muse fourth edition
DESCRIPTION
Trend forecasting publicationTRANSCRIPT
£45
Fourth Edition 2008
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“Consumer demands are changing, we live in an era where our constant desire for luxury collides with the ever constant concerns for our environment.”
Muse IV is the must have trend bible, tracking the very latest directions in colour, texture and product design for 2008/09. Muse is published to co-incide with Interiors Birmingham, a hugely influential event for the European market, as well as being the UK’s largest interiors exhibition. Both Muse IV and the Interiors Event are being delivered using the very latest innovations and techniques to minimise their carbon footprints. Not only do we publish the trends we live by them!
Consumer demands are changing, we live in an era where our constant desire for luxury collides with the ever constant concerns for our environment. Increasingly, the consumer’s buying decisions are influenced by factors such as the size of a carbon footprint, ethical sourcing, and the ecological and environmental impact the product has made. In the developed world shoppers gaze through shelves of fresh produce checking out how far items have travelled whilst continuing to consume material goods at a rate never seen before. Cheap throw away brands have risen to dominate the high street fuelling this feeding frenzy of often mindless consumption. But, we begin to witness a sea change, as exclusivity re-establishes its brand values and the democratisation of luxury recedes. Have we satisfied our appetite for throw away material goods?
“With such fluidity and change we see a new focus on the importance of identity and heritage.”
Our world is on the move. Globalisation has created a truly fluid world as migrants shift across the globe merging cultures and people and in the process diluting identities. Migrants from the developing world go in search of affluence, safety and opportunity whilst the affluent leave to escape their mass consuming societies to seek out better lives with more grounded values. With such fluidity and change we see a new focus on the importance of identity and heritage. Individualism and the unique experience form the new luxury and a celebration of a country’s history and heritage are of increasing importance. The Interiors Event embraces this trend with a celebration of British design and designers throughout, a national heritage which has reached across the globe.
Muse IV presents six core trends as well as providing a further section detailing the more secondary ones which will also play a part in shaping design directions in 08/09. Explore Erode, a truly environmentally sound trend, celebrating the beauty derived from damage, as re-use becomes a designer label. Nocturne again references shapes and colours of our past, with influences drawn
The art of looking sideways towards a more sustainable marketplace
A ‘you-nique’ look at the industry
Sustainable trend delivery
from the natural world. Reaffirming also draws colours and textures from nature, reaffirming our memories of the beauty of our natural surrounds. Retreat captures our desire for more wholesome values and lives as well as the need for a greater expression of our individualism. Suspend is an expression of strength in the face of the power of nature whilst Younique brings a more light hearted and colourful carnival to town, with its roots firmly embedded in the need to provide individual expression.
Cathy Oates Event Director Interiors Birmingham 2008
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Contents
05: Welcome by Cathy Oates, Event Director for Interiors Birmingham.
08: An introduction to Muse Trendbook 2000+8.
010: Social Trends.
017: Muse Trends 2000+8
018: Trend No.1: ERODE.
024: Trend No.1: ERODE: Heather Smith - The beauty of decay.
026: Trend No.2: NOCTURNE.
032: Trend No.2: NOCTURNE: Steve Watson - Supercars and female form.
034: Trend No.3: REAFFIRMING.
040: Trend No.3: REAFFIRMING: Michael-George Hemus - A sense of refinement.
042: Trend No.4: RETREAT.
048: Trend No.4: RETREAT: Jack Cole - The hyper-real, the fake.
050: Trend No.5: SUSPEND.
056: Trend No.5: SUSPEND: Duncan Riches - A simple value system.
058: Trend No.6: YOUNIQUE.
064: Trend No.6: YOUNIQUE: Henrietta Thompson - Bespoke re-appropriation.
066: Trendbites: Additional influences for 2000+8.
072: Pantone References.
075: Acknowledgements.
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042
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Introduction
What is a trend?
• “A statistically significant change in
performance measure data which is
unlikely to be due to random variation in
the process.”
• “A direction demonstrated through
observation of data and/or indicators
over time.”
• “A general direction taken, a current style or
preference, vogue.”
• “Simply the direction of a market, usually
broken down to three categories...major,
intermediate and short-term trends.
Three directions are also associated with
a trend; that is, uptrend, downtrend, and a
sideways trend.”
Muse is a visual discussion and presentation
of trends, moods, marketing, colours and
influences set to impact on/in the design
world over the coming 12 to 18 months.
However, if Muse is talking ‘trends’ then best
to get some consensus on what constitutes a
trend. The various definitions above are some
out there, but the main problem is how does
that relate to me, you, and all of us in our day
to day lives?
One massive mistake both trend spotters and
brands make all the time, is to assume or pretend
that a certain trend will affect or be embraced by
ALL consumers, whatever the trading environment.
