Ambiente 2023 was illuminating. On display? New and innovative solutions, as well as reinterpreted classics.
2023, year of post-consumerism
What do we mean by that? Materialism will not evaporate. However, it does mean that people will start looking for new ways to live, work, recreate, collaborate, and communicate – going beyond the archaic principles of our current commercial society.
Global issues and community problems require alternative solutions and exceptional, prompt action, especially in times of a collective perma-crisis. If brands adapt, they can guide the way.
With rising costs and financial constraints, recreational time and low-key endeavors have become less popular than they were during the Covid era.
In response to this paradigm shift, consumer behavior has changed irrefutably, prioritizing budgeting. The desire to retreat also drives socialization inside. Instead of merely absorbing socialization, this slower way of living focuses on caring for the home.
Pop'n'Block
The use of colors is here to stay! As a result, many companies reintroduce new colorways of their classics or generally offer many different color variations.
The movement of sectioning off or dividing shapes using blocks of color applied to products and materials. Complementary color combinations are omnipresent, but tone-on-tone will remain a crowd favorite.
Shine bright like an icon
With so-called "Scandinavian style" influences, matte finishes predominate and are mixed with neutral hues like black, white, or cork and organic materials like wood. Similar to mattes, glossy finishes are still abundant. Matt-er-of-fact, several brands have released glossy renditions of classics.
Looking wood
Although solid wood and imitations remain popular, companies are finally attempting to utilize it in unusual ways and products! Some highlights include meat slicers, high-performance kitchen equipment, wall clocks, and BBQ grills.
Simplify'n'Sustain
Sustainable, local products with minimal use of resources have grown mainstream. There is an expansion of consciousness, shifting the perspective on buying intentions to something more fundamental and human: brands are nothing without a purpose and philosophy that cannot be trusted.
The use of sustainable or recyclable materials was also covered, and general reference was made to environmental initiatives such as circular design processes or materials research.
In line with circular design principles, we are seeing more and more examples of brands having designs where the materials could easily be repurposed or recycled properly.
