5 Trends That Got Pros Excited at Design Chicago 2019
Calming colours and custom details were big takeaways at one of the USA's largest residential-design conferences
Gwendolyn Purdom
28 October 2019
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and homes with a story. Former editor at Preservation mag and Culturess.com.
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and... More
There was no shortage of design insights and inspirations for residential-design professionals who attended the Design Chicago conference in the USA on 2 and 3 October 2019. For me, the conference was an exciting opportunity to plug back into my hometown’s design community and connect with professionals.
Image by Chicago Architecture Today
At this year’s event, which was spread throughout the city’s sprawling Merchandise Mart, pictured here, I spoke with countless designers, visited numerous showrooms and attended several presentations for industry professionals. These covered everything from artisan upholstery to the latest trends in smart kitchens. Here are five trends I heard about again and again, which excited professionals.
At this year’s event, which was spread throughout the city’s sprawling Merchandise Mart, pictured here, I spoke with countless designers, visited numerous showrooms and attended several presentations for industry professionals. These covered everything from artisan upholstery to the latest trends in smart kitchens. Here are five trends I heard about again and again, which excited professionals.
1. Performance fabrics
As homeowners veer away from traditional formal living spaces, designers say they’re choosing materials that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Performance fabrics, once largely limited to outdoor furniture, are continuing to show up indoors, and in unexpected places.
Chicago-based interior designer Brynn Olson was among fellow professionals who attended a panel on fashion-forward fabrics. Olson reported that, for the first time in years, she and her team were able to include white sofas in their designs for families, thanks to the more durable, stain-resistant fabrics on the market.
Olson also said she’s seeing homeowners who are willing to spend more money on pieces because they understand that performance fabrics protect furniture from damage. However, she also likes to use these fabrics in smaller less-expensive details, such as throw pillows.
Demonstrating the fabrics’ protective qualities in action can go a long way in convincing clients of their value. Some professionals say they request a demo kit from fabric makers such as Crypton, whose stain-resistant fabric is shown on the sofa in this photo, or even pour red wine or coffee on a fabric swatch in front of their clients.
Sturdier fabrics are showing up in less formal spaces too, echoing a bigger idea that surfaced during the two-day event: practicality seems to be driving more and more design trends, designers say.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz with knowledge about using performance fabrics at home
As homeowners veer away from traditional formal living spaces, designers say they’re choosing materials that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Performance fabrics, once largely limited to outdoor furniture, are continuing to show up indoors, and in unexpected places.
Chicago-based interior designer Brynn Olson was among fellow professionals who attended a panel on fashion-forward fabrics. Olson reported that, for the first time in years, she and her team were able to include white sofas in their designs for families, thanks to the more durable, stain-resistant fabrics on the market.
Olson also said she’s seeing homeowners who are willing to spend more money on pieces because they understand that performance fabrics protect furniture from damage. However, she also likes to use these fabrics in smaller less-expensive details, such as throw pillows.
Demonstrating the fabrics’ protective qualities in action can go a long way in convincing clients of their value. Some professionals say they request a demo kit from fabric makers such as Crypton, whose stain-resistant fabric is shown on the sofa in this photo, or even pour red wine or coffee on a fabric swatch in front of their clients.
Sturdier fabrics are showing up in less formal spaces too, echoing a bigger idea that surfaced during the two-day event: practicality seems to be driving more and more design trends, designers say.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz with knowledge about using performance fabrics at home
2. Customisation
With designers trying to make their work stand out in an inspiration-overloaded industry, and with homeowners prioritising thoughtful design, professionals say customisation is ubiquitous. Homeowners’ specific needs (and wants) are driving design choices in ways that previously were reserved for only high-end homes.
The kitchen, for example, is moving away from the traditional work triangle set-up and towards more specialised configurations that work for specific homeowners. In a presentation about this shift, panelists reported working with clients who have incorporated design details such as a fresh-produce drawer beneath a benchtop blender for making morning smoothies, an integrated fridge for storing fresh pet food, a fridge with drawers dedicated to bread making and dough proofing, or a home bar with a cooler for keeping glasses frosted.
“Our clients have very specific cooking needs, and the [kitchen] triangle is flexing and changing to reflect those needs,” said Nicholas Moriarity during a panel discussion on the kitchen triangle. His kitchen designs, like the one shown here, are rooted in client responses to an in-depth questionnaire that examines exactly how they use their kitchens.
With designers trying to make their work stand out in an inspiration-overloaded industry, and with homeowners prioritising thoughtful design, professionals say customisation is ubiquitous. Homeowners’ specific needs (and wants) are driving design choices in ways that previously were reserved for only high-end homes.