No. In life and in trend: beauty is in the eye of the
beholder! One’s personal preference, depends on
how you view a cruise for example; Holiday or Hell!
So again: what is a trend? Well what seems to fit for
the likes of The Mix, Trendwatching.com and Mode
Info is something along these lines...
“A manifestation of something that has ‘unlocked’
or newly serviced an existing consumer need, desire,
want or value.”
Trend watching is about observing what’s already
happening, major and minor, mainstream and
fringe. Observing, understanding and naming
what is taking place will give you a point of view, a
grip on things and like Muse, it should inspire you.
It’s definitely time to innovate. Muse
will provide you with all the inspiration
you need!
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“Muse is a visual discussion and
presentation of trends, moods, marketing, colours
and influences set to impact on/in the design
world over the coming 12 to 18 months.”
It’s definitely time to innovate. Muse will
provide you with all the inspiration you need!
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Social Trends
The following snapshots have
been compiled as a review
of ideas happening globally,
showcasing what’s hot for
2008 into 2009 in design,
trend ideas and consumer
culture, ideas that should be
up for adoption, the futures
of retail and luxury, some
travel top fifty tips such as
‘Top in-room innovation’ from
The Monocle and snippets of
culture forecast/predictions
from Trendhunter,
The Future Laboratory and
Trendwatching.
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Social Trends
As we put this section of MUSE IV together for 2008 we noticed some trends or shifts that build on last season’s focus on austerity, cultural rebooting and the re-definition of luxury. However in addition there is evidence of a move away from the organic, natural, right-on mood that has dominated design and consumer culture for the last few years to an emergence beyond 08/09 of a newly technical, synthetic, even futuristic movement from the innovative Light Futures to the magical new materials that are pushing fashion and design forward in Super Synthetics.
Lets not get too far ahead though and come back to 2008 where The Future Laboratory findings of their Brand Personality Register™ and Consumer Attitudes Audit™ show that we want brands to continue merging values with value, yet we also want to re-examine our notion of community, how and why we might place friends before work and placed work before learning or engaging in experiences that are enriching, intellectually and spiritually. TFL are predicting a slow but steady rise in cultural pursuits; a greater emphasis than ever on the home and how we define home; and a redoubled determination to buy local, shop local and re-invest in our neighbourhoods and streets!
Could 2008 be the year in which brands realise that traditional status symbols, from the Audi Q7 to the De Beers Radiance collection, are no longer every consumer’s wet dream? For some consumers, it’s unique experiences that excite. For others it’s building an extensive online presence, or leading an eco-friendly life, or participating instead of consuming. And while all this excitement is not necessarily about traditional consumption anymore, it’s still about status, about impressing peers. So what will excite consumers in 2008? In which STATUS SPHERE will they find satisfaction, and what goods, services and experiences are involved?
“One generation’s indulgence
becomes the next generation’s
necessity”
Futuristic movement
The Status Sphere
Newly technical and synthetic
No longer impressive?
Buy local, shop local
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Social Trends
Upgrading anything is about the process of brands redesigning or even reinventing themselves to appeal in new ways to consumers who are ready to go for the BEST OF THE BEST. These consumers may not be buying more, but they are definitely spending more, replacing what they already own with higher quality products.
Which spells higher margins. Don’t forget that traditional luxury retail margins are 40% to 50%, and that luxury manufacturers enjoy margins of 60% to 70%.
As you’ll notice from the following examples, there’s very little that cannot be upgraded. From storage facilities to strollers to entire shopping centres, McDonald’s restaurants, toy ponies, baby food, beer, cinemas, caravans, toilet paper, coffee makers, washing machines, shoeboxes...
Aiming to create a more relaxed, restaurant-like experience in a sophisticated atmosphere, McDonald’s (www.mcdonalds.com) is replacing bolted-down, plastic, yellow and white “furniture” with lime-green designer chairs and dark leather upholstery. It is the restaurant chain’s biggest revamp in more than 20 years, and, together with its franchisees, it plans to spend more than EUR 600 million, remodeling 1,280 of its European restaurants by the beginning of 2008.
McDonald’s is also introducing more healthful foods and items that cater to regional tastes, like café lattés. Hoping to attract young adults and professionals, in addition to its core customer base of mums and kids, the chain is also adding amenities like rental iPods.
“...there’s very little that cannot
be upgraded”Let’s not forget about domestic appliances: a surprising number of appliances are still fair game to the democratisation of design. Hauzen (www.hauzen.com) is Samsung’s new premium home appliance brand. Products include a washing machine, Kimchi cooler, fridge, and air conditioning system. All appliances are designed by well-known Korean designer Andre Kim. Not available outside South Korea. Plus keep an eye out too for Samsung’s new domestic laser printers similar in shape to a DVD player or component hi-fi system, and finished in the same glossy piano-black veneer as Samsung’s TVs, these printers will do well in the next wave of highly designed home offices. The printers are sold exclusively at Apple Retail Stores until they are widely released from January 2008.
