2013 Trend #01: Nature Inspired

Large Branch Sculptural Lighting

This is a now long enduring trend spanning a few years now. What we were referring to as "Natural Wood" we have now chosen to classify in a much broader sense as "Nature Inspired". This is because of the continued use of literally interpreted forms like branches and tree trunks into decorative art.

Large Branch or Driftwood

This is a new direction moving away from the smaller thin twigs and bunched grasses of only a year ago. In these new forms we can see thicker, meatier interpretations. Most examples both at shows and in retail are knurled and twisted as if found on a creek bed twisted and bleached by the hot sun.

Below is an example of a more artistic use of the trend. It also plays within the even more broad Ethnic Chic trend with it's primitive hut motif. I ate a lunch inside one of these huts. The hut was great, the sandwich failed to impress. :)

Large Branch Driftwood Huts

Bundled Wood

Bundled Wood

This is again a trend that's been with us for awhile. I feel like it peaked in 2010 but it still remains strong. The trend is characterized by a number of lengths of wood tied together in a bundle but cut flat on two side. It tends to be rectilinear for a contemporary form while at the same time playing heavily on the warmth of natural wood. I see this a lot in seating, planter boxes and in store marketing. There haven't really been too many fresh idea's using this technique but since it still has a pulse there may be time yet to capitalize with something new and interesting.

Distressed Wood Collage

Distressed Wood Collages

Last year this was all over table tops but instead of the bleached color pallet your see on the left it was more colorful and distressed. Before, it would have appeared as though you tore down an old barn side that had a 50 year old billboard painted on it, cut it in little pieces then randomly pieced them together for the collage. Today, the distressed colors have been abandoned for the cool greys and whites of the bleached look. This seems to be the new interior color palette a la Restoration Hardware. However, don't worry color lovers! Bold pop colors are being used to inject a little spice into these spaces. But that's a post for another day.

Coming up next: Vertical Line Trend