Future Trends: 100% Design

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by: David Martin
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Word Count: 375
Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2011 Time: 6:30 AM
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Every year 100% Design London provides a showcase for both celebrated and emerging names in the world of architecture and design, celebrating inspirational creatives from all over the globe, from France and Norway and as far afield as Argentina and Taiwan.

As well as launching careers within the emerging talent portal of 100% Futures, the show is the voice piece for emerging trends; whether you're looking to simply source a unique piece of furniture or completely rethink your entire space, the show offers a multitude of ideas and product sources. Here is our low-down to the key names and trends from 2010.

Cardboard
The Creative Trust scooped the Best Stand Design award in the Blueprint Awards, for showcasing an entire room furnished with decorated cardboard furniture. Whilst it's a material fondly associated with packaging and throw away status, it is possible to create both sturdy and stylish pieces that are also ecological, due to the recyclable nature of the material.

Do It Yourself
During these days of penny pinching necessities in the wake of a global recession, it was reassuring to see TEN at 100% Design - comprising of ten independent designers, TEN showcased TEN PLAN, an exhibition of projects accompanied by plans and instructions for making functional, fun pieces of design - including a portable outdoor kitchen, beautiful balloon bowls and ride-on monsters for children, created from washing-up bowls, wheels and cable-ties.

Practical Beauty
Perhaps it's due to the current financial situation, but there does appear to be more care and attention being paid to infusing beauty in the design of practical day-to-day objects, rather than opting for extravagant accessories. The winner of The New Designers 100% Design Award, Michael Shaw, who showcased a dustpan and brush and ball joint lamp, said: "My idea of good design for what I create is things that are simple, beautiful and functional with an intelligent awareness of manufacture and making."

Traditional Sentiments
The resurgence of craft in general has been picked up in the world of design with 100% Sustainable, which focused on local and traditional skills. Exhibitors included Julie Spurgeon, a ceramics designer who showed her tea set handmade in the pottery town of Stoke-on-Trent; whilst Alexena Cayless exhibited her Cheany Chair, upholstered in tweed and leather and championing traditional shoe-making techniques.

About the Author

David Martin is a furniture designer specialising in fitted bedrooms.