Portuguese paper products company Renova sells Renova Black (www.renovaonline.net/black), lauded as the first fashionable toilet paper. Price per roll is EUR 2.17. Renova Black is also available as Renova Red, Renova Orange, and Renova Green.
Source: Trendwatching.
McDonald’s of the future
‘White goods’ are being replaced by ‘Silver goods’
Upgrading Anything
Domestic appliances with the designer touch
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Social Trends
Schimmel Art Schimmel Art is created out of recycled junk mail, ads and flyers. While most people regard unsolicited mail as an inconvenience, this artist saw it as a tool for self-expression.Her ultra-modern portraits are stunning too, her talent undeniable. The artist has even created custom portraits - could there be a better gift? “Every little ‘tile’ you see was once advertising ephemera and/or junk mail,” she says on her site “I recycle canvas and frames. Why throw them in a landfill when they can be recovered and reused?” Imagine having your resources delivered to you for free, on a daily basis, turning them into art that reflects your vision of life, then selling your work to other art connoisseurs who appreciate them.
Eco-Retro - Retro VW Camper Goes GreenStill in draft-phase, the famous VW Westfalia Camper Van has been redesigned to bring it even more environmental street-cred. Alexandre Verdier envisions an “intelligent” vehicle with solar panels to power its on board accessories. A computer and GPS-system will position the panels to maximize their solar-intake. A kitchen will swivel, allowing for meal prep inside or out. Green the groovy way won’t be cheap though - expect to pay around $69,000USD.
Porsche Is Pro Green after All - Hybrid Porsche PanameraUp until recently there were suspicions that Porsche had decided against producing the hybrid Panamera, but now it looks like they’ve given it the green light after all. Porsche going for the green’s green has decided to expand on the Cayenne Hybrid, on which the Panamera will be based, and go after the market of eco-buyers who would otherwise be too guilt ridden to buy a Porsche. Soon they will be able to leave a Prius in the dust and not have an anxiety attack!
Metal Shutter House in New YorkConsidering the immense popularity of recycled shipping container homes and buildings, extending the contained living trend to condos is the next logical step. A Japanese designer is planning a Metal Shutter House for New York’s Chelsea district. Each of the nine duplexes has a roll up wall to open up the unit entirely to the sounds of the city. If that’s too much closeness, the units will have glass walls that can remain in place. The back wall opens as well on to a terrace.
The Westfalia Verdier - “A part of a new culture with its own rituals”
Recycled junk?
A tool for self expression
Environmental Twists
Metal Shutter House
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Social Trends
CONSTELLATION Ceiling LightCrystal lighting is a unique way to bring beauty home. They are more effective at dining rooms or reception rooms. Featured below is a striking LED colour changing 24% lead crystal ceiling light. The white LED is monitored from the ordinary light switch and the color altering LEDs are checked from a radio controlled remote control. It has built-in drivers. The remote control buttons the RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs switch-on and off and mechanical color changing or pausing happens at any feasible blend in the RGB spectrum. www.lightsuk.com.
Octopus will keep you cosy - New Beanbag Design by Atelier BlinkHave you ever thought about sitting on the lap of an octopus? Just in case the thought had crossed your mind, there is a friendly and safe way to try it, without getting wet! The Atelier BLINK studio designed this suspicious looking thing. The bizarre look comes from the nature of a beanbag that is made of recycled pairs of jeans.
Blankets Made of Belly Hair $5,000+ Bed Linens by Manrico Calzoni.Warm in winter, cool in summer, the textile expert from Perugia, Manrico Calzoni spent five years creating the fabric woven from the belly hair of the Mongolian goat. King-sized sets start at $5,200. Want your whole bedroom done? A line of cashmere curtains and upholstery is in the works.
Featherlight table lampThis stunning lamp is surrounded vibrantly coloured glass feathers. The multicoloured glass was kiln-formed by talented London-based designer, Aline Johnson. Her inspiration is fuelled by her affinity for the Jurassic coast of Dorset, the vibrant palette of beach paraphernalia, stripes on windbreaks and seaside rock translate with ease into bright designs in fused glass. The sparkling translucency, the fluidity and the ever-changing colour-palette of the sea have immediate relevance to working with kiln-formed glass and provide an infinite source of inspiration.
The suspicious Octopus Beanbag
Striking LED colour
WOW Factor Accessories
Featherlight lamp
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Social Trends
No 1 www.tvtrip.comTVTrip provides detailed photo and video tours of hotel destinations around the world. You can search locations or just click on the area of the world you’re travelling to.
No 2 www.retrevo.comRetrevo is an online clearing house that offers reviews and rating for consumer electronics from thousands of expert and user reviews.
