Lifestyle
Lighting trends to switch you on
Which major lighting trends will transform our living spaces this year? Creative Director Anita Bloom enlightens us in her Decorex Africa Trend Report 2020.
Decorex Africa’s Trend Report for 2020 gives us a teasing glimpse of what to expect from Decorex Durban, Cape Town and Joburg 2020, where designers and manufacturers showcase all the latest trends, concepts and products that will guide and inspire us. The broad themes emphasised in the report will be featured in the Mobelli Furniture + Living Trend House – Urban Living by Design, Insta-Interiors, the Trend Kitchen by Cosentino and Trend Installations as well as pop-up restaurants, cafés and feature areas at each show. Make a special note to visit the Lighting by Design Project, which will showcase exciting lighting trends at all three shows.
Bloom, who authored the report, ran her own design studio, Just Bloom Designs, before moving to Inspire Trade Expo for four years and then joining the Decorex Africa team, and her vast experience in graphic design and exhibition curation perfectly positions her to identify and share shifting design and décor trends.
When it comes to how we’ll be illuminating our homes, Bloom says we’ll be putting the strict minimalism of Scandinavian design behind us. “We’re moving towards softer, more nature-inspired interiors and correspondingly gentle illumination,” she reveals. “Think a multitude of hanging lights, floor lamps, table lamps, candles and lanterns to add a more sensual touch to our homes and moderate the stark lighting of Scandi design. In fact, there’s a move towards more natural light and a less-is-more approach to lighting solutions. Fireplaces are back and they bring flickering light and undeniable cosiness to living rooms.”
Another growing trend to be aware of is the use of paper lamps – Asian-inspired light fixtures that add an eclectic touch to any décor. Japadi Style (a blend of Scandi and traditional Japanese details), along with Wabi Sabi (the idea that imperfection is beautiful and life is impermanent) permeate lighting design, with cylinders, ovals and globes in white or neutral colours illuminating softened interiors. “Whether oversized, used singly or in bunches, these lights are sure to magically transform rooms,” says Bloom.
Rounded and organic shapes will dominate when it comes to lighting – and the circle will be the most important (but by no means only) geometric shape that will influence designers in 2020. The most significant trend, however, is towards creating essential shapes that can adapt to any space, lasting as different styles come and go.
Another trend to watch is the resurgence of neon – think names, phrases and slogans up in lights or strategic blocks of colour. “Done well, neon features read like modern art installations. You can opt for a subtle glow or the full ‘shock and awe’ effect,” says Bloom.
Diarise for Decorex Africa 2020:
- Decorex Durban 2020, from 19-22 March 2020 at Durban Exhibition Centre
- Decorex Cape Town 2020 from 30 April to 3 May 2020 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
- Decorex Joburg 2020, from 6-10 August 2020 at Gallagher Convention Centre