Ambiente fair reveals the three key trends of contemporary design

It only takes Ambiente five days to connect international buyers and customers to some of the biggest, most known brands of the design market. The leading international trade fair for consumer goods offers visitors efficient ways of ordering and finding inspiration, as well as networking with companies from Alessi to Georg Jensen. For 2023, trend bureau bora.herke.palmisano picks up on the latest design trends and demands in contemporary design on behalf of Messe Frankfurt, and on the basis of these, selects suitable products for the Ambiente 2023 exhibitors.

On behalf of Messe Frankfurt, the three experts of bora.herke.palmisano identify and reflect on trending styles and demands in contemporary design and make them tangible. Titled ‘Ambiente Trends 23+‘, topics around sustainability, bold aesthetics, new materials, technology and craftsmanship are broken down into three main trends bound to be revealed to the visitors of the Ambiente Fair between February 3-7, 2023.

Visitors can experience, research and converse first hand about the latest trends at the Trend Area located in the foyer of Hall 4.1. Other Ambiente program highlights, such as numerous exhibitions, special presentations, competitions and events, show the variety of factors that will shape the future of living design.

unknown beauty_strange + gracious is the name of the first of the three trends, where the longing for undiscovered experiences plays a decisive role. This movement reflects a living theme that combines unconventional grace and new creations as the unexpected makes its way into the familiar living environment. Its color palette features intense, extravagant colors alternating with lively as well as soft nuances, while the micro-color themes allow for individual interpretations and focal points ranging from cool to intense and from neutral to eccentric. In terms of materials, the focus is on abstract and alien shapes and surfaces. Overall, the trend pushes forward the dissolution between analogue and digital, and the real and virtual worlds.

The second trend, calming nature_careful + pleasant, has to do with the calming power of nature. Organic shapes, gentle colors and a careful use of resources are just as much the focus here as the relationship between man and nature. The color palette is soft is gentle with delicate pigmentations. The cooler orientation features shades from the plant world, while the neutral range depicts hues from stones and metals, while moss, clay and a rosé nuance determine the warmer expression. More and more, the trend blurs the boundaries between technology, research, art and craft, while combining it all with a sustainable and comfortable environment. For instance, in the office, the working environment benefits from a clear, calm design language with biophilic lights giving the workspace a natural look.

The third and final trend, lasting ideas_passionate + evocative, condenses the ideas of outstanding design icons into a living theme that seeks modern solutions for the here and now. Graphic and striking, with strong colors and concrete shapes, the memory of familiar concepts and icons is being reinterpreted with modular, versatile and flexible designs for the working and home environment. The color palette forms the basis for powerful designs: petrol and blue nuances dominate the cool range, while intense orange-red with shades of violet and yellow lead the warm orientation. Different materials can also be used for a variety of expressions, made of natural or recycled materials, or even stone or marble to emphasize durability. ‘At the same time, craftsmanship and the idea of manufacture, where special pieces are produced in small editions or even as one-offs, play an important role. Many products are functional and yet always a design statement,’ says Palmisano of bora.herke.palmisano.

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