No 3 www.songza.comIf you are looking for a specific song, few online services can oblige. Songza is a new Web jukebox that lets you play virtually any song or songs from any artist you can think of.
No 4 www.mediatedcultures.netDo you know what web 2.0 actually is? The media is often guilty of casually using the phrase like everyone’s on the same page, but there are so many elements and influences to Web 2.0 that it’s often difficult to know precisely what it means..
What follows is a simple four-minute brainteaser made by Michael Wesch, a professor in anthropology at Kansas State University in the US. He uses a montage of different computer screens to take us on a journey from the written word to the birth of the web and on to how we got to the linked-in nature of ideas, people, and things making up Web 2.0.
No 5 www.i-am-bored.comI Am Bored is a site to head for when you’re idly surfing for something to engage or simple titillate the grey matter. The recommended links are usefully categorised so you can find the latest additions, most popular or top-ranked stuff. And you can also use it as a kind of directory as it lists themes like entertainment, technology along with “weird stuff” and bizarre.
Registering allows you to bookmark your favourites and rank sites you’ve found here, all of which should ensure you’re never staring into empty space ever again.
TV Trip
5 of the best internet
Retrevo
Songza
Mediated Cultures
I am bored
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Social Trends
A selection of The Monocle* Travel Top Fifty for 2008, which has been compiled and ranked based on only full paying, all free upgrades refused, experiences!
No 7 Top in-room innovation - Peninsula Tokyo’s delivery hatchesThe Peninsula Tokyo’s valet delivery hatches should become a standard feature in the luxury hotels around the world. The simple outer door/inner door system, with a holding compartment in between, allows for courier packages, the morning papers and your laundry to be delivered without forcing you to pull on something decent to greet the valet in.
No 8 Best venue for a business lunch - The Savoy, Helsinki The dining hall of Restaurant Savoy is an important part of Finnish design history and an excellent lunch choice any time of year. The interior was initially designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in cooperation with textile artist Dora Jung and the then newly established Artek. Its pure and austere minimalism has remained in vogue for decades without becoming museum-like.
No 24 Fail-safe gift for friends, family and clients - Sprungli LuxemburgerliYou’ll have to connect through Zurich to buy them, but potential recipients will be thrilled you did. A distant cousin of the after, more squat French macaroon, the Sprungli versions come in a host of flavours and are packaged in the company’s iconic boxes.
No 27 Top Global time-saver - Iris ScanSince Heathrow introduced its iris scan technology for frequent travellers there’s no doubt that thousands of working or playing hours have been saved by this simple piece of technology.
No 32 Best in-flight entertainment - Cathay PacificWhether you want classic Bollywood fare, the obscure German Film you missed when it was at your local cinema for five seconds or back-to-back-to-back 24, Cathay could keep you circling the earth entertained for days! Cathay Pacific also got to No 21 as leaders in best Airline lounges.
No 40 Best new restaurant - The Grand, StockholmWith Chef Mathias Dahlgren at the helm and Ilse Crawford on the interiors, the Grand has cranked up a gear in a city that’s in need of some hotel innovation. The menu is firmly local and the crowd is always as tasty looking as the dishes!
*Tyler Brûlé, of Wallpaper* fame, launched his new magazine Monocle (www.monocle.com) in February 2007, targeting the ever-growing number of ‘global’ citizens. As the magazine, which is published 10 times a year, states:“We focus on informing and entertaining an international audience of disillusioned readers, listeners and viewers. It is our intention to create a community of the most interested and interesting people in the world. Monocle will be driven by offering original, never-before-seen content to an audience of well-heeled, intelligent opinion leaders around the world.”
Endless entertainment
Travel top 50 for ‘08
Social Trends
The Peninsula Hotel, Tokyo
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Seasonal StatementEnvironmental concerns still dominate on a global level. The holes in the Arctic ozone layer are the largest they have been since the 80s. If global legislation continues to evolve to stem environmental decline, this will have a greater influence on new builds and commercial projects. And while global travel has increased in affordability, an underlying concern of instability remains with the modern traveller.
We anticipate that there will be further growth in the boutique and bespoke travel industry as consumers continue to look at their country’s own travel options. Socially, we are witnessing the birth of new areas of increased wealth. China, Russia, Brazil and India are hotbeds of renewed spending and fresh attitudes to wealth. These newly moneyed individuals are unabashed in their spending habits and open displays of wealth are frequent; fusing Western influences with regional cultural references. Galleries, museums and other cultural media will continue to experience booming attendance figures bringing with it increased cultural and artistic awareness; everybody wants to show creative intelligence as well as intellect. Source: The Mix.
018: ERODE.026: NOCTURNE.034: REAFFIRMING.
042: RETREAT.050: SUSPEND.058: YOUNIQUE. Muse2000+8
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Erode.
Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
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Forget shabby chic, Erode is more about
the beauty derived from damage and
imperfection via a re-examination of the
Decorative Arts we recognise in our own
histories, whether that be ancient Flemish
tapestries, Victorian Arts and Crafts, or even
industrial archaeology. As salvage yards
become the new interiors boutiques, and our
design philosophy is increasingly informed by
pastiche, this trend updates itself through the
use of metallic finishes, in particular copper,
both polished and clouded with verdigris, set
against raw stone and concrete in interior and
exterior settings.
[Post industrial spaces].[Sealed concrete and
rough brickwork are preserved rather than
plastered over].[Opulent courtly tapestries
and furniture lend contrasts to uncluttered
environments].[History repeating itself].
[From Medieval heraldry to Victoriana, figurative
design makes a comeback].[Copper is used as
a keynote shade rather than a highlight, and
oxidisation softens the environment in time].
[Distressed surfaces create their own motifs
with copper bosses and majolica tableware].
[Trompe l’oeil tapestry motifs applied to
brickwork underscore the idea of beauty
derived from decay and imperfection].[Soft
pinks and dark metallic finishes lend a serenity
and delicacy to industrial spaces].[Not for the
minimalist].[A sense of drama that wouldn’t be
out of context in a Gothic novella].[Tiling and
eroded surfaces].[Copper serving utensils].
[Dark oak and ornate hand carved furniture].
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Colour Combinations
distressed sur-faces
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
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history repeat-ing itself
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Heather Smith
Designer
The beauty of decay
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Erode is about the inherent beauty of decay.
Texture is all-important with objects, surfaces and
spaces expressing memory through signs of use, in
wear and tear. Erode glories in the organic nature of
degeneration. Narratives are created through the use
of found, re-appropriated and second-hand things.
“The trend for technology continually creating the
need to upgrade and to throw our old things out
and buy new things every year, will presumably
continue for some time, unless there is some sort of
fundamental shift in consumer behaviour and desire.”
Nicolas Roope, Founder of Hulger
“You love your leather wallet because it wears in with
time; it becomes more personal too, the differences
depending on the user. Your habits, gestures and
lifestyle become part of the product. I think a better
word is age, rather than erode. Ageing implies a
refinement, a depth of character. Wood and certain
metal products have always had this quality, modern
materials like plastics are often harder, and they don’t
age so well. One of the good things about products
that age over time is that they allow you to give them
love and care. We made a wooden phone, complete
with pot of wax. We would love to make a brass phone,
so that it wears and changes colour over time.”
Michael-George Hemus, Hulger
“The design process I use is really simple, it’s just
nature. My work explores the powers of the natural
elements and how they can be used in the design
process. In a recent product, I used city or acid rain to
generate rust, exploiting the linear effects this created.
It is nothing more than using the elements to our
advantage, with some level of control.”
Heather Smith, Designer
“I had noticed that the rubbish of a specific area is a good representation of that place. So the thought was to create portraits of specific areas of London from their rubbish. The areas I collected from were the South Bank, Brick Lane, the West End and the Portland Rise Estate, N4. The thought being together they would make a good portrait of London as a whole.”
Jack Cole, Film Maker
and Photographer
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Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
Nocturn
e.
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Shadows of our past, which take shape in the
present and are projected into the future...
Darks evolve from the industrial grey and
sepia tones of last winter towards more
natural shades featuring grey-green, khaki
brown and deep blue. The tones suggest the
physical and the terrestrial, the hummus,
which helps life to grow and manifest itself.
Half-light or semi-dark colours, which do not
struggle to shine, are assaulted by very vivid
lights such as orange and green in a kind of
signal. Meanwhile, the darkest tones are lit
up with very pale neutral shades or combined
with violet and bluish tones which give them a
certain unreality and magic.
[Colours merged into the earth].
[Tactile and dark materials].
[The usual and unusual].
[Association].[Integration].[Discretion].
[High-tech finishes].[Empathetic shades].
[Design to share].[Beautiful serenity].
[Conveniently dark shades].
[Urban inspiration].
[Known forms and new visions].
[Unknown forms and traditional visions].
[Importance of finishes].
[Deep coloration, colour layers].
[Solid, stable, serene].
[Rough or very smooth textures].
[Metallic shadows].
[Dark oak and ornate hand carved furniture].
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Colour Combinations
shadows of our past
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
ies
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colours merged into the earth
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Steve Watson
Designer
Supercars and female form
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“Rich and deep colours are contemporary, upmarket and classy”Paul Mcanelly, Hawaii Design
“Some of my recent designs have become embodiments of what I consider as evil in society today. The creation of one of my new lighting designs was a direct artistic response to the horror of 9/11. The light itself contrasts an unexpected aesthetic beauty with a play on light that is pure theatre.”Charlie Davidson, Designer
“Our “Devil Damask” design is based on the subconscious shapes in patterns that we can make with our mind. Often if one stares at a pattern for long enough, imaginary faces, ghosts, and ghouls may appear.”Paul Simmons, Timorous Beasties
Nocturne has a little of the night about it, concerned
with illusion, glamour and extreme contrast. A sense
of theatre, a reinvigorated gothic modernity and
sinister undertones run through this trend.
