Treasures from the cabinet of curiosities

The trends at the Frankfurt consumer goods trade fairs demonstrate how opposites and contrasting elements can differ yet still harmonise. Under the themes ‘Coexistence’ (Ambiente) and ‘Beloved Difference’ (Christmasworld), Annetta Palmisano and Claudia Herke from the design studio Bora.Herke.Palmisano have once again identified the defining styles for the coming season.

‘Clear + Lovely’ embodies a ‘modern attitude to life that embraces nostalgia’, explains Palmisano. Clean, functional design is just as defining here as a flair for playful, poetic designs. Materials with tactile surfaces and various craft techniques are utilised, enhanced with functional or artistic details. Light, tactile natural materials are paired with soft yet contrasting colours.

At Christmasworld, ceramics, wax, glass, wood and raffia dominate. The design is minimalist. Delicate, matt surfaces, together with calm colour tones, exude clarity.

The ‘Structural + Emotive’ trend aims to harmonise function and emotion. The focus is on graphic contrasts and geometric shapes. Seating in cube, cylinder or sphere shapes can be combined with one another. When it comes to the patterns on Christmas tree baubles, the emphasis is on a graphic rhythm. Textured surfaces emphasise the effect of the material.

The colour scheme is understated yet rich in contrast: black and white, cool and warm. This is intended to create a timeless aesthetic that promotes calm and reflection.

“Nothing else has such a direct and powerful effect on our emotions as scents,” says the trend researcher. Home fragrances can give environments a distinctive signature. And the material itself can also be experienced in this way, for example in an armchair that smells of cedar wood.

The third style identified by the trend experts, Noble + Fancy, offers a glimpse into a “contemporary cabinet of curiosities” – unconventional collectables reminiscent of haute couture, as Palmisano describes this direction. Here, influences from fashion, interior design, art and craftsmanship are evident.

“Calm and lively, classic and stylish – the colour palette also emphasises contrasts,” she emphasises. Here, one finds elegant wood tones, opulent colours and floral shades.

The trade fair for seasonal decoration also focuses on classic fir green, sophisticated blooms and Advent candles with a sculptural quality. “Uniqueness is always the priority here,” notes Palmisano.

This also applies to the trends at the Creativeworld trade fair, which takes place at the same time in Frankfurt. The three trend directions for creative work are centred around different rooms: the kitchen, the balcony and the bedroom. Under the overarching theme ‘Home Sweet Home’, they present the home as a “place where we feel comfortable and secure, a place for retreat, friends and family, and for shared moments. It should suit us – personally, individually and with our own personal touch,” says Herke.

In the kitchen, classic items such as chopping boards and tea towels are given a fresh look through nostalgic patterns. ‘Balcony moments’ extends the living space outwards. The balcony becomes a personal retreat. Here, fairy lights with paper lampshades are created, home textiles are woven and tea light holders are crocheted – not in the traditional way with yarn, but with wire.

In its third trend theme, the design studio addresses a particularly sensitive and personal moment: sleep. “This makes an environment that provides a sense of safety and security all the more important,” explains Herke. The designs capture this mood with delicate, floral illustrations and a nostalgic feel created by patterns featuring flowers and insects. “Anything created with your own hands can enrich your home,” sums up the trend expert.

The Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld trade fairs will take place in Frankfurt am Main from 29 January to 2 February.