Key trends from Focus/15 at the London Design Festival

25th September 2015

Effects

In addition to their chosen materials, designers showcased a range of effects – from iridescent, shimmering and lacquered surfaces, to patterns created through reflection and refraction – each piece is guaranteed to have a unique twist.

Decoupage and collage effects, feathers and oxidised surfaces also featured throughout. Silhouettes and henna inspired designs also paid homage to more antique trends.

Colour

In juxtaposition to this year’s trend for bold colour, for 2016 colour will be used for highlighting purposes. Yellow Ochre, Rich Blues and colour blending all prove to be popular. Watercolours are favoured in a marbling, craft quality, and Beige heads up a palette of more subtle hues.

To see more, visit Focus/15 at the London Design Festival. Stay tuned to the blog for more trend reports from the Design Team.

Shape

Geometry still appears to be a key trend for 2016, with hexagons exhibited in both large and small format. Interlocking patterns combined with paint-speckle effects make for an interesting solution to furniture design, alongside structured pieces for contemporary results.

Materials

Many designers returned to the earth for their material inspiration. Precious stones took centre stage, with marble still proving popular, alongside mixed-mediums such as wood and leather for a manmade versus natural trend. Fabric also followed themes inspired by landscapes and geology, and layered woven materials created bold texture.

London Design Week is now well and truly underway – the capital awash with installations and exhibitions from the most trailblazing designers and practices the A&D community has to offer.

Our Design Team has been soaking up the trends, whilst forecasting the colour, patterns and shapes sure to be commonplace come 2016.

First up is Focus/15, held at the Design Centre in London’s Chelsea Harbour until 25 September. The concept of the show is to ‘connect, converse and create’. Boasting a collective of over 500 brands, the exhibit features work ranging from ‘classic contemporary to cutting-edge.’ Incorporating collection launches, talks and forums, it’s an exciting place to track the upcoming trends and to explore more from the brands keeping firmly ahead of the curve.

Here are our Design Team’s pick of the key trends showcased at Focus/15: