Trend gallery "Furniture Design 2007"

Colours 2007: White is the new black

The colour black, formerly so dominant in furniture design, has now been replaced by the colour of light – and not only there: White has become the number one trend colour in all areas. Be it the automobile industry, the fashion sector, or the field of high-tech: White is the new epitome of luxury. The non-colour presents a new aesthetic purism and directs the attention to the essentials; lines and details are easier to perceive. White is often combined with muted colours such as beige, crème or sand.

If colours are used in contemporary furniture design, then they are clear, bright and uncompromising hues such as scarlet, cobalt blue, May green and pink. 

Forms 2007: Form follows nature

The pure colours correspond to the current language of forms: Clear forms and clear lines replace the baroque, opulent forms of recent years. However, it is not the sharp-edged geometrical formations, but rather the organic constructions inspired by nature. They are reminiscent of drops of water or mercury.

When it comes to forms, variations of profiles are also popular features.

Other designs combine concave and convex forms to create an interesting dialogue of inside and outside. Chairs turn into sculptures.

Even the current luminaire design follows this trend: Almost unlimited variations of forms again and again bring to light surprising results. Luminaires become light objects.

Materials 2007: Textured surfaces and transparent plastic

The interplay of inside and outside is also reflected in the use of materials: Transparent plastics such as acrylic resin allow insights into the furniture’s interior.

Posters have textured surfaces. The current trend is nature-like fibres and jute-like fabrics with rough, kinaesthetically interesting textures. These correspond with traditionally hammered metal surfaces in the field of home accessories. The trend towards kinaesthetically as well as visually attractive surfaces also extends into other areas: The surfaces of chairs as well as lamp-shades stand out due to their three-dimensional qualities. 

Combinations of different materials such as leather or fabric with chrome or different plastics are also popular.

Another striking feature is the strong emphasis on small, but interesting details in furniture. Such details are set off particularly well against the new simple forms and pure colours.

You can find current examples of the trends presented here in our picture galleries:

>> Colours

>> Forms

>> Materials