gropius in 1919.
The Bauhaus school catalysed a new movement in art, design and furniture, which declared that ‘form follows function’ and sought to open up accessible, mass-produced design after the horrors of The Great War. It had a tremendous impact on design, that is still felt today.
Chair by Mater and Eva Karlou. Image: Dezeen
Both Bauhaus design and Art Deco influences could be felt this year at design exhibitions. A great example of both sustainable materials and the retro trend – combined in one beautiful object – is this chair from ethical design studio Mater and Copenhagen-based architect Eva Karlou.
Inspired by the Bauhaus, the chair has a woven rattan seat made from recycled materials. The sleek frame is made from bent steel tubing and is reminiscent of furniture designed by Bauhaus alumni such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Floral Fabrics
Interior designers continued to bring nature inside with gorgeous floral fabrics. Botanical prints were everywhere. We love the ‘Josh’ sofa by Edward van Vliet for Italian luxury sofa house Moroso.
Josh sofa by Edward Van Vliet for Moroso. Image: Moroso
Australian textile powerhouse Warwick Fabrics also released a range of new fabrics in September, several of which featured a fusion of Australian and English botanical elements. Perfect for creating country charm and bringing nature indoors.
‘Penelope’ from Warwick Fabrics. Image: Warwick Fabrics
Those with a penchant for English country houses will love the ‘Penelope’ print, which has an Australian flavour with its oversized floral design. The watercolours are influenced by British Colonial styling but the large-scale design adds modernity.
Wondering what 2020 will bring? Warwick Fabrics will be exhibiting at the 17th edition of the Australian International Furniture Fair and Decor + Design in Melbourne, 16 – 19 July. Subscribe now to stay in the loop on who will be exhibiting, as well as trends from the world of furniture and interiors.