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Basic Information |
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INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS
Traditional lifestyles are increasingly disintegrating under the influence of globalisation, the aging of society, and the desire for greater independence and individuality — in short, as a result of social change. This development is also evident in the home. People no longer just live at home; instead, home is the place where we can express our personality. Trend researchers call this development “homing”, a term that also refers to people’s tendency to seclude themselves within their own four walls where they feel cosy and comfortable. As a result, a new home-related market has arisen in recent years, and this market is set to develop further in the future. Home accessories, for example, have become more important, as they can quickly give home interiors a distinctive touch. What used to be our “home sweet home” will become a place for fulfilling individual needs and requirements. This new kind of habitat will be decorated in a very conscious way. But to do that, the sector needs lots of new products, ideas and services.
In response to this situation, furniture manufacturers are continuously expanding their range of offerings. By providing an extremely diverse range of products, the companies are well-equipped to meet the demand for customized pieces of furniture that are almost unique items. Today’s sofa buyers can choose between various seating heights, hundreds of different cover fabrics, various wood and metal legs, and lots more. Not only is there now a growing number of different styles; design is becoming vastly more important. Besides furniture and cars, designers are now even creating small consumer items such as toothbrushes and bread knives. Today, consumers are demanding good individualised furniture more often than was the case in the past. In addition, the increasing importance of the home is also reflected in the large number of TV shows providing information for home-makers and on how to choose good furniture.
Customers’ demands on new furniture are closely linked to their adaptable lifestyles. Whereas people used to buy built-in kitchens to last half a lifetime, they now prefer modular cabinets that can quickly be adapted to new requirements. And instead of a solid wall unit that remains stationary for 30 years, customers now request lightweight structures for the easy integration of flat-screen TVs. There is increased demand for furniture that is easy to transport, assemble and disassemble. And easy transport refers not only to moving to a new flat, but also to moving furniture about in the home, because people change, redesign and redecorate their home interiors more and more often. It therefore comes as no surprise that the portable beanbag is experiencing a comeback. Today it is taken to wherever the bearer wishes to sit down. Back in the 1970s, people owned beanbags because of their organically modern design and loud colours. Today, the focus is on their utility.
This simple example shows that furniture should provide solutions and not only serve as products which people can use for sitting, lying down or storage. Today’s furniture is mostly multi-functional, as it fulfils two or even three needs. Shoe cupboards come with mirrors on the back, armchairs are equipped with a massage function, and sofas can be converted into beds when guests arrive. Not only does modern furniture need to be comfortable and attractive to look at; it also has to be functional and effective.
The future can be bright for the furniture and interior design sector. The coming years will see tremendous growth in worldwide demand — and the need for furniture that enables consumers to make their dream homes a reality.
more basic information
The German Furniture Industry in a Global Context
Development of the German Furniture Industry
Prices of Wood Products Explode
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