Heimtextil 2016

The umbrella theme at Heimtextil 2016 goes by the name of 'Well-Being 4.0“. It has been identified by a 'Trend Table', a panel of international experts from six highly- regarded trend and design consultancies. Working together, the experts have provided a forecast for the textiles to be used in interior design in the forthcoming season. The new design themes will be characterised by a holistic approach, which brings human realities back into the purview of design and pays greater attention to the senses. 'Well-Being 4.0' describes furnishing scenarios which invite you to relax, feel good and enjoy a place of calm and peace. Everything will be geared towards a better quality of life and greater feeling of well-being. Technology and science, which enjoy a symbiotic relationship with textile materials, play a crucial role in this process. The notion of '4.0' derives from the concept of 'Industry 4.0' and stands for smart, digital and individualised solutions. To put it simply: it should be possible to create positive feelings and sensuous reactions at the push of a button. “It's all about finding ways in which natural things can be combined with man-made ones,” says Lisa Douet from the WGSN trend consultancy, which is responsible this year for designing the scenarios to showcase the trends. In so doing, she identifies one of the central challenges: “At the same time as valuing technology, we must ensure that natural materials and handmade products also have their place on the design shelves of the future.”

Overview of trends:

Protect: good for us

This general trend presages a clean aesthetic – clear, reductionist design. It goes together with a wide range of products and services related to wellness and detoxification. Peace and quiet, a valuable commodity which has become something of a rarity these days, takes on key significance and creates a counterbalance to a world in which we are constantly 'connected' and increasingly need to treat ourselves. Accordingly, this trend brings with it the notion of 'Protect' – having in its sights not only the physical but, above all, the mental realm.

Energise: digital dreams

Human beings stay connected through technology, so as to increase their sense of well-being. The boundaries between online and offline are becoming indistinct. And digital space is spreading into our physical world. In this process, light becomes a new material, creating immaterial forms and dynamic contours. The colour palette pulsates between strong and gentle contrasts. At the same time, there are some powerful, almost fluorescent colours compared to shades of dark electric blue. These highly energetic trends enliven the aesthetic with an intense glitz and shine, kaleidoscopic patterns and humorous, sporty designs.

Nourish: designing for the senses

Both urban and natural landscapes find themselves side-by-side, making possible a new, sustainable world. The key feature lies in the planting of spaces to create greenery. In the process, the colour palette celebrates the beauty of green tones, as well as dark browns and greys – harmonious echoes of earth and stone. Natural materials are paired with ground-breaking design. This gives the craft trades a particular responsibility to bring out the beauty of the original materials to the full.

Enrich: appealing to all of the senses

In the foreground here is opulence and highly decorative elements, which unite cultural reference to both past and future. Equally, ornamental compositions and shiny surfaces, high-quality and precious materials create striking visual effects. Generously opulent, dense colours like plum and carmine red burgeon with metallic accents in gold, brass and bronze. Hints of the Orient mingle with iconic patterns which re-invent classicism in their splendour and perfection.

The 'Theme Park'

The new location for the 'Theme Park' and the forthcoming Heimtextil in 2016 will be Hall 6.0. This hall offers generous design possibilities. In the new section, the area devoted to the new trends can stand alone and be staged in spacious surroundings. Exhibitors and visitors alike will be justifiably excited by an elaborately staged show at the centre of Heimtextil.

“We looked for a more generous space for the 'Theme Park' and we found the solution in the neighbouring Hall 6.0,” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. An important concern for the organisers, in the decision to use Hall 6.0, was to continue to find a central location for the new 'Theme Park' – its location as one of the major factors in the success of the previous, extremely well-attended special show. The 'Theme Park' has proved to be a magnet for the public and has established itself as an event highlight, its effects radiate over the entire trade fair and, as the first port of call for the aficionados of design amongst the exhibitors and visitors alike, it must be reachable easily and quickly.

Both the 'Theme Park' at the trade fair and the new Trend Book give insights into a host of ground-breaking projects. At the same time, the details of the new trends are covered in greater depth on the newly designed website.

The Trend Book

This edition of the new Trend Book appears in three parts: a book that describes four trend scenarios, with details of materials, designs and colours; a 'Colour Palette' which presents the spectrum of the new colours that are currently on trend and which can be used as a practical tool; and an Editorial, which makes clear what is meant by the umbrella trend 'Well-being 4.0'. Amongst other things, there is discussion of 'sensory botanics', consideration is given to valuable minerals and therapeutic textiles and colours that go with a feeling of well-being are identified.

The Trend Table

Members of the 'Trend Table', who identified the general trend scenarios for 2016/2017, include the Dan Project from Japan, Exalis/Carlin International from France, the Felix Diener Studio from Germany, and the FranklinTill Studio from Great Britain, the stijlinstituut amsterdam from the Netherlands and the WGSN Group from the USA. The trend experts from WGSN have been responsible for developing the Trend Book and for designing the 'Theme Park'. The accompanying website is also being looked after by WGSN.