Emerging Trends in Design

 At this year's IIDEX Interior Design Show in Toronto, we spotted 3 major trends in interior spaces.

1. interactive design

It's all about you! Technology used to  improve our interior space was another trend of the show. We have begun to see this with smart appliances for kitchens.  On a larger scale, industrial designers are creating products for the home that include interaction as their modus operandi. Apple is a leader is using interactive design - just look at the ipod touch or the ipad. German manufacturer Hettich showcased the future of kitchen with multimedia touch screens that controlled all the appliances.

Interactive table for office

Active participation at Interface Flor

2. texture

Inviting tactile surfaces were everywhere throughout the show. Deep shaggy surfaces on pillows and carpets included layering of complementary surfaces such as light feathery with organic solids. We have already begun to see this trend in many residential projects with plush pillows and throws. A large pavilion showcased furniture samples and architectural surfaces with visual impact, such as the surface below.

Material exhibit at Design Show

3. the environment

Green design continues to play a major role in the development of  design, from large commercial projects to small interiors. The main difference now is that environmental design is not a selling point, but a requirement.  Instead of using green design for financial gain, it is part of what is known as a triple bottom line : Social, economic, environmental. Companies such as Interface Flor lead the future of this environmental initiative for interiors.  At the Fractal Garden Installation, 21 diamond-shaped planters on wheels invited visitors to arrange a landscape to their liking - combining the environment with  interactive design.

Diamond-shaped landscape planters