a very happy new year to you, my fellow design addicts!

and with the start of a new year comes trade fair season… i’m europe-bound once again to attend Heimtextil, Maison et Objet and Ambiente with a few others along the way.

it may say 2010 on the calendar, but product development is already looking ahead to 2011 and 2012…

watch this space for more tantalizing trend tidbits that i’ll be sharing with you from the fairs over the next few weeks, but ’til then please feel free to peruse Mudpie UK’s Spring/Summer 2011 trend report that also includes their fabulous autumn 2011 colour palettes.

it’s time to don my wellies again… i’m back in a soggy jolly old england covering the gardening event of the year, the RHS chelsea flower show, highlighting the latest and greatest trends and designs in all things flowers and gardens.

large contemporary architectural elements, living organic walls and a strong direction towards simple, natural garden design are predominant this year. the use of colour appears to be somewhat conservative as well, with deep muted tones of red and purple subtly popping throughout the stands.

take a long leisurely stroll through the gardens…

Neenah Paper has just released the first iPhone and iPod Touch application allowing designers to create color palettes in the palm of their hand. Think Ink: Color Unleashed was created specifically for the iPhone to allow users to build custom color palettes using the Dewey Color System.

download Think Ink for free here.

after the initial color is selected, Think Ink offers options from four palette categories: subdued, pop, traditional or blended.

designers can place the palette on a variety of Neenah papers to see which works best for their selection. they can then save and email their custom color palette, order coordinating samples of Neenah Paper and even explore the psychological meanings of various color combinations all with Think Ink.

this is just the latest in a series of iPod firsts for Neenah Paper who have also recently released a series of innovative BlackBerry applications such as Paper Math (an online paper calculator), the Stocking Guide (mobile access to specifying paper), and the Eco Calculator (calculates the environmental savings realized by choosing various types of recycled papers). 

they just make it easier and easier!

here’s a copy of my ambiente 2009 trend report from frankfurt for retail news magazine.  enjoy!

if you’re interested in learning more about any of the industry trends i’ve seen at the tradeshows this season, please feel free to contact me.

always a favourite venue of mine, a cold and snowy messe frankfurt played host to the ambiente trade fair this past February 13th - 18th.

packed full of fabulously inspirational home decor, housewares and giftware, i have to admit that similar to the other trade fairs this spring the trends were not nearly as obvious nor plentiful. everyone is playing it safe as expected.

following are the four key trends for consumer goods as identified by the bora.herke design agency for ambiente which was amazingly consistent with the actual products seen in the aisles… not always the case!

1. FEEL GRACE  charming – couture – feminine

the new classic is exquisite, luxurious and laid-back, all at the same time. a modern concept is reflected in light colours, graceful decorations, filigree details and surprising combinations of materials. ornamental items are significantly refined; surfaces are decorated with art deco, art nouveau and asian motifs, light graphic designs or unusual animal images. these are accompanied by lace designs, braiding and pleats borrowed from haute couture. seductive gold, delicate porcelain, crystal, mother-of-pearl, silver and exotic woods with perfect surface finishes (polished or with high-gloss varnish); precious stones for high-impact jewellery, flowing and shimmering textiles, burnt-out fabrics and velours, ultra-smooth to finely modulated leather…who can resist?

2. ENJOY CALM  lively – simple – authentic

an energy-charged colour scheme conveys a connection with nature, creativity and a zest for life. simplification and individuality are called for and the desire for authenticity is made clear. everyday design comes into focus, bizarre one-offs become favourite pieces. a modern vintage look is playfully created through unconventional combinations: wood, paper, feathers, ceramics, plastics and jute are juxtaposed equally. stripes, lines, checks and floral form animated surfaces with mixed patterns and complemented by stitch bonding, marbling and multicoloured effects. Handcrafted and painted create the personal touch.
this is how simple styling can be!

3. STAY ESSENTIAL   strict – sculptural – expressive

Minimal shapes and modern ornamentation fuse together in milky-neutral tones. Design focuses on the essentials; functionality dominates with clear lines. Organic silhouettes that appear to be cast are becoming increasingly important. The demand for expressive materiality and high-impact surfaces shapes the style: practicality corresponds with decorative breaks, roughness and modulations. The characteristics of heavy lace, plastic cloques and contrasting matte and gloss effects are transferred from textiles to paper, porcelain, glass and leather – plus matte, aged metal with processed, modified surfaces and distinctive stone looks. An impressive challenge!

4. THINK ROMANTIC   cheerful – subtle – dreamy

The 50s and 60s are given a contemporary interpretation with fresh colours, filigree shapes and the finest of details. Relaxed zest for life meets dreamy romanticism with a wealth of floral interpretations. In addition to flowers and plants, insects are also one of the key sources of inspiration for shapes, designs and plastic surface moulding. Fine drawings and graphics adorn fragile glass, porcelain and textiles.
Perforated patterns, ruptured edges, glass engravings, subtle meshing and wickerwork, enamel, rhinestones and glass blocks attest to high-quality craftsmanship and create a magical, jolly mood. 

Live a fun, more beautiful life!