If you’re looking for the latest design ideas to incorporate into your projects, Elements, the UK’s newest dedicated furniture suppliers show, is an event you won’t want to miss.
The industrial look is gathering pace. But this time, unlike its cold, clinical renaissance in the 90’s, organic materials are being presented in their purest form. Architectural lines, minimalist design and thin frames are being presented in combination with rusted metal décors and untreated woods that bring a sense of warmth and individuality to the latest trend. Tactile qualities are rising in importance with décor experts incorporating soft textures like leather, linen and wool into their collections to create strong designs that exude personality and the individuality today’s consumers crave.
“Your senses are key when specifying a product. You need to be able to have a connection with something to truly savour it,” comments Simon Mundy, director of Mundy Veneer.
Across the spectrum, this trend is being interpreted with subtle wood grains with deeply embossed, synchronised textures you can both see and feel. Décors with floral effects, knotholes and simulated painted wood are features you’ll find on the stands of David Clouting and Kronoswiss. Botanical features are growing in importance, abstract art is finding its place in the most recent décor designs, and among the most recent plain coloured surfaces to emerge, you’ll find anti-fingerprint supermatts and high glosses as well as anti-bacterial décors with a range of applications from residential kitchens to hospital and carehome projects. On the stands of exhibitors like Döllken, part of the Surteco décor group, and Ostermann, you’ll find novel ways to edge worksurfaces, counter tops and furniture pieces, adding both character and uniqueness to inspire new design ideas.
Decorative hardware is taking its lead from the world of haute couture by embracing leather and textiles for added style. Highly textured and rustic finishes from Finesse Design and Crofts and Assinder and the use of deeply coloured metals like brass, bronze and copper, add charisma and warmth to the revived industrial theme.
The latest trends focus on materials, shapes and tones that work holistically with one another. Joseph Kim from the design team of Korean giant, LG Hausys, explains the latest trend: “It focuses on things that complement each other: natural things, colours like soil, faded peach, beige, grey - colours that can easily take on other natural, richer colours like sky blue and grey. The industry is stepping away from vivid single tones. Instead, the key is colour gradations that bring the outside in.” LG Hausys’ latest collections can be found on the David Clouting stand.
Earthy hues, soft pastel shades and coordinated unicolours fit perfectly and with the announcement that Rose Quartz and Serenity have been selected as Colours of the Year 2016 by the Pantone Colour Institute, designers are flocking to insightful décor producers and edging giants such as Ostermann and Hranipex to find their perfect match for the must-have colours of the moment. Both will present their latest ideas at Elements.
Ronan Haslette, managing director of wood veneer specialist and Elements exhibitor, Merena adds: “Trends are constantly changing and it’s important to keep abreast of this. Elements is guaranteed to bring ideas to life and show visitors just how dynamic wood can be. It will open up endless design possibilities and bring the beauty of wood to life. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?”
To see these trends and more for yourself, Elements will be will be taking place from the 2nd-5th October 2016 at the NEC.
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