6 Future Trends in Design From Europe's 2022 Trade Fairs
Continuity, cosiness and crisis response are the big takeaways from the latest fair season in Europe
With consumers and design professionals eager to check out new products and trends, and brands keen to showcase their offerings, there has been a push to go back to in-person fairs for a few seasons now. However, this year’s European autumn shows felt like the first true return to the regular circuit in Europe. Most fairs were held at their usual times and some, including Cersaie (Bologna, Italy; 26 to 30 September 2022) and Hábitat Valencia (Valencia, Spain; 20 to 23 September 2022), even reported visitor numbers approaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
So where is the reawakening design world heading? We saw quite a bit of continuity with previous seasons, as production and consumption patterns respond to global changes and challenges. Themes such as natural palettes, biophilia, highly modular pieces, sustainable approaches, and customisable and comforting decor continued to be explored in new ways this season.
So where is the reawakening design world heading? We saw quite a bit of continuity with previous seasons, as production and consumption patterns respond to global changes and challenges. Themes such as natural palettes, biophilia, highly modular pieces, sustainable approaches, and customisable and comforting decor continued to be explored in new ways this season.
Pigmenti collection by Ferruccio Laviani for Lea Ceramiche, in 12 colours.
We also saw colour-blocking with bolder versions of the same palettes.
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We also saw colour-blocking with bolder versions of the same palettes.
Find, follow and network with other design professionals on Houzz
‘Color Power’ exhibit by Elizabeth Leriche at Maison & Objet 2022.
Also on show were more saturated tones, particularly in glossy versions. At Maison & Objet (Paris, France; 8 to 12 September 2022), this took the form of a more colourful version of 1970s influence than the orange-brown palettes we’ve borrowed in recent years.
Also on show were more saturated tones, particularly in glossy versions. At Maison & Objet (Paris, France; 8 to 12 September 2022), this took the form of a more colourful version of 1970s influence than the orange-brown palettes we’ve borrowed in recent years.
At the London Design Festival (London, UK; 17 to 25 September, 2022), there was an active interest in biomimicry, as pieces such as the Cocoon light by HagenHinderdael (pictured) deliberately approximated organic forms.
Likewise, at Cersaie we saw a strong trend for floral prints, which are still popular for wall finishes.
Likewise, at Cersaie we saw a strong trend for floral prints, which are still popular for wall finishes.
Dripart from Ceramica Sant’Agostino, seen at Cersaie.
3. New glass and metal trends
However, distinctly industrial materials also appeared everywhere this year. Metal-look tiles were a big hit at Cersaie.
3. New glass and metal trends
However, distinctly industrial materials also appeared everywhere this year. Metal-look tiles were a big hit at Cersaie.
Asti chandelier by Pure White Lines.
…To unique and contemporary twists on the glass chandelier at Decorex.
Browse stunning contemporary living rooms by Australian designers
…To unique and contemporary twists on the glass chandelier at Decorex.
Browse stunning contemporary living rooms by Australian designers
Icon shower cabin from the Ibra Showers line from Arbi Arredobagno with Grigio Europa glass.
Trend forecaster Elizabeth Leriche, who co-curates the annual ‘What’s New’ exhibit at Maison & Objet, identified tables with metal legs and coloured glass tops as one specific decor trend that’s gaining traction in interior design.
Smoked glass and black-metal framing were likewise favoured at Cersaie.
Trend forecaster Elizabeth Leriche, who co-curates the annual ‘What’s New’ exhibit at Maison & Objet, identified tables with metal legs and coloured glass tops as one specific decor trend that’s gaining traction in interior design.
Smoked glass and black-metal framing were likewise favoured at Cersaie.
Recyclable radiator heaters from Maarmo, made out of marble powder leftover from production. The company’s heaters are produced at low temperatures and painted with water-based paints.
4. Sustainable designs are still trending
It is heartening to see that sustainability is more and more in focus at fairs every year. And while greenwashing is always a concern, it is refreshing to observe such a variety of approaches, with sustainability turning into not so much a trend as a movement in design.
4. Sustainable designs are still trending
It is heartening to see that sustainability is more and more in focus at fairs every year. And while greenwashing is always a concern, it is refreshing to observe such a variety of approaches, with sustainability turning into not so much a trend as a movement in design.
- Innovations respond to crisis: Skyrocketing energy prices and supply chain issues, which have made it difficult to obtain raw materials, drove a lot of innovation in recent years. This was visible nowhere more so than in wall and floor finishes, as porcelain stoneware requires an energy-intensive, ultra-hot firing process. Thus, at Cersaie we saw lightweight tiles or materials that require only one firing instead of two.
Recycled plastic Mahaut chair, Furniture For Good.
Similarly, low-carbon concrete was a key theme at the Mondial du Bâtiment (‘World Buildings Fair’, comprising the Batimat, Idéobain and Interclima tradeshows; Versailles, France; 3 to 6 October 2022). Several manufacturers are working on concretes that can be produced without the ultra-energy-intensive clinkering phase that accounts for a large proportion of concrete’s hefty carbon footprint.
Similarly, low-carbon concrete was a key theme at the Mondial du Bâtiment (‘World Buildings Fair’, comprising the Batimat, Idéobain and Interclima tradeshows; Versailles, France; 3 to 6 October 2022). Several manufacturers are working on concretes that can be produced without the ultra-energy-intensive clinkering phase that accounts for a large proportion of concrete’s hefty carbon footprint.
- Recycling, upcycling and urban mining: Recycling and upcycling were also top of mind this season. At Maison & Objet, we saw old favourites such as Zuiver’s Ocean Chair – made of recycled ocean plastic – as well as a chair made from electrical sheathing by Furniture for Good (pictured), among other recycled products.
