The top trends in 2017 by Daniel Levine

GREEN and natural trend in interior furnishings

To unearth the social trends in furniture and furnishings, the local furniture leaders banded together to tap the premier resource authority to properly lead them to the right design direction for the coming years.

Understanding trends in the market requires a multifaceted, grounded and keen standpoint; it is not an easy task and definitely is not skin-deep.

In getting a clear panorama of the ever-evolving market landscape, Avant-Guide Institute’s Daniel Levine, a global trends expert and reputable keynote speaker arrived recently in the Philippines to discuss how social trends drive consumer behavior. He shared his knowledge on what people want and need to furnish their living, working and other spaces in today’s world.

The ability of Daniel to distill trends to their essence and articulate them is the result of his access to an extensive network of over 9,000 researchers around the world. He has been the leader of the Avant-Guide Institute in New York City and head of a large team of trend spotters. Not only that, he has also spoken at over 300 events worldwide and has consulted with numerous companies and associations to help them understand consumer trends and develop relevant, profitable products and services.

Taking into consideration every facet and circumstance of current consumers needs in this generation, Daniel’s insights toward the furniture and furnishing industry sparked entirely new perspectives for businessmen, local or international buyers, designers, and retail buyers.

The top trends in 2017 by Daniel are: 1) Green and Natural; 2) Socially Responsible; 3) Heritage and Craftsmanship; 4). Health; 5) Introspection; 6) Meaningful Connections; 7) Uniqueness; 8) Personalization; 9) Technology; 10) Simplicity; and, 11) Flashy Wealth.

The Nordic influence on interiors continues with its abundance of clear light, space, and simple, well-designed furnishings. The natural look is key in this “down-to-earth” theme, but because of the abundance of warm textures such as wood, paper, fur, shearling, hides and cork, it never appears sterile or cold. The raw, industrial aesthetic is still going strong, with concrete, clay, copper, glass and steel the main material focus.

UNIQUENESS and craftsmanship

Bring nature to our homes

As the borders blur between work and home life, there’s a strong desire to bring nature into our homes, so expect to see more interiors filled with greenery, hanging pots, plants and herbs. Of course, sustainability continues to be important, and this will also translate into more worn or aged furnishings and accents, mixed in with personal treasures. Since we’re surrounded, often immersed, in artificial intelligence and technology for work and play, people are looking to natural materials for balance. You can also expect to see neutrals accented with colored walls and accessories, especially pastels.

The colors to watch for are gray, beige, off-white, white, yellow, walnut and brown (including gold, copper, white and off-white).

Practicality of using metal alloys, concrete, plastics and fiber, and incorporating fresh materials into traditional furniture design create stunning modern furniture pieces made with wood, natural stone, metal and plastic.

These conferences held in Cebu and Manila were the initially programs that will culminate with the Philippine International Furniture Show 2016 where new furniture pieces will be launched for everyone to buy.

This March, the three most important regional furniture manufacturing associations—the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines and the Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation—will again come together in Manila, to show the best of what the national industry has to offer.

Taking place at the SMX Convention Center from March 11 to 13, the PIFS widens networks by creating a perfect matchup where furniture meets design, with the Interior & Design Manila (IDM) 2016. IDM 2016 will feature the Interior Design Plus with the top brands of fixtures, fittings and finishing materials; Interior Design Excellence Award Pavilion where 10 selected professional interior designers showcase never-before-seen concepts and ideas for the modern home; a two-day continuing professional development conference for Philippine Institute of Interior Designers members; and lastly, a workshop on material application that will be held on the last day specifically designed for today’s interior designer.