The kitchen, for example, is moving away from the traditional work triangle set-up and towards more specialised configurations that work for specific homeowners. In a presentation about this shift, panelists reported working with clients who have incorporated design details such as a fresh-produce drawer beneath a benchtop blender for making morning smoothies, an integrated fridge for storing fresh pet food, a fridge with drawers dedicated to bread making and dough proofing, or a home bar with a cooler for keeping glasses frosted.
“Our clients have very specific cooking needs, and the [kitchen] triangle is flexing and changing to reflect those needs,” said Nicholas Moriarity during a panel discussion on the kitchen triangle. His kitchen designs, like the one shown here, are rooted in client responses to an in-depth questionnaire that examines exactly how they use their kitchens.
The focus on customisation came up often throughout the conference. Olson emphasised her team’s practice of adding at least one custom-designed piece to every project. Other professionals spoke of highlighting architectural features to make a house stand out. And another presentation focused on bringing out a homeowner’s personality through kitchen colour choices.
Products debuted at the conference embraced a more custom-focused homeowner too. Antoniolupi and Ernestomeda Chicago, both in partnership with the Luca Lanzetta Group, showcased the new Icon Colour collection, which allows for aluminium elements to be customised in 50 colours.
Products debuted at the conference embraced a more custom-focused homeowner too. Antoniolupi and Ernestomeda Chicago, both in partnership with the Luca Lanzetta Group, showcased the new Icon Colour collection, which allows for aluminium elements to be customised in 50 colours.
3. Designing for calm and wellness
In separate colour-trend presentations, representatives from paint companies Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore said homeowners are looking to soft, warm, neutral palettes at home to evoke a sense of calm and serenity in the face of negative news headlines and a chaotic world.
The Benjamin Moore team traced the evolution of the company’s trending colour palettes over the past five years and demonstrated how its latest collection is pared down from previous years’ collections. It features a variety of creams and greys, with only a couple of rich anchoring shades of blue and green. The professionals behind the Sherwin-Williams 2020 Colormix Forecast cited the ideas of sanctuary, escapism, simplicity and overall wellness as influences in their palettes as well.
Wellness and serenity in design dominated a number of conversations throughout Design Chicago. Speakers discussed the value of biophilic design and spa-like bathroom features, as well as how emerging smart-home features can boost wellness. A number of designers I spoke with between presentations echoed similar sentiments and reported they are seeing simplified designs and more neutral colours, which aim to create calm, quiet atmospheres.
Design aimed at boosting emotional wellness had its time in the spotlight as well, particularly during a panel that explored how design professionals can better help clients going through dramatic personal life changes by creating personalised, calming spaces.
Maison & Objet 2019: Highlights From Paris’ Latest Design Fair
In separate colour-trend presentations, representatives from paint companies Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore said homeowners are looking to soft, warm, neutral palettes at home to evoke a sense of calm and serenity in the face of negative news headlines and a chaotic world.
The Benjamin Moore team traced the evolution of the company’s trending colour palettes over the past five years and demonstrated how its latest collection is pared down from previous years’ collections. It features a variety of creams and greys, with only a couple of rich anchoring shades of blue and green. The professionals behind the Sherwin-Williams 2020 Colormix Forecast cited the ideas of sanctuary, escapism, simplicity and overall wellness as influences in their palettes as well.
Wellness and serenity in design dominated a number of conversations throughout Design Chicago. Speakers discussed the value of biophilic design and spa-like bathroom features, as well as how emerging smart-home features can boost wellness. A number of designers I spoke with between presentations echoed similar sentiments and reported they are seeing simplified designs and more neutral colours, which aim to create calm, quiet atmospheres.
Design aimed at boosting emotional wellness had its time in the spotlight as well, particularly during a panel that explored how design professionals can better help clients going through dramatic personal life changes by creating personalised, calming spaces.
Maison & Objet 2019: Highlights From Paris’ Latest Design Fair
4. Black details
Though light neutral colours remain popular, several professionals cited bold black accents, particularly in the kitchen, as the trend they’re most excited to use in their work.
White kitchens can be beautiful, but some homeowners feel they lack dimension. Blue kitchens, which have soared in popularity in recent years, may be losing steam, say many designers. Black kitchens, however, seem poised to have a moment. Black was prevalent in furniture pieces that debuted at the show as well.
See more black kitchens for inspiration
Though light neutral colours remain popular, several professionals cited bold black accents, particularly in the kitchen, as the trend they’re most excited to use in their work.
White kitchens can be beautiful, but some homeowners feel they lack dimension. Blue kitchens, which have soared in popularity in recent years, may be losing steam, say many designers. Black kitchens, however, seem poised to have a moment. Black was prevalent in furniture pieces that debuted at the show as well.
