Decorex Africa’s Trend Report for 2020 has unveiled a teasing glimpse of what to expect from Decorex Durban, Cape Town and Joburg.
The event will see designers and manufacturers showcase all the latest trends, concepts and products that will guide and inspire us.
The broad themes emphasised in the report will be featured in the Mobelli Furniture + Living Trend House – Urban Living by Design, Insta-Interiors, the Trend Kitchen by Cosentino and Trend Installations as well as pop-up restaurants, cafés and feature areas at each show.
Make a special note to visit the Lighting by Design Project, which will showcase exciting lighting trends at all three shows.
Creative Director Anita Bloom, who authored the report, ran her own design studio, Just Bloom Designs, before moving to Inspire Trade Expo for four years and then joining the Decorex Africa team.
Bloom’s vast experience in graphic design and exhibition curation perfectly positions her to identify and share shifting design and décor trends.
When it comes to how we’ll be illuminating our homes, she says we’ll be putting the strict minimalism of Scandinavian design behind us.
“We’re moving towards softer, more nature-inspired interiors and correspondingly gentle illumination,” Bloom reveals. “Think a multitude of hanging lights, floor lamps, table lamps, candles and lanterns to add a more sensual touch to our homes and moderate the stark lighting of Scandi design. In fact, there’s a move towards more natural light and a less-is-more approach to lighting solutions. Fireplaces are back and they bring flickering light and undeniable cosiness to living rooms.”
Another growing trend to be aware of is the use of paper lamps – Asian-inspired light fixtures that add an eclectic touch to any décor. Japadi Style (a blend of Scandi and traditional Japanese details), along with Wabi Sabi (the idea that imperfection is beautiful and life is impermanent) permeate lighting design, with cylinders, ovals and globes in white or neutral colours illuminating softened interiors. “Whether oversized, used singly or in bunches, these lights are sure to magically transform rooms,” she says.
Rounded and organic shapes will dominate when it comes to lighting– and the circle will be the most important (but by no means only) geometric shape that will influence designers in 2020.
The most significant trend, however, is towards creating essential shapes that can adapt to any space, lasting as different styles come and go.
Another trend to watch is the resurgence of neon – think names, phrases and slogans up in lights or strategic blocks of colour. “Done well, neon features read like modern art installations. You can opt for a subtle glow or the full ‘shock and awe’ effect,” says Bloom.
