Trends: The New Humility in Design

I thought, given the chaos in the financial and political worlds, that I would start my breakdown of LDF 2011 trends with what is a very widespread trend for, if not austerity as such (which is too problematic for a bunch of people selling high-end design / launching new products), then a certain unmistakeable humility in the work. It's in the materials, the finishes, the forms, the techniques, even their presentation (numerous crate shelves and small, unpretentious flower displays). No-one seems much interested in the glossy, the showy, conspicuous consumption, pretence or veneer. And thank heavens for that, it was always pretty naff and insecure - unless the tongue was firmly in the cheek. Anyway, here's a selection of images I took over the London Design Festival that, when put together, hopefully show what I'm talking about. 


Some people are already bored of this trend and championing a return to glamour, decadence etc. To me, given the situation in the wider world, this seems crass and, in the case of many glossy fashion and interiors magazines I presume, at least in part, an attempt to appease their desperate advertisers. Until things turn around and I really can't imagine how that's going to happen in the western world (although I'm happy be proved wrong), this kind of design - if new design is needed at all - seems like the only way to proceed and the only look that I am comfortable living with. 

All pictures copyright Kate Jacobs

A moodboard of key trends as seen at the London Design Festival...

Before I get a bit more specific about LDF trends in some upcoming blogs, here's a moodboard I've made of close-ups taken at the London Design Festival. Not being a masochist, I won't be attempting to caption this one.

Trends Overview:

Materials: unfinished wood, leather, concrete, terracotta, wicker, woven cotton, knitted wool, marble, quartz and agate etc., brass, copper

Colours: naturals and neutrals, metallics, matt black, acid yellow

Textures: wood grain, woven and knitted, geometric, slatted

Styles: industrial, crafts, austerity, humility

All pictures copyright Kate Jacobs

London Design Festival: Michael Anastassiades on Brompton Road

After a hectic October, I'm trying to catch up with some posts on the many inspirational things I saw at the London Design Festival. First up is the pop-up show of Michael Anastassiades work. I first met Michael in 2006 when I wrote about his wonderful Waterloo home for Elle Decoration. I called the piece 'the new simplicity' because I felt that the house, with it's neutral plaster-inspired palette, natural materials and occasional precious objects in brass and marble was going to set the the tone for future design trends. And he was pretty much on the money, as far as I'm concerned. 

I was similarly inspired by the latest show. There were just two elements to this show: the setting and the work - with no additional frippery. The setting was a defunct early-Victorian jewellers in the Brompton Design District - lots of shiny glass and mirror yet still austere in ebony gloss-painted wood and neat white plaster. Then add to this Michael's work in glass, brass and marble etc - vessels, lighting and more sculptural pieces, displayed using multiples to great dramatic effect. The two worked so well together. 

*Michael Anastassiades

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs

Picture copyright Kate Jacobs