See more black kitchens for inspiration
5. Sustainability through different lenses
Professionals were eager to talk and hear about the latest innovations in sustainability. The topic came up in presentations dedicated to sustainable leather and other materials, as well as sustainable design choices.
In a presentation examining the ways famous architectural projects have influenced their own work, Chicago-based architects talked about how their peers and other designers can look to the past for inspiration in sustainable design.
Architect Scott Fortman of Gibbons, Fortman & Associates, whose Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Prairie-style project is shown here, talked about how Wright’s focus on a home’s relationship to its landscape drives his own work. Architect Doug Farr suggested that today’s design professionals can look to old-fashioned sustainability solutions such as rainwater-collection systems in Roman courtyards to shrink carbon footprints. Organic textiles, shapes and rugs were also prominent at Design Chicago.
Your turn
Which of these five design directions are you looking forward to seeing? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with the latest news from Europe’s design trade fairs? Catch up here with 2019 European Design Fairs: 3 Big Movements in Interiors
Professionals were eager to talk and hear about the latest innovations in sustainability. The topic came up in presentations dedicated to sustainable leather and other materials, as well as sustainable design choices.
In a presentation examining the ways famous architectural projects have influenced their own work, Chicago-based architects talked about how their peers and other designers can look to the past for inspiration in sustainable design.
Architect Scott Fortman of Gibbons, Fortman & Associates, whose Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Prairie-style project is shown here, talked about how Wright’s focus on a home’s relationship to its landscape drives his own work. Architect Doug Farr suggested that today’s design professionals can look to old-fashioned sustainability solutions such as rainwater-collection systems in Roman courtyards to shrink carbon footprints. Organic textiles, shapes and rugs were also prominent at Design Chicago.
Your turn
Which of these five design directions are you looking forward to seeing? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with the latest news from Europe’s design trade fairs? Catch up here with 2019 European Design Fairs: 3 Big Movements in Interiors
Related Stories
For Pros
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Trends
10 Fresh Furniture and Decor Trends for 2023 From the USA
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures filled the 2023 collections at High Point Market
Full Story
Gardens
Fabulous Ideas to Borrow From Achievable Garden Entries at MIFGS
Tertiary students led the way with their achievable garden ideas at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Full Story
Trends
6 Surface Materials Your Clients Will Crave in 2023 and Beyond
Discover the top six innovative materials that were on display at this year’s Surface Design Show in London, UK
Full Story
For Pros
Viva Las Vegas: 9 Tapware and Tile Trends for 2023 From the USA
See the latest tiles, tapware styles, shower features and kitchen trends launched at the Las Vegas KBIS 2023 trade show
Full Story
Trends
7 Interiors Trends from the Maison&Objet 2023 Design Fair
By Houzz France
From tending to our own wellbeing to showing a greater respect for the planet, this year’s theme was Take Care
Full Story
For Pros
What’s Next in Furniture and Homewares From the USA?
Spicy colours, burnished metals and classic forms were among the top trends spotted at the USA's 2022 High Point Market
Full Story
Trends
6 Future Trends in Design From Europe's 2022 Trade Fairs
Continuity, cosiness and crisis response are the big takeaways from the latest fair season in Europe
Full Story
For Pros
4 Interior Design Trends From Spain's Hábitat Valencia 2022
Texture, colour and oh so chic comfort were in the spotlight at Hábitat Valencia, with a good dose of designer optimism
Full Story
For Pros
8 Inspiring Ideas from 2022’s London Design Festival
With sensory surfaces and a focus on wellbeing and sustainability, a positive vibe permeated this year’s event
Full Story
I find the sustainability trend interesting. We ended up in reclaimed lumber fifteen years ago because we were building "green" homes before the recession and reclaiming lumber was a green activity. Post recession, no one wanted to build but everyone wanted the reclaimed look. We marketed the "green" aspect heavily and in that amount of time, I can think maybe 10 projects out of thousands that the client valued the "green" aspect.
Today, I see a lot less of the "reclaimed" look in current Houzz articles, but I wonder if the interest will keep going from more of a sustainability aspect.
we wanted to reuse several 8m x 250x 50 timber beams in a recent renovation and the builder said that because it was untreated the beams couldn't be reused without compromising his builders' insurance? we did reuse some floor tiles, light fittings, solid core doors and plaster cornice but tradesmen were not very happy and work took longer and cost more..most of the carefully salvaged kitchen cabinets, ss sinks taps, architrave and timber trim will be reused but only when we do the work ourselves.
#2, the tv, surely that's an uncomfortable height to watch it?
And I am enjoying my touches of black kitchen and walk in pantry behind oven.
Before and after