The future of décor

The amateur consumer
Minimalism, African, Country Chic, French Boudoir, Country Cool, Seaside Style… the décor mags are constantly telling you how to decorate and style your life. We all want to live in a stylish, comfortable space, but trying to keep up with the ever-changing design trends can be extremely confusing and pricey. But have faith, according to Li Edelkoort we're moving into an era in which the consumer has the power, and you are allowed to arrange your environment to your own, individual tastes. So really, it's not about what's in or what's out… it's about taking current trends and items of personal value – old photographs, heirlooms, odd items picked up at a garage sale – and blending them according to your wishes. In other words you're "the curator of your own home" and are allowed to put your own life, your tastes and desires, on a pedestal for display. And that's what's hot for 2008! Simple. Your very own museum house.

The smaller rooms
And in this house there are many rooms that have been neglected. Li notes that last year the consumer dedicated their house to three rooms – the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – and was left over with smaller rooms that weren't being used. Now is the time to reconsider those smaller rooms – the boudoir, the study, the library – and rededicate tasks to them. Interestingly these rooms are also very gender specific, although both genders can occupy them. In the mood for a whisky in the study, or a romp in the boudoir?

The antiquity wing
As one would move through the rooms in a museum so too can future design trends be viewed within those rooms. The antiquity room in the museum embodies a move towards a reflection on history, in which classicism is seeing a revival. Cool coloured fabrics will be draped over marble. Shredded fabrics will act as fragments of the past that we are trying to hold onto. Metallics are becoming important, featuring in the tiniest details to the largest of spaces… it's all getting a Midas touch. It's a horizontal lifestyle in which the chaise lounge will feature predominantly, as will seating that is rounded or oval. Fragrances will also be heavier, not as light and watery as they have been, and we'll see a return to pyramid-shaped merchandise – slightly 80s, but not the same colours. The ultimate goal is elevation with everything being placed on a pedestal of sorts.

The science institute
"Our future is very organic," says Li. It's not about the moon and bullet shapes but rather about design inspired by all natural things. In this room we see science becoming more integrated with aesthetics. New technologies create materials that mimic natural ones and contribute to organically grown design. In the kitchen laboratory we see food being taken apart and remoulded into delightful new structures. Intelligent products are being created that contribute to our well-being. Textiles reflect the organic flow and are fluid and heavy, while surfaces are becoming more three-dimensional in their attempt to become more life-like (rapid-prototyping is a design technique at the forefront of this trend). Colours are not necessarily natural, and will be used in monochromatic ways.

The natural history floor
This trend is something that South Africans are already good at – the use and integration of animals and their qualities in décor and design. It's about using felt and fur to imitate, bone and skin both as a material and a structure, and recomposed matter, such as wood and paper maché, in organic design. Even the human is being viewed as an animal and replicated in design. But remember: the less the better.

Another interesting new trend here is the design of dialogue in objects. Where before we would have two identical vases in a corner, we now have a family of differently shaped, but similar items assembled together in a "family of form". Collect five or six similarly coloured or shaped pieces and arrange them in a "conversation" on a side cabinet for the full effect.

The craft atelier
There is a strong revival of arts and crafts, influenced predominantly by folk culture and stemming from a desire for items to be unique and locally produced. In this area we are still in love with embroidery, and ceramics are becoming very important, as well as felt, wool and upholstery. The relationship between the primitive handcrafted techniques and the industrial techniques is key, with both process involved in the creation of the object to such an extent that you won't be able to tell how it was made. Again, even though industry will be involved, the essence of the product will still be in its imperfections. Walls will be painted with narratives and the completed product will tell stories through the imperfections. Colours are white-washed and complimented with brights, in particular the strange yellow green that we are already seeing in design.

The curiosity cabinet
In this room a darker mood prevails with the magic of the imagination being the key as we tell each other stories through autonomous design. We'll be buying stuff that we don't need because it is beautiful and desirable. Black will be used to highlight and underline, while lace will be used to inspire. The inlay of wood is making a comeback, while metal will be spherical and unemotional. We see a return of Delft and Japanese blue as well as a strong concentration on form and equilibrium of matter.

The modernist room
In contrast to the heavily detailed, the next few years will also see a revival of modernism – matter will be used discreetly and colour and shape will be used frankly. Neutrals will be invisible, while lacquer gains importance… even gold lacquers. Design will have more geometric shapes with hard edges, and even displays will occur in a more geometric way.

The drawing centre
As we have already started to witness, stitching, sketching and scribbling will be making a big comeback in art, décor, design and fashion. Lines will suggest shape and linear works will be used to create things.

The photo gallery
With modern technology everybody is a photographer. We will see photographs being printed onto walls, chairs, curtains and cloth… even collage is making a big return (scrapbooking doesn’t count). The colours of photography will also be popular – especially sepia tones.

The installation exhibit
Again, the idea of putting your life on display is important. You have complete creative freedon to use matter that has no value – dress it up or cover it up. Concrete is subsequently important both in the matter of the object, or as the pedestal an object is placed upon, but it is more fine and defined. We will see more of it.

Li Edelkoort was named one of the world's 25 Most Influential People in fashion by TIME magazine. From her Paris-based company, Trend Union, she shapes the future by advising her clients – Coca Cola, Lacoste, Estée Lauder and Swarovski to mention a few – about how tomorrow's consumers will want to live, dress, drive and eat. Her ability to sense upcoming trends and predict what consumers want to buy several seasons ahead of time, is world-renowned.