The meaning of design trends

This month, The ColourDesign newsletter takes a look at the psychology behind our evolving design trends. From 1990s minimalism to the biophilic design of today, we investigate how design movements are influenced and shaped by changing attitudes and perceptions of our world.

?

From minimalism to new minimalism

Back in the 90s, the minimalist aesthetic took the design world by storm. Reflecting on some of the defining trends of that unforgettable era, we also investigate the characteristics of today’s ‘new minimalism’ – exploring the evolution towards a softer aesthetic and what it says about our changing attitudes to the environment and consumption.

?

Less is more

We also profile design trend forecaster and international colour consultant Hilde Francq from Francq Colors , asking her about the ethos behind ICONICA’s New Minimalism colours and textures. The long-time Axalta collaborator talks about her work in the world of forecasting and explains the ideology behind a collection that is expressive of a lighter footprint on this earth.

?

Biophilic design

Did you know that the definition of ‘biophilia’ is a love of life and living things? With an explosion of biophilic principles across the design disciplines, our overview takes a look at the origins of the philosophy as well as the growing academic evidence base linking wellbeing with nature in our cities, homes and workplaces. We also talk to Sally Put , editor of ColourDesign Library, about the psychology behind people’s love for the colours and textures of nature.

Discover the new articles here