“Trend” or “Anti Trend” by Dave Nemeth

We are currently living in the age of creative disruption, where even trends have evolved, becoming less noticeable.

2016 will continue to see this almost “anti trend” taking place., If you had to take 20 pieces of furniture or decor, it would be difficult to find an obvious trend or pattern. The other interesting thing right now is that this “new” style is happening all over the word, at the same time, unlike years ago, when it was a known fact that we were, at least, two years behind what’s happening overseas. Current trends do show veins of uniformity, such as the materials used, patterns, and colour palettes; but even these can be quite difficult to identify with. In fact, many retailers have not caught on to what is really happening, remaining a bit conventional with their product assortment. So, what are these big trends, or rather, “anti-trends,” currently taking place, and more importantly, why are they happening? For starters, the rebellion against mass production is continuing, spreading out across the world. For example, people from all sectors are searching for well-crafted, authentic, and artisanal products. It’s no longer just about the price, but rather about the authenticity and   the story behind an object, decorative piece of furniture, or even fabric. 

The merging of art and design has created a new train of thought and awareness. Although it hasn’t earned itself a title this time, I see it as the age of the artisan. This new consumer attitude has definitely made an impact, visible in how China has had its slowest growth ever, with speculations of the country going into a recession. Even though there are plenty of factors causing this, the manufacturing and production sectors have slowed down as more and more countries look to their own production.

In a time of huge technological advances, our interiors have become simplified and "stripped down." These days, it’s hard to come across  an ornate interior, because this kind of styling is now seen as outdated. Classical interiors have become irrelevant, with a lot of people struggling to relate to the ostentatiousness. Instead, we see a shift towards interior spaces that follow a more diverse and eclectic kind of styling. The trend is towards personal taste and preferences, rather than the generic approach of the past. It is about storytelling, creating a space that is relevant to the individual. 

So, we will see a collection of different pieces in these homes, varying in colour, texture, form, and styling. These days, it is not uncommon to see a dining table surrounded by 8-12 completely different chairs. This kind of statement creates excitement and originality, carries meaning, and turns the owner into a curator of products, rather than a follower of fashion. In fact, “curation” is the buzzword, the biggest trend at the moment, involving putting collections together in order to form a creative and unique setting, while still working as a unified look. The industrial look we have become accustomed to follows the philosophy of using the existing, as well as that of recycling and upcycling. This will continue to be a trend for many years to come, as we strive to find solutions that reduce waste. We need to create products and spaces that are as friendly to the environment as they are to the senses. There is nothing more appealing than old, reclaimed and reused timber, or copper with aged patina. In fact, copper has become so popular that chrome, which has been prevalent for many decades, suddenly seems outdated and old. 

We’re seeing copper and brass being experimented with on every level, from furniture, to wall art, becoming quite dominant in the lighting arena. Styles from the past are used as reference points for a lot of new furniture, visible in the styling reminiscent of Scandinavian movements, and the '50s. There is   an affinity for the past, which in itself is a rebellion of mass production, cheap production. However, we cannot be separated from technology in this current age of innovation, so, hi-tech solutions are being integrated with these pared-down interior spaces. LED lighting is energy efficient, and it has become more affordable over the years. So, even though we see accent lighting taking on a retro approach, with elements such as   the Edison bulb, most of the functional lighting will be LED, which can be controlled. Home automation is also on the rise due to it becoming more affordable, too. “The internet of things,” this is a phrase we will be hearing a lot, and it means that our objects and appliances will have connectivity, alerting us on what is happening. Our appliances will actually notify us when they are due for service. We will be able to control the temperature, lighting, and security of our homes from anywhere in the world. There is a lot of research and experimentation going into the development of materials, from roof tiles, to age-old materials such as concrete. Concrete, once reserved for practical structural purposes, has become a popular finish. With special additives being introduced to the medium, we are seeing an increase in the use of this incredible material, from kitchen countertops, to furniture, to jewellery. Scientists have even created a "self- healing” concrete, which automatically seals any cracked area. 

We live in exciting and complex times, and trends follow this complexity. However, the overriding trend is obvious, pointing to individuality and uniqueness. We are obsessed with storytelling, obsessed with objects and items that have meaning and relevance in our busy, hi-tech lives. These are exciting times, and we are seeing remarkably creative designs, both internationally, and right here in South Africa. In fact, South African design is in demand all over the world, and we are finally being recognised for our outstanding and original work. So, to truly be on-trend in the next few years, you need to be original, authentic, true to materials, and local.