“I have taken inspiration from supercars and the
female form in my designs, accentuating outline
by using high gloss finishes. For me, using black
over white in finished product has created far more
contrast, reflections and depth in my work.”
Steve Watson, Designer
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Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
Reaffirming.
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What is Reaffirming? Reaffirming is the
diversity and uniqueness of everyone’s
memory. The value of memory itself! Every
autumn is different. Each year different
leaves fall from the trees. Blues come from
summer and stand beside browns. Enjoy new
colour combinations; reaffirm the diversity of
purples; discover Gothic colours; stretch your
palette to the subtle end of the spectrum, to
the limit of perception. Colours of rare tulips;
colours of ancient lips; colours of antique
history that returns.
[An ongoing story].
[Reliable selling colours for all end-users].
[Mutable winter backgrounds].
[Degradè colours].[Blue to pink twilight].
[Berry colour shades].
[Fluid shapes and gloss surfaces].
[Gothic dreams Blue to Pink].
[Terracotta and earth meet modern silhouettes].
[Blue and Brown combos look new].
[Blue moves into luxury level].
[New iridescent luxury].
[Changing coloured metallics].
[Red printed warp].
[Arabesque and moiré over new shapes].
[Decorated pleats].[Embroidery].
[Subtle shades of meaning].
[Mystic colours wrapped in a mysterious veil].
[Escape from your realm].
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Colour Combinations
an on- going story
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
ies
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escape from your relm
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Michael-George Hemus
Hulger
A sense of refinement
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“Desire is an important part of trends”Nicolas Roope, Hulger
Reaffirming acknowledges the power of emotional
transportation. It is a deeply sensory trend, one that
evokes familiar memories and feelings. Serving up an
intoxicating blend of mysterious dreamscapes, lavish
opulence and delicious colours, reaffirming is an
escapist’s paradise.
“We use colour to accentuate certain characteristics
that we want to bring out in products. Whether
in evoking a sense of history and the sentimental
relationship the user has with that, or in bringing out
specific sensibilities. We have used maroon and ivory
in the past to suggest a certain sense of refinement,
whilst also using yellow to conjure up a hip bright 80’s
sensibility. The product and the colour need to match.
We have always viewed colour as an integral part of
the design process, an important factor from the very
start, mass consumer products often seem to overlook
its importance.”
Michael-George Hemus, Hulger
“On the street there seems to be a transformation from some type of Victorian faux Dickensian sensibility to more quaint and homely 50’s styled innocence. I’m seeing an emotional return to rollers, hairnets, winter checks and a nostalgic harking back to an idea of a childhood.”Paul Mcanelly, Hawaii Design
“We do love some of the traditional designs from the past, but its great fun to give them a new angle, to make them speak to us in the present.”Paul Simmons, Timorous Beasties
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Retrea
t.
Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
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Rural living is no longer just a roaring fire and
a view onto open countryside. Today’s retreat,
whether residential or commercial, contains
all the luxury of a boutique hotel. Wood and
wood grain remains integral to this stylistic
aesthetic by incorporating new finishes, effects
and combinations of colour that render the
rustic urbane. Key to this ethos is the idea of
real and synthetic combining to form a view
of nature that verges on the surreal. While
simultaneously, traditional craftsmanship
revives techniques such as marquetry and
hand carving but in plastic and laminate. In
fact, the only things that haven’t been changed
are the wellies on the doorstep.
[Supernature].[Traditional elements mixed
in with synthetics; some mimic reality, others
are deliberately fake].[Wood, veneer, laminate
and wood grain printed fabrics and wallpapers
bring the outside in].[Green golds, pearlised
terracotta and livid greens bring the rural alive].
[Modern Folk].[Tradition].[Vintage hunting lodge
trophies].[Canadian fox, gold lamé and striped
wood laminate].[Vintage parquet floors clash
with traditional country furniture after a bright
make-over].[Natural or surreal woodgrain in
unexpected dimensions].[Marquetry and inlay
create subtle tone on tone decoration].[The
current vogue for taxidermy continues, vintage
hunting trophies and exotic butterflies are
key decorative elements].[Plants and animals
become part of the home environment].[Wood
grains are the base of this trend].
Muse2000+8
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Colour Combinations
vogue for taxidermy
Muse2000+8
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
ies
Muse2000+8
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wood, veneer and laminate
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Jack Cole
Film maker and Photographer
The hyper-real, the fake
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“I always find myself referring to things from the past, there is always a greater sense of depth in old objects and materials, more to work with. Somehow old objects become like personal trophies to me, especially when used in a modern setting.”Paul Mcanelly, Hawaii Design
Retreat juxtaposes the real and the synthetic,
re-contextualising any type of object or space. It’s
about creating sanctuary, surprising and slightly
surreal. A place to remove oneself and others into a
world of calm contemplation.
