So while in Las Vegas {GlobalShop 2012} I had the opportunity to listen to very intriguing seminars, most of which related to retail design trends and developing technologies. I don’t have too much of a background for interior design, but my job has led me to learn more + gain interest.

Here is a summary of the speaker presentation Megatrends in Visual Merchandising, spoken by Renee Labbe (trend forecaster for Stylesight.com). I also threw in some examples for all you visual learners! I’ll share more as time goes on.

Four leading trends in design this year: (1) Ashen, (2) Clarity, (3) Nutopia, (4) Subnation

1) Ashen – ‘beautiful abstraction’ -­ blackened, charred, destroyed by fire, quiet, somber, smoky, matte black depth, fading, ghost, ombre prints, graphics, Trompe L’Oeil

Accents: minimalist furniture, sleek design, neutral finishes  |  Textures: dry, matte, cement |  fabrics: high drape, felts  |  Symbolic for: harsh economic times

Example: Margiela hotel in Paris {Images: stylecartel.com}

2) Clarity – brighter, bolder, rainbow, string installations, happiness, brightness

Accents: lack of interest in materials things, soft-­tech continuation of structures  |  Textures: acrylics, ombre light effects, transparency, diffused light  |  Symbolic for: post-recession and optimism, throw away the past and start new, interest in technology

Example: Office of Foley & Lardner, LLC {Images: Architizer}

3) Nutopia – revolution

Accents: artist palette, natures coming into display  |  Textures: cut stone, experimental marbling, metal frames, natural grains geometric domes, cage effects  |  Symbolic for: re-interpretation of the 60’s & 70’s, revolutionary moments, freedom from binding, reactions to too much technology

Example: Frye Flagship Store, Soho {Images: A.R.E. Magazine}

4) Subnation - ­small spaces

Accents: preppy colors – red, blues, urban greys, national flag colors color blocking, city grids, box shapes, scraps, leftovers, recycling  |  Textures: compressed knits – furniture, touches of impact in stores, bloated shapes, play-dough, foam  |  Symbolic for: cultural clashing of mega-­cities

Example: Mulberry Boutique, Soho {Images: www.archiscene.net}