One of the interesting features of the recent Decorex Cape Town Expo was the Trend Talk given by Trend Forecast guru, Dave Nemeth.  Here in our office, we seem to inadvertently watch the trends by being avid bloggers. Nevertheless, it was fascinating to listen to Dave open them up like the expert that he is.  He has been a player in the interiors trade for many years and it seems that the last few years have seen him trotting around the globe, trend watching.  I like that we have our own proudly South African Trend gurus.

How is a trend established?   I guess most of us are aware of the fact that Fashion and Interiors walk side by side, in terms of pattern, texture and colour trends, particularly the Cat Walk.  However, trends are not just established willy-nilly.  Other factors that influence the establishing of a trend are:  What is the consumer experiencing; how are global politics and economics impacting consumers and then of course what impact is technology having on the consumer?  Research Information coming out of these influences is collated by Trend Forecasting Agencies for the benefit and application by Interior Designers, Retailers and Manufacturers who develop it further.

FACT – Two types of trends – micro trends and macro trends. Micro-trends are those that fleetingly come and go.  Naturally, that would make a macro trend the stayer- for a good few years, much like the few I am about to highlight.

Colour – the impact of the recession in our global economy was reflected in the muted colour palette of grey and neutral tones.  (Mood influences colour).  Now that the movement in the economy is more optimistic, the inclusion of strong pinks and berries colours are evident.  We are feeling upbeat and even if you aren’t at that place yet, indulge these colours and you soon will.

Furniture:  Dave highlighted the fact that coming out of the recession, the consumer has become a cautious and conscious buyer.  As such quality is a strong determinant in the furniture we buy, with the resurgence of solid woods.  Solid woods in the form of recycled furniture, or up-cycled furniture (vintage, heritage or retro second-hand pieces, that get the conversion treatment to a snazzy modern furniture item).  Handcrafted furniture is also very big, as is the industrialised look and feel.

It seems that tactile is the buzz word – we are experiencing a great deal of texture in our furniture, with open grain tables being more the rage. (I personally love this trend, as authenticity is one of my values in life).

Have you noticed that there is a lot of deep buttoned upholstered furniture to be had? And listen, don’t let you mom or aunt throw out that old suitcase or trunk, or even the crate she stored the cool drink bottles in. (there are still a few of those cool drink vendors that drive around the suburbs – they have loads of those crates – convince them to part with it).

Lighting:  The shapes we find in table and standing lamps are both organic and angular.  That was seen in the products on display by Newport Lighting, a local-is-lekker company. Expect to see more lighting that feature exposed bulbs (frosted bulbs – not your standard bulb).  Wire caging surrounding the bulb is apparently also the way to go.  Nice.

Accessories:  Now this is the exciting part – it’s affordable.  Textured scatter cushions – embroidered, felt, cable knit, plenty of bright colours.

Handcrafted is so big.

Then Typography – words, letters, phrases all available to you to display in your favourite rooms.   Add into this collective mix, Anglophilia – all things Brit.

Green: There is however one distinct characteristic that runs through all categories – sustainability.  Green is here to stay!!!

Dave presented a bucket load of information and I could go on and on.

However, from my observation, Decorex actually nailed the theme of the show – basic and beauty.  We are living in a time where the superfluous has been and gone.  We want to get back to our roots, our heritage and in doing so, find that grounded, safe and secure place again.

So, we turn to the past and the heritage that is connected to that.  We surround ourselves in colours, crafts and textures that add optimist depth to our being, bringing hope and meaning to our lives.

What the future holds – we will allow the trend gurus to unfold that with each passing season.