“The initial idea was to make something that looked
liked the old Dutch Masters still life paintings from the
17th Century. They were at the pinnacle of their genre,
seen as the masters of still life. By doing things like
putting a skull next to an egg they had also created a
philosophical edge to the work.
I took their principles of composition, arrangement,
lighting, angles of shot, etc... and then used a new
set of objects to re-contextualise them. The idea
was to use objects in a non-literal way, although
they were modern I liked the thought they could be
misconstrued from afar, at a glance I wanted the
viewer to see something else.
The attempt was to create some type of authenticity,
but whilst knowing the essential artificiality of the
whole thing. I used a lot of retouching techniques,
lighting effects and colour tweaks to create a sense
of the hyper real, the fake. I like the images having
something slightly half way about them.”
Jack Cole, Film maker and Photographer
“The real design work gets done with music on very loud, absolutely holed away in my studio. I’ve got tons of wood and materials around and I’m at the desk, making models, sketching or at the computer. That’s where it all happens, there is no rational for it. It’s like being a writer, block everything else out, and don’t answer the phone.”Russell Pinch, Designer Muse2000+8
049
Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
Suspen
d.
Muse2000+8
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Light and volume are key signifiers in this
windswept trend that is coloured with the
hues of clouded autumn skies and stormy
coastal walks. Shapes are circular, echoing
the hulls of upturned fishing boats, buoys
and wind balloons or alternatively, colonial
wicker furniture stacked away after the
summer vacation are painted typically in
rich chocolates and reds. Despite a seeming
fragility, strength is key; like architecture
built on stilts, its resilience comes from giving
no resistance to the buffeting winds outside,
just as the soft colour palette lends a dreamy
cosiness to a warm interior.
[Circular shapes].[Light and volume].[Stormy
coastal walks].[Colonial wicker furniture].
[Maritime].[Coastal colours and pale autumnal
light].[Wicker, rattan, Lloyd Loom: Basket woven
furniture and accessories updated in rich colour].
[Weightless, low impact but high volume].
[Large, light shapes are suspended or feel almost
ethereal in glass and resin].[Frosted and tinted
glass diffuses a calm and restful light]. [Delicate
silhouettes on neutral backgrounds cast by
wicker and straw accessories].[Red acts as a
key highlight; a fisherman’s buoy for example].
[Wicker and wrought iron garden furniture
coexist happily].[Glass globes and raw ropes
detailing echoes fisherman’s buoys, while downy
feathers from a beachcomber’s collection lend a
contrasting softness and ethereality].
[Warm earthy shades].[Ice blue cools].[Corn Dolly
techniques].
Muse2000+8
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Colour Combinations
large, light shapes
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
ies
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stormy coastal walks
Muse2000+8
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Duncan Riches
Director of Associate
A simple value system
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“Space and time are the most precious resources of the 21st Century”Rory Dodd, Director of Designersblock
Suspend is a trend where visual space is vital.
Objects, fixtures and fittings retain lightness in both
weight and appearance. The atmosphere is one of
neutrality, a place where restraint, subtlety and the
elements are revered.
“In a time of less certainty and a likely decrease
in affluence, I think we will see a return to a more
simple value system. Lavish opulence, ostentation and
indulgence are definitely on the way out, replaced by
honesty, integrity and an appreciation for what things
actually are.”
Duncan Riches, Director of Associate
“We don’t use computer modelling, it makes me feel a little bit closer to the piece.”Russell Pinch, Designer
“Well, it’s about the moon isn’t it? Whether you are looking at something spherical or you are inside it, there are never any definite edges. We have a natural affinity with spherical shapes, they appeal to our subconscious, they make us feel safe.”Lee McCormack, Designer
Muse2000+8
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Colours are printed CMYK. For exact colour references, please see Pantone® references at the rear of the book.
Younique.
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Highly charged, conspicuous colours exist
independently, but co-join to create scenarios.
They will always be unique, prevailing as
themselves. Each one has its own personality.
They mix to energise. They are extravagant
and excessively expressive. They represent
a different way of thinking and make their
viewpoint heard. It’s a social interaction; a get
together; a festivity; a soirée; a carousel; a fête;
a rave; a do; a blast; a shindig; a shebang!
Cosiness to a warm interior.
[A different way of seeing brights].
[Monochromatic statements].
[A way to energise neutrals].
[Re-colour ordinary objects].
[Transform haute couture].
[Bright colours give new light to dark shades].
[A new approach to metallics].
[Proud to be different].
[Each hue has its own personality].
