Six Hot Design Trends From EuroShop

I was reading DDI Magazine the other day and found six design trends from EuroShop, the huge retailing show in Europe.

The one-pager was mainly a photo essay so I'll try to summarize as an advanced search on the DDI Magazine website didn’t turn up the article.

LEDs - Functional to fantastic.  The trend is to use LED lighting in everything from walls to fixtures to design elements such as a floral bouquet. 

Animal Kingdom - This trend features animals (duh) as fixtures, design elements, accent pieces and more. 

Nature Calls - References to the outdoors through color and shape, use of natural materials like tree trunks and wicker in fixtures or as design elements and the use of water are all part of this trend.

Black is Back - Wall systems, mannequin finishes and more are part of the trend to bring black back into stores.

New Metals - Chrome or rusted metal finishes on mannequins add an edge to the retail environment.

Minatures - Mainly taking the shape of mannequins, the "mini-me's" can be used as accent pieces in windows and cases.

Your brand is your brand, so don't let trends dictate the interpretation of your brand.

The GAP isn't going to rush out and buy chrome-plated mannequins just as Williams-Sonoma isn't going to change their fixtures to black. 

You shouldn't change your store experience just to be trendy. 

However, you can pick up trends where it makes sense.  For instance, Williams-Sonoma may pick up some Rabbits for Easter or Turkeys for Thanksgiving and use them as visual merchandising tools as part of the Animal Kingdom trend.

Only you can decide what makes sense for your brand.  Stay true to yourself and your brand by not getting caught up in trends that don't make sense.