Coral lamps by Blast Studio, which are 3D-printed out of recycled takeaway coffee cups and cardboard packaging.
At the London Design Festival, we spotted lamps made out of takeaway cups and sculptures crafted from waste hair from salons.
The Victoria & Albert Museum’s London Design Festival installation R for Repair also offered a twist at its repair cafe, which invited visitors to bring broken objects that would then be creatively remade by designers from the UK and Singapore.
At the London Design Festival, we spotted lamps made out of takeaway cups and sculptures crafted from waste hair from salons.
The Victoria & Albert Museum’s London Design Festival installation R for Repair also offered a twist at its repair cafe, which invited visitors to bring broken objects that would then be creatively remade by designers from the UK and Singapore.
Edge Free furniture range, Pearson Lloyd, manufactured by Modus.
5. Modular furniture and customisable home decor
Of course, the way we use and live in our homes has also experienced a major shift since the beginning of the pandemic. As a result, modular furniture has been trending for a few years, and continues to be in focus this season.
5. Modular furniture and customisable home decor
Of course, the way we use and live in our homes has also experienced a major shift since the beginning of the pandemic. As a result, modular furniture has been trending for a few years, and continues to be in focus this season.
Groove paintable shower head by Odo Fioravanti for Alpi.
There are lots of highly customisable products around, such as wide ranges of door hardware at Decorex and customisable armchairs.
This year we also spotted fittings that can be painted over to match the colour of the surrounding wall exactly, including the Groove paintable shower head by Odo Fioravanti for Alpi seen at Cersaie, or Hamilton Litestat’s Paintable range of light switches at Decorex.
There are lots of highly customisable products around, such as wide ranges of door hardware at Decorex and customisable armchairs.
This year we also spotted fittings that can be painted over to match the colour of the surrounding wall exactly, including the Groove paintable shower head by Odo Fioravanti for Alpi seen at Cersaie, or Hamilton Litestat’s Paintable range of light switches at Decorex.
Cask armchair by Norm Architects for Expormim.
6. 2023 trends in textiles and fabric
The trend towards customisation also ties into a broader direction in interiors at the moment – namely, a movement towards tailored, luxurious and comfortable decor that makes us feel good at home. Sumptuous and tactile materials and comfy furniture have combined and come to the fore in recent years.
At both Maison & Objet and Hábitat Valencia we saw sofas shedding rigid geometries in favour of cosiness and broad seats, while armchairs got deeper, wider and more suited to curling up with a book. Cosy and comforting bouclé is still having a moment as an upholstery material, too.
6. 2023 trends in textiles and fabric
The trend towards customisation also ties into a broader direction in interiors at the moment – namely, a movement towards tailored, luxurious and comfortable decor that makes us feel good at home. Sumptuous and tactile materials and comfy furniture have combined and come to the fore in recent years.
At both Maison & Objet and Hábitat Valencia we saw sofas shedding rigid geometries in favour of cosiness and broad seats, while armchairs got deeper, wider and more suited to curling up with a book. Cosy and comforting bouclé is still having a moment as an upholstery material, too.
Bosc armchair from Made Studio for GandiaBlasco.
We also saw collections meant to be used in a variety of different spaces within the home. Hábitat Valencia highlighted outdoor furniture made of more elevated materials that could fit just as well indoors. At Cersaie, brands showcased collections that can be used in bathrooms and laundries, as well as in other more ‘lived-in’ areas of the home.
We also saw collections meant to be used in a variety of different spaces within the home. Hábitat Valencia highlighted outdoor furniture made of more elevated materials that could fit just as well indoors. At Cersaie, brands showcased collections that can be used in bathrooms and laundries, as well as in other more ‘lived-in’ areas of the home.
Arenophile sand-infused glassware tiles, Studio Sahil.
As with bouclé, mentioned above, we also noticed ongoing interest in tactile, textured surfaces, seen in the context of tiles at Cersaie and the London Design Festival, as well as across furniture more broadly at Hábitat Valencia. We also spotted ribbed and fluted detailing on bathroom fixtures at Cersaie and kitchens at Hábitat Valencia – a design trend that has gained traction in Australia and New Zealand in the past several years.
“Nowadays, we’re so overwhelmed by images and stimuli that architecture and design play a vital role in how people feel when they’re at home or in other environments. Colours inspired by nature and tactile surfaces are things we desperately need,” said Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner at Norm Architects, at Cersaie.
Your turn
Which of these six decor and design trends from Europe have you noticed here? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with other key news from the international trade fair circuit? Get the latest industry news here with Houzz’s dedicated coverage of global trade shows
As with bouclé, mentioned above, we also noticed ongoing interest in tactile, textured surfaces, seen in the context of tiles at Cersaie and the London Design Festival, as well as across furniture more broadly at Hábitat Valencia. We also spotted ribbed and fluted detailing on bathroom fixtures at Cersaie and kitchens at Hábitat Valencia – a design trend that has gained traction in Australia and New Zealand in the past several years.
“Nowadays, we’re so overwhelmed by images and stimuli that architecture and design play a vital role in how people feel when they’re at home or in other environments. Colours inspired by nature and tactile surfaces are things we desperately need,” said Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner at Norm Architects, at Cersaie.
Your turn
Which of these six decor and design trends from Europe have you noticed here? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with other key news from the international trade fair circuit? Get the latest industry news here with Houzz’s dedicated coverage of global trade shows
1. What are the top colour trends for 2023?
Playful, natural and comforting colours were on display at the latest European trade fairs and will continue to star in 2023. For the past few years, we’ve seen a broad spectrum of trending colours, and that continues to be true this season. Natural palettes remain firm favourites, with vernal pastels showing up even at the latest European fairs, despite the arrival of autumn in the northern hemisphere.