[Highly charged].
[Long brightly coloured rays].
[In the spotlight].
[Expressive personality].
[Indian silk, urban cotton].
[Two-ply chinese cashmere].
[Laser cut felted warmth].
[Pale iridescence].
[Hyper-real techno handy craft].
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Colour Combinations
hyper-real technocraft
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Colou
r Ha
rmon
ies
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laser cut felted warmth
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Henrietta ThompsonDesign Journalist,
Author and Curator
Bespoke re-appropriation
Muse2000+8
064
“Consumers are buying into the narrative of the creative and fitting it into the storyline of their lives.”
Piers Roberts, Director of Designersblock
“There is a greater willingness from young designers to communicate rather than to hide behind product. There is more room for slack in their work and room for the people that come and see it to have some involvement, perhaps even in the design process.”
Rory Dodd, Director of Designersblock
Younique is a trend about independence, direct
communication, openness and confidence.
“I think one of the most interesting things we are
seeing at the moment is the trend for individualisation
and bespoke and limited edition everything. People
increasingly want their own tailored personalised
products and services; this is particularly true in the
luxury market. It’s getting to the point when you need
your own personal designer.
The bespoke product is something you are going
to want to keep; it is not a throwaway thing. I am
beginning to wonder if this trend becomes more
about craftsmanship than about design.
Another big trend is for salvage and for reusing and
re-appropriating, in a way that is creating a unique
product every time.”
Henrietta Thompson, Design Journalist, Author and Curator
Muse2000+8
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Trendbites
In a society that
is dominated by
multiculturalism, it
is no longer enough
to accept that there
will only be a limited
number of influences
for the industry in
2008 and 2009.
The following five
‘Trendbites’ are a series
of key thoughts and
illustrations of what will
be inspiring the industry
in the coming 12-18
months.
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Trendbite: Biological Identity Additional influences for 2000+8. Muse2000+8
067
Trendbite: Gridlock Additional influences for 2000+8.Muse2000+8
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Trendbite: Upcycle Additional influences for 2000+8. Muse2000+8
069
Trendbite: Diversity Additional influences for 2000+8.Muse2000+8
070
Trendbite: Freedom Additional influences for 2000+8. Muse2000+8
071
Pantone References**Due to sustainable printing limitations, colours you see here may vary from
Pantone colours referenced on these 3 pages. Therefore any Pantone references
that have slight colour differences from those displayed, the
Pantone reference superceeds any visual representaion of the colour.
Pantone®
509C Pantone®
319CPantone®
490C
Copper
Pantone®
415C MetallicPantone®
7526C
Pantone®
560C MetallicPantone®
5255C
Pantone®
Process BlackPearlescent Metal
Pantone®
7546C
Pantone®
653C
Pantone®
484C
Pantone®
576C
Pantone®
5265C
Pantone®
Cool Grey 1C
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Pantone®
5195C
Pantone®
216CPantone®
676C
Pantone®
215C
Pantone®
7503CPantone®
708C
Pantone®
601C
Pantone®
574C
Pantone®
1535C
Oak Veneer
Pantone®
7499C
Pantone®
Process Black
Pantone®
2756C
Pantone®
262C
Pantone®
732C
Muse2000+8
073
Pantone®
452CPantone®
1795C
Pantone®
262C
Pantone®
7478C
Eroded rockPantone®
Warm Grey 2C
Pantone®
Warm Grey 4C
Pantone®
5665C
Pantone®
5483CPantone®
1795C
Pantone®
234C
Pantone®
4645C
Pantone®
432C
Pantone®
7456C
Pantone®
380C Pantone®
260C
Muse2000+8
074
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publishers.
Acknowledgements
Muse was conceived, designed & published by
Interiors Birmingham
+44 (0)20 7921 8406
www.interiorsbirmingham.com
Jellyhaus Ltd
+44 (0)1926 624444
www.jellyhaus.com
Graphic Design by Mark Williamson
Trend & Editorial contribution by Tabitha Wade
Interiors Birmingham & Jellyhaus would like to thank, for
their generosity and co-operation, the following:
mode...information
the professionals’ first choice
www.modeinfo.com
The Mix - Global Color Research
www.global-color.com
Pantone View
www.view-publications.com
Trendwatching
www.trendwatching.com
The Future Laboratory
www.thefuturelaboratory.com
Premier Laser & Waterjet Cutting
Cover artwork cutting
www.premierlaser.co.uk
Muse2000+8
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Free Range LinksSurf, roam, explore, discover.
www.
recyclenow
.com
www.
fsc-uk
.org
www.
greenyouroffice
.co.uk
www.
greenpeace
.org/apple
Muse2000+8
076
www.
greenawards
.co.uk
www.
tricycleinc
.com
www.
wrap
.org.uk
www.
londonremade
.comMuse2000+8
077
