What are the most interesting novelties in furniture design? Which trends from recent years have prevailed and which new design trends are emerging? In our red dot trend report we are introducing the most important trends and the most fascinating innovations in furniture design.

All in white
Possibly the clearest trend is: white – it is not new, but very dominant and nowhere near its peak yet. In 2001 Apple launched the first white MP3 player. The iPod has sold a million times and the non-colour began its triumphant climb. The trend has spread to all areas of life – be it fashion, accessories, high-tech or cars – everything shines in the colour of innocence. In Germany alone 70 per cent more white cars were sold last year than in the previous year and the trend is upwards. In the furniture sector white is omnipresent; whether it is tables, chairs or cupboards – white is the dominant colour also in this sector. White is above all associated with lightness and clarity and is regarded as timeless and easily combinable – with other colours or tone on tone with muted shades of white and beige, and also with different material combinations. The opposing trend to the colour white consists of bright, shining colours.

 
All in gloss
Clearly dominant is also the trend towards high-gloss, lacquered fronts. Smooth, shiny surfaces dominate – regardless of whether its cupboards, chairs or tables. Chairs are covered with lacquered leather. In the field of upholstered furniture the combination of high-gloss elements and matt upholstery fabrics creates an attractive contrast.

The play with tradition
The borders between professional production and technical ornamentation are blurring more and more. Things that are not handmade nevertheless appear to be. Braided patterns and braided structures are reminiscent of traditional craftsmanship techniques. Sitting furniture with braided leather sides and mesh-like seating surfaces thus receive a three-dimensional effect.
Furniture designs which refer to traditional techniques and which are combined with new materials show new ways of using a material and finding a new visual language.
 
The play of the materials  
Generally, combining materials is still a hot trend. Harmony and softness of fabrics and upholstery meet austerity of braided leather, lacquered woods and metal. These give furniture a haptic and at the same time visually interesting look.
Completely classic?
This year, the tendency to use ornamental patterns alternates with a clear purist language of forms. New interpretations and re-editions of tried and tested classics combine the familiar with the new. Just as in the automobile industry, which has combined striking designs with modern manufacturing techniques with new editions of old classics such as the Mini, the Fiat 500, the VW Beatle or Scirocco, many furniture manufacturers borrow familiar forms from the past and combine them with innovative production techniques.