The future is now: Ambiente 2019

Sometimes the design and fashion worlds can seem alien and arbitrary, following an unknown and undecipherable language, seemingly being decided on a whim. And yet, the best and most successful brands seem to consistently set the right tone in their collections. Featuring the ideas, styles and trends that somehow capture the spirit of the moment that consumers consistently agree with. Trend forecasting is an essential part of both manufacturers’ as well as individual designers’ expertise and skillsets.

Ambiente is the world’s leading consumer products fair, with almost 4,500 exhibitors at the 2018 event, engaging over 133,000 visitors from 168 countries. Running from 8-12 February 2019 at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre, Ambiente 2019’s addition to the year’s calendar of events will be no less essential. But more than simply reporting and exhibiting the latest product releases from global manufacturers, Ambiente’s prominence comes from its easily digestible forecasts of the coming year’s design trends.

The 2019 iteration of the fair will include multiple specialist presentations, lectures and events including ‘Ambiente Trends 2019’, where well-researched future trends are presented with hundreds of curated pieces from the latest product collections. The accompanying twice-daily trend lectures will provide further insight, along with a digital booklet translating the in-depth trend research with colour palettes as well as sample products and materials.

The key themes of sustainability, ecology and functionality are again at large in the world of design and society as a whole, but as 'Ambiente Trends 2019' delves deeper into the consumer zeitgeist, they have now revealed the three specific trends that will inspire influencers, direct designers and motivate manufacturers over the next 12 months.

This trend highlights the importance of quality craftsmanship with flawless, polished finishes. Featuring one-off creations with their own unique character, the style encourages designers to spotlight selected, individual pieces. The influence of clean lines and perfect proportions are clear, and are combined with subtle and relaxed, yet luxurious materials. Precious woods, porcelain and elegant fabrics complement the style while coloured glass and polished surfaces are pivotal themes.

Products chosen to highlight the Tasteful Residence trend include the Mygdal Plantlight by Nui Studio, Uchiwa chair by Doshi Levien for HAY and Marquetry Wallpaper by Thomas Eurlings for NLXL.

A calm, subtle trend full of subdued hues and softened colourways provides an assured personality, full of confidence. The Quiet Surrounding trend presents a simple and reserved life, free from pretentiousness and protected from stresses. Strong, honest and uncomplicated natural materials such as wood, stone, earthen ceramics and organic textiles including wool, silk, hemp and linen combine with traditional handcraft and time-honoured manufacturing techniques.

'Ambiente Trends 2019' has selected, amongst others, Basket by Benjamin Hubert for Republic of Fritz Hansen, the 30degree pendant light by Johan van Hengel for HAY and Container Kiwi by ecoBirdy to embody the Quiet Surrounding trend.

This positive and uplifting trend encourages designers and consumers not only to use their unbridled imagination, but to trust it emphatically. It is only by having the courage to stand by our choices, that we can truly own them and make them work for us. Boldness of expression is achieved with audacious combinations of colour, shape, form, pattern and material. Botanical, floral, geometric and vintage prints and embroidery can all combine in a joyous, ‘anything goes’ atmosphere.

Featured examples of the Joyfilled Ambience trend at its best include Lilo chairs by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, the Happy Places installation by Raw Edges for Vitra and the Tape seating collection by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso.

Ambiente’s research into future design trends is conducted by international forecasting specialists ‘Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano’. The trendbureau has many years of experience predicting worldwide consumer trends by filtering only the truly significant data from global markets. They have an expert ability to format and present the information in a simple and approachable way, offering crucial guidance for retailers with exclusive guided tours and lectures at 'Ambiente Trends 2019'.

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