Heimtextil Takes a New Approach: ‘Theme Park’ and Trend Prognosis for 2015/2016 Presented

A new trend concept, new themes and a new kind of presentation: the Heimtextil management team introduced the new Heimtextil ‘Theme Park’ in two discussions broadcast around the world live on 1 September 2014.

On behalf of the Heimtextil Trendtable, which is made up of six international agencies, Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam presented the new large-scale project and outlined the Heimtextil trends for 2015/16.

Trendtable members Mayouri Sengchanh of Exalis/Carlin International and Felix Diener also offered a prognosis for the textile interior-design trends of the coming season. Thus, representatives of the press and Heimtextil exhibitors had the chance to obtain an initial insight into the new trend themes around four and a half months before the international trade fair for home and contract textiles opens its doors from 14 to 17 January 2015.

‘Experience’ is the superordinate Heimtextil trend theme for 2015/2016. “Textiles are the perfect vehicle for inspiring, sensory and interactive experiences”, explained Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam during the conference at Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. The conference also provided the setting for the presentation of the new Heimtextil Trend Book. “In both the book and the ‘Theme Park’ at the fair, we present a selection of spectacular projects, which can be experienced with all the senses.”

For the first time, the Trend Book comes with ‘interactive print’ elements, which enable readers to obtain supplementary information in digital form by scanning the parts of the book marked and then watching animated images on their smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the trend prognoses are supported by an extensive website with detailed background information and project presentations at www.heimtextil-theme-park.com.

Four Design Themes Show New Ways

The first part of the Trend Book revolves around social, political, technological and artistic themes – all key themes that have a decisive influence on designers. The second section looks at trends that are set to have a direct influence on interior design and home textiles in 2015 and beyond. To this end, the trend experts proposed four design themes: ‘Sensory’, ‘Mixology’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Memory’. The third part of the book is devoted to color innovations and presents worlds of color corresponding to the four design themes.

Heimtextil Theme Park ‘Experience’ Trends 2015/2016

THEME I – Sensory

The well-being factor Designers create new products for the home, which appeal to our growing interest in tactile and sensory impulses. They find solutions via the link between science and design and thus increase our feeling of well-being. To this end, they use intelligent textiles with built-in responsive technologies that, for example, react to changes in the source of light. Inspiration also comes from the beauty and wellness industry. Super-sensory fabrics draw on the huge variety of tactile effects that excite our senses: light, feminine and transparent. As a sensory contrast, fabrics with polished surfaces or varnish-like lustre and uniformity are used together with paper surfaces and oily finishes.

THEME II – Mixology

Inter-cultural exchange Variety is trumps. Cultural fusion has given rise to a modern ethnic heritage. From now own, experimentation and the interaction of different identities is the name of the game. Patterns, prints and colors collide almost chaotically with each other. African tribal design meets 3D rave motifs, retro with futuristic, digital with organic. At the same time, people are enthusiastic about recycling and product hacking. New applications are found for waste materials with due consideration being given to material properties. The result is valuable design objects and – no less important – the feeling of independence from conformity of any kind.

THEME III – Discovery

Predicting the future Designers are taking ever greater account of our planet’s valuable resources. They look over the shoulder of astrophysicists and investigate the properties of lunar rock and meteorites, the haptic qualities and dark strength of which are particularly fascinating. Observing the cosmos and the micro-cosmos, they come across dark, light-absorbent space black and stellar coruscation. Light plays a key role in this connection: it dazzles and illuminates, it sketches and plays tricks with the eye.

THEME IV – Memory

Reflection and re-evaluation People strive for a simpler, purer and more ethically correct way of modern life: away from consumption stress and rigid must-haves – towards favourites and a genuine feeling of well-being. The materials that decorate life together in the home will be honest, useful fabrics, e.g., denim, wool and linen. Familiar patterns stimulate the capacity for recall. Tomorrow’s designers will combine handicrafts and tradition with an innovative sense for modernity whereby their software abilities are an additional benefit. Thus, handicrafts and technology can join forces to create new, timeless values.

All Images Courtesy of Heimtextil | Further information about Heimtextil and the Theme Park at:
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