Trend forecasting in the vintage and antique home and collectible market is not about large leaps but more about slow progression. Nothing tends to fall off the radar in an instant, unlike the fashion industry, who’s cycles are only about 3-6 months long. Home is about EVOLUTION and not often about REVOLUTION. Sometimes you get a chance to see where several trends end – essentially marking an era finished. This year is not that. This is about UNCERTAINY and SLOW CHANGE.
2008 was an END OF AN ERA – the economic collapse saw to that. 2009 Evolution. 2010 Evolution. And for 2011 – you guessed it more Evolution. If you recall VandM.com’s 2010 Trend Forecast we identified several key themes all with associated smaller sub-themes. To DOWNLOAD the 2010 TREND FORECAST click here.
2010 THEMES
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1. THE NEW ROMANTICS – I described as Victoria without the Victorians. A growing fascination with the Victorian Era and more specifically with the Industrial Revolution. I said it would manifest in the following sub-thematic ways: Industrial Revolution, Machines for Learning, Paisley, Industrial Americana, Maharaja, Love of the Macabre, Taxonomy & Collections, Femme Fatale, The Occult, Shadow Boxes & Museum Stands, Sepia Tone, Tapestry, and Tsarist Russia.
2. WPA DECO – I described as similar to our own economic moment which has pushed us into a Great Depression Era like feel. Its sub-themes: Men’s suiting Fabrics, German Military, Tailoring, Stone, Deco Sculpture, and tartan.
3. 1980s AGAIN AND AGAIN – This began in 2008 and continued to build steam in 2009. The big hair era of decadence had made many of us nostalgic for a time when money flowed. Sub-themes: Tartan, Bright Pattern, Space Fabrics, New York Loft Looks, Pastels, Studio Art Glass, Neon, Tone-on-Tone and the color Mauve.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL & SCULPTURE – Healing the planet as a concern gives rise to more healthy living. Including the sub-themes: Natural wood, Tone-on-Tone, A-typical Eco Friendly, Stone, Steel, Reclaimed wood, Sculptural furniture, studio furniture, gold, Environmental Sculpture and Graphics.
2011 THEMES
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My early predictions are that some parts of THE NEW ROMANTICS will continue while several of its sub-themes will trend up and down (want to know which ones and why? Stay tuned for the 2011 Forecast releasing in the next few weeks.) Look for WPA DECO to get stronger along with most of its themes. Watch for 1980s to be replaced with very early 90s with only a few of its sub-themes remaining. Finally ENVIRONMENTAL & SCULPTURE will have a few things continue and some will drop completely.
So that is your sneak peek. Join me in the next few weeks for the complete report with potentially some more in depth teaser articles until then!
