NYCxDesign 2025: Five Unconventional Trends Predicted to Influence the Upcoming Year Based on My Observations
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, design took center stage during the month-long NYCxDESIGN event, a sprawling extravaganza that encompassed an assortment of fairs, exhibitions, and activations. Amidst the chaotic array of innovative designs, this year's offerings were marked by fresh, resonant pieces that showcased a departure from high-concept work and instead hinted at trends that may well shape the future of design.
The inaugural group exhibition by Love House, featuring the work of 60 artists and designers, introduced a new trend - fabricated fixtures. By draping lighting in jacquard, lace, and other fabrics, designers created lighting pieces that acted as characters within the room, transcending their functional role as mere illuminators. Two standout examples include The Mother by Known Work and Kinship I & II by Lana Launay.
Another striking trend that showed up in various presentations was the adoption of high-voltage hues. Electric blues and purples dominated the color palettes of designers, with cobalt and neon shades taking center stage. These strong, saturated hues brought a controlled energy to the designs, not overwhelming but adding a distinct and sophisticated tone to the overall aesthetic.
A recurring geometric shape that emerged was the triangle, appearing in designs ranging from lighting to furniture to spatial arrangements. The triangle offered a pragmatic form, providing spatial efficiency and fitting seamlessly into the urban living context.
Short-haired shag rugs and upholstery were also prevalent, marking a departure from the shaggier designs of the past few years. This trend saw designers embracing a new texture through short-haired hides, often in creamy, neutral tones. The shift toward shorter haired hides was underscored by the emergence of sustainable alternatives made from recycled water bottles.
Lastly, curtains made a strong showing, with their presence in designs emphasizing dramatic flair and a cinematic appeal. The curtains served as a theatrical element, adding an extra layer of visual interest to the designs and evoking a nostalgia for a bygone era.
In conclusion, NYCxDESIGN 2025 brought forth a diverse range of innovative designs that blended material, shape, texture, and color into a cohesive narrative. Material innovation, with a focus on experimentation and sustainability, paired with an emphasis on inclusivity, emerged as key themes throughout the event. Designs showcased at the festival underscored the ever-evolving role of design in impacting lives and environments.
- In the Love House exhibition, designers used fabrics like jacquard and lace to create lighting pieces, adding a unique texture and character to the room.
- This year's NYCxDESIGN showcased a strong trend of high-voltage hues, particularly electric blues and purples, bringing a controlled energy to the designs.
- The geometric shape of the triangle was prevalent in various designs, offering spatial efficiency and fitting seamlessly into the urban living context.
- Short-haired shag rugs and upholstery were prominent, marking a departure from past trends with their sustainable, recycled water bottle alternatives, and a cinematic appeal brought by dramatic, theatrical curtains.
