Why follow trends when they so quickly change and fade? Well, here I am in Milano for the International Furniture and Design Fair, Salone Del Mobile 2017. The quality and quantity of great design and innovation are overwhelming. There is so much here on display to keep me exploring for days... AMAZING THINGS!! But apart from admiring the beautiful furniture, I am here firstly to discover and understand the latest Trends in interior design. What is coming up to our shores and most importantly, what will stay for longer than a season.
Designers get creative and buyers get excited, but Trends come and go, and because I prefer to invest in quality furniture, I suggest: "buy less but buy better". Do not fall for gimmick novelty that you will too soon get tired of, and do not buy cheap as you only get what you pay for. Cheap furniture gets quickly damaged, is too often not even worth giving to charity shops, and it ends up in the rubbish. Main stream furniture do not seem to survive generations anymore, have you noticed?
Quality, comfort, design, uniqueness, innovation, creativity, attention to detail... the checking boxes of quality design are many, and all contribute to what we generally define as Good Design. When purchasing a new piece of furniture I insist you check for quality and functionality first, then looks and style. Taste does vary from person to person, based on culture, environment and affordability. But what you choose to surround yourself with should only be your choice, not fads. So, be clever, be brave and BE YOU.
Tulip Table and Chairs. Eero Saarinen, 1956
Ultimately, quality furniture becomes classic, part of popular culture and a very good investment. Quality survives the changes in fashion and trends and this is the furniture I suggest investing in, despite what it may cost. And it can be expensive, in fact, but this is an investment that in the long run will save you money as well as being a witness to your good taste.
Barcelona Chair, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1929
So, why follow Trends when they so quickly change and fade? Because they don't.
Quality Trends are in fact a celebration of human creativity, an enriching adventure, and are here to stay.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James Treble has more than 25 years of experience in the Building Industry and Interior Design. His knowledge and experience in adding value to homes, through clever design & styling, is now published for all to learn and benefit from. Interior Design For Profit is now available online.
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