Trends That Influence Top Furniture Designers

Each year there are numerous furniture fairs and shows that highlight the trends in furniture design. The works shown are a result of a blend of trends in art, culture, manufacturing, technology and design. The shows reflect the needs of consumers coupled with the imaginations of top designers. Here are the things that will influence the furniture design world in the coming years. Colors: Choice of color is always an important aspect of furniture design and the trend is toward bright colors in fabric, materials and finish. Red, orange and yellow are the key hues. This color trend seems to be a counterpoint to the more dour feelings brought on by the worldwide recession. The luster of the palette harkens back to other periods like the late- 50's and early- 70's. This is interesting in that these periods reflected their own answer to the upheaval and difficult times of war and cultural strife. Comfort: While no furniture can earnestly be designed to be uncomfortable, there are degrees of comfort. Some designs put a premium on a piece's lines and may sacrifice some comfort. This is not the case in today's furniture trends. The emphasis now is on super comfort and feel. As with the color choices, the global mood has resulted in a consumer need for warmth and basics versus the sleek and in some cases over the top look of the past decades. Material: For sofas, chairs, beds and bedding, woven fabrics and inviting finishes are used to create a welcoming feel. This of course plays in to the larger trend mentioned before: consumers are looking for classic, grounded design that is functional and comfortable. Quilted cotton and silk is also on display and harkens back to times where handmade fabric represented both quality and pride in creation. The material sets a mood of relaxation and stress-free living space. Nothing fussy though. And while chrome and metal are still prevalent, naturalistic materials and organic forms are in the fore. Outdoor: With the population living in an age of electronic communication, outdoor living is a big trend in both furniture design and home design in general. Faced with the glare of a computer or smart phone screen for most of our waking days, relaxation time out of doors is highly valued. But of course we need comfort, and this means an upgrade over the teak chairs and tables that were in vogue previously. With materials that can better stand up to the elements, outdoor furniture design more closely resembles interior furnishings than ever before. In some cases outdoor and indoor furniture designs closely mirrored one another. This is intended to breakdown the barrier between the living spaces as provide continuity in look. The trends emerging in furniture design today are quick to make it to retail outlets due to the quick design and manufacturing practices of top firms. Furniture designers today respond to and drive these trends, but it is ultimately consumers who decide on success or failure of the trend. The trend toward vibrancy, comfort, relaxation and outdoor living provides a welcome respite from the pressures of today's world. It is likely to be a trend that will be strong for many years to come.