I was lucky enough to attend Design Camp in Seattle last week, a two-day seminar created and hosted by designers Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis. Besides being a total blast, the seminar was packed with valuable information, including which trends you should be on the lookout for in 2013. Get ready for some ahead-of-the-curve spaces and up-and-coming trends for the rest of the year!
Organic Color
According to Bill Indursky, founder of V&M, the trend we are currently experiencing is what he calls “Raw Wood.” Focused heavily on raw, organic elements, this trend centers around pickled wood, natural wood beams, weathered textures, and raw metals with their gorgeous patinas. The main color trends are earthy tones, such as the monochromatic scheme of beige-on-beige. In addition, after a while away from the scene, brown is the new black and is returning as a staple for designing your organic space. As our economy continues to recover from its 2008 crash, people are looking to implement designs that are eco-friendly, safe, and timeless.
Old is Gold
Bill also told us that an important thing to note about trends is that the best way to look ahead at where we are going, is to look back at where we have come from. Trends tend to make a reappearance after about 25-30 years, so the 80’s are back, baby!
The trend forecast for the third quarter of the year is called “Pattern Play.” You thought you saw the last of bold, pop art colors (think Andy Warhol!); typography, monograms, and lettering; bright resin accessories and furniture; and flat, stenciled patterns or murals that look (or are) handmade, but they are going to be the fresh, fun, flashy face of Q3 2013.
Kitschy and Surreal
Approaching in the final quarter of the year, Bill refers to the next trend as “Dramatic License.” This trend is all about turning typical proportions upside down and having a bit of fun! Revolving around kitschy, cartoon-like, almost surreal elements, this trend will bring us a bunch of Tromp L’Oeil and faux bois effects, as well as what Bill calls “Flintstones’ furniture” of exaggerated, overblown proportions. In addition, prepare to see some interesting mixes of sizes, textures, and finishes as well as the reappearance of shag carpeting (oh, please, no!).
Tune in later in the week for future 2014 trends, as well as what tomorrow holds for kitchen and universal design.
What elements do you expect to see in 2013? 2014? Which trends do you love? Or wish weren’t resurfacing? Let us know in the comments section below!
[Editor’s comment: I also hope the shag is left back in the 80s!]
[Erika’s comment: You and me both!]
