Furniture Consumer Insights

Implications - Limited living space has gone from being a gruesome necessity to being a chic design war in which home owners compete to create the most of their compact interiors. From faux chandelier wall decals to transformer furniture, this design niche for limited space has unlimited potential, with the added benefit of reducing personal carbon footprints.

Implications - Implanting grass on inanimate objects is a simple road to eco. While green roofs and walls are meant to offset carbon emissions, living furniture instantly adds an element of nature to the home. The simple addition of plants easily makes something “green” in all senses of the word.

Implications - As urban lifestyles drive the shift to smaller living spaces, designers are striving to innovate compact appliances. Wall-mounted kettles, dishwashers, fireplaces, or utensil dart boards are specifically designed for these homes.

Implications - Maximization of small space living is an art form made attainable by various artists designing for these once niche, now near mainstream, living scenarios. Adjustable furniture that stacks, compresses or collapses makes tailoring household items to a family’s needs much more optimal.

Implications - A growing wave of designers are answering a fascination with illuminated textiles. In our 2008 report, we watched this spark up the fashion scene, with glow-in-the-dark clothing and accessories; in 2009, we now see furniture flaring up. Some pieces are new takes on lighting, others are setting custom moods, while others are purely design.

Implications - People are spending more time at computers than ever, spurring demand for innovative workstations and ergonomic office furniture. Computer-bound bodies cramp, shoulders slump after a few hours, and discomfort-related irritation sets in. Offices that fight stagnation and dysphoria are hot in demand.

Implications - Consumers are looking for designs to cheer them up, especially as the economy forces more people to stay home. Vibrant exterior and interior accents defy the doom of a dismal economy. Using a range of bright colors in place of standard gloomy neutrals gives any piece a splash of sunshine and rainbows.

Implications - Flower-inspired furniture allows consumers who don't have a yard (or a green thumb) to enjoy the aesthetic value of Mother Nature's bounty without the maintenance. These indoor perennials don't wilt or die like their real-life counterparts, and give a cheery antidote to the gloomy economy.

Implications - Global population growth and expansion has made space-conscious designs increasingly necessary. Construction on compact abodes is rising, thereby increasing the necessity and desire for compressed (but still luxurious) home furnishings to maximize precious square feet.

Implications - In a rapidly advancing world, modern takes on antique objects are becoming much needed breaths of fresh air. People don't want to forget the past as they soldier on into the future, especially when present circumstances are rocky. Nostalgic tendencies are hard to fight, but moderntique creations allow the past to live on.