Photos by Biel Morro and Kami

An important issue that will also play a major role in interior design is the growing concern and awareness for the state of the oceans, which we are polluting more and more. “Every little piece of plastic manufactured in the past 50 years that made it into the ocean is still out there somewhere.” (Tony Andrady, chemist at the American Research Triangle Institute).

The ocean is the main source of inspiration for this trend of paying tribute to the world underwater. Sea creatures such as fish, coral, shells and mermaids are swimming across every surface. The colours of the ocean: indigo, dusty blues, aquamarines and deep navies create a calming, and at the same time, invigorating atmosphere. They bring peace and serenity into our homes, where we want to switch off from everyday life and recharge our batteries.

Photos by raw pixel, Jimena, Anna Gru and Chuttersnap

This trend brings the fun and adventure of a summer vacation back to our home. It is reminiscent of glamorous luxury hotels in sun-drenched locations like the beaches of Rio, Miami and Palm Springs. Tropical colours such as dark, juicy jade green and mustard yellow are combined with shades of pink, ranging from pale pink to rosewood, with accents in Yves Klein Blue. Black is used in small details. The unexpected colour combinations can be found in botanical print patterns, which look as picturesque as the sketchbook of an expressive artist. Leopards, monkeys and exotic birds like flamingos and toucans peek out from behind palm trees and ferns. The style of different decades is masterfully mixed: 50s shapes meet 80s geometry, as well as the elegance of the 70s.

Photo by Andy Witchger, illustration by Heike Schick

The unicorn, one of the most beautiful creatures of all, fulfills our need for hope and our wish to believe in magic. This trend is characterized by pastel hues and glitter. But the days of the unicorn are numbered, and the llama becomes the new unicorn. Although they lack the magic and mysticism of unicorns, llamas, with their shaggy fur, floppy ears, the squishy nose and adorable smiles, have a cuddly factor that makes them ideal for graphics on soft goods. The word ‘llama’ inspires puns such as No problama, and rhymes with ‘drama’, ‘karma’, etc. This year will be the year of the sloth, a lifelike portrayal of the carefree lifestyle many of us strive for every day. Perhaps we are attracted to the sloth’s laid-back demeanour because it reminds us of ourselves watching television on the couch. The sloth is the new llama.

The year starts with important lifestyle fairs featuring interior products. The Heimtextil is a source of inspiration and the IMM a revelation. Please follow me on my expedition through five trend themes.

Pursue Play

In our meritocracy we tend to consider play as a pastime or childish activities. And yet play is a mode of being human and a fundamental part of our well-being. While play is an activity, playfulness is an attitude; it’s the state of mind, of mindfulness, of connection, of responsiveness and of giving oneself over to the moment. Playfulness is one of the core characteristics of being creative. All creative acts are forms of play, and with play comes a sense of humour. When it comes to design playfulness doesn’t mean an arabesque style, but humorous unexpected combinations. In this trend interiors look like playground and furniture reminds us of toys. Vital primary colours are combined with washed-out pastels spreading optimism. My designs for children are also meant for adults who are young at heart.

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Heimtextil in Frankfurt starts on January 8th, 2019, and my children’s collection Linileinchen celebrates its premiere at the booth of Alberta Kiel, hall 3.0 booth 66. In addition to classic themes such as circuses and jungles, there are also trend themes such as scouts and sloths. On Thursday, January 10th, 2019, I will be at Heimtextil in person and look forward to the creative exchange.

When it comes to Christmas the deer is the most popular animal to decorate the items used for celebration. Even so, the background of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ; additionally there are fairy tales, legends and myths from the ancient pre-modern times. The deer is the symbol of the dying and reawakening God in many religions. In the “holy nights” the great conversion, the resurgence of the light and the birth of new life takes place.

Reindeer are a deer species found in Arctic regions and are well-adapted to living in cold and rugged conditions; therefore, they’re a perfect animal symbol to use during the winter season, and the one most associated with Christmas.In Christmas lore, reindeer pull a sleigh along the night sky to help Santa Claus deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

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