Do you see it too? Where men once dominated the design world, powerful women like Patricia Urquiola—one of my long-time favourite designers—and Faye Toogood now take centre stage at major design fairs, sharing their visionary ideas. Their self-expression breaks boundaries, opening new possibilities and turning design into a vibrant dialogue.
At the same time, a new generation of designers leaves its mark with bold ideas, striking materials, and fearless use of colour. Traditional techniques blend with futuristic materials, and uniform collections give way to expressive, eclectic compositions. I see beyond eclecticism—a fusion of retro, nostalgia, and history, where organic design effortlessly coexists with sharp, geometric patterns.
How do you navigate these trends? Does it feel like everything is possible, yet difficult to define where to begin? Do you embrace the eclectic approach of millennials, now shaping the industry, or the bold experimentation of Gen Z, redefining design’s future? What defines your brand’s DNA—sustainability, youthfulness, trend leadership, tradition, responsibility, or social engagement?
In my trend book ATHOME . AWX2627, I could have presented each theme as an eclectic blend, but I deliberately united that feeling under one overarching concept: Post-Genre. Here, traditional boundaries between colour, material, form, emotion, and technology dissolve. Experimentation and unexpected combinations give each object a personal identity. I call this hybrid expressionism—a design philosophy that breaks disciplinary barriers, where opposing elements—from retro to futuristic, from organic to digital—merge into a dynamic, ever-evolving expression.
Take, for example, the celebration of tradition and nostalgia in Terra Vestiga. This concept connects us to personal and cultural history, embedded in textures and crafted details. It highlights that everyone has origins, and that craftsmanship and heritage, rooted in raw materials and traditional techniques, leave an indelible mark.
Maria Patricia Lucascu
At the other end of the spectrum, Tenera Vis embodies quiet elegance, where softness counters harsh reality. Delicate textures and natural influences create tenderness and refined beauty, with even the smallest organic details adding warmth and depth.
Noof
The power of rhythm and structure comes to life when artisanal precision transitions into digital innovation. Close Harmony weaves sharp lines and geometric patterns into a visual symphony, where order and spontaneity exist in balance. Designers like Tekla Evelina Severin and Raw Color exemplify how natural materials and craftsmanship add a distinct human touch.
Aptum
Luxury is redefined in Living Wealth. No longer about superficial shine or faux gold finishes, it values pure, natural materials like metal, wood, and textiles. The patina of oxidised surfaces or the fluidity of water-inspired forms reveal a deeper appreciation for nature’s raw beauty.
Primoarets
Past Forward unfolds as nostalgia meets innovation. Warm, earthy tones and familiar materials evoke memories of a time when objects were built to last. Yet, through revived production techniques and new materials, the past is not merely revived—it is reimagined, creating tension between familiarity and reinvention.
Kato Herbots
A different perspective emerges in By Osmosis, where everything is in flux. Materials react to their surroundings, colours fade and deepen, and textures adapt. Here, design is not frozen in time but enriched through interaction and transformation, celebrating the beauty of impermanence.
Titia Huisman
Finally, Polaris’ Glow captures balance, where cool, icy tones are unexpectedly warmed by golden light. This theme explores the interplay of contrasts—cold and warm, light and shadow—illustrating that true harmony is found not in extremes but where opposites meet.
These eight themes reveal that design goes beyond form and function; it is a dynamic conversation between past, present, and future. This trend book invites you to see the world with fresh eyes and express your vision. Let it inspire and challenge you: dare to experiment, mix within the boundaries that define your identity. Because in this dynamic, hybrid world, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—the future is as diverse as our ideas.
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