THE trendiest trend?

During Interzum in Cologne, a trade show for furniture and interiors, I had a typical exchange with designer and marketing friends about the latest trends. A discussion, not serious at all, on “the trendiest trend” started and my fantasy broke free: A superior trend? One which rules all the others? The leader of all trends? 

Maybe “concrete”, freshly revived by 100 years Bauhaus, simplistic in various, endless interpretations of grey, perfect base for modern interior and exterior architecture? Or the ones that seemed to have disappeared, but survived in the underground, resistant, waiting for their colourful come-back like “Marble”, “Terrazzo” or “Terracotta”? Or maybe a proclaimed color trend, set by an influential color trend agency, reflecting the desire of people for unspoiled nature, such as coral reefs like the Pantone Colour of the Year 2019 “Living Coral”? 

Then, while I continued to walk the halls and later through the city, I recognized an old friend. “Metal” was everywhere, hidden in details, accessories or as a powerful statement on product and interiors. Always around, for years, even before Tom Dixon discovered it for hanging lights - can such a material still be considered as a trend? 

Beyond Heavy Metal 

I think it can. Because it’s so versatile, changing its character during the time. Metal can be industrial, masculine steel or soft, feminine non-ferrous metal like copper, brass and bronze. One time it comes rusty and weathered, then polished and elegant. It is furniture, fashion and feature: a statement or the final touch. You find metallic textiles on the catwalks in Paris and New York. Or on walls, floors or accessories in trend shows in Milan or Stockholm. There are no trends like the “Retro”, “Wabi Sabi” or “Hygge” without metals.

Metal is THE all-rounder of the interior materials. But it also has a comprehensive power, that helps to link the other trends to something bigger. 

Sure, metallic colours need expertise in printing and production, a strong coating to avoid scratches and fingerprints. But they are worth these efforts. I consider metals as part of any contemporary LVT range. Either as a stand-alone design or as a pigment, accentuating pores and veins, they add interest and spirit of a time. 

Coming soon: a relaunch of our Aspecta Ten range and a new Aspecta collection, in which we are experimenting with metallic colors. The results are exciting, and we can’t wait to present them to you at Domotex 2020 in Hanover!