THE FUTURE OF DESIGN

Jelly Stool - Conor Biggins The Metamorphosis armchair - Tadeáš Podracký

Chair6 - Vincent Pocsik “Chest of Drawers” - Wendell Castle

For the first time in two years, Design Miami was fully back in action. Bringing over 40 galleries and studios from around the world to Miami Beach, Florida, the avant-garde furniture fair sets the stage for global home decor trends. Galway designer Conor Biggins, representing Objective Gallery, was on hand to witness key trends and observations from this year’s event.

Vessel Scape - Niamh Barry

Under the theme of Human Kind, the work on display at Design Miami showcased a “design-led vision for a more equitable and interconnected future,” looking at how “design can play a role in shaping the world for the better,” according to Design Miami CEO Jennifer Roberts. The ceramics and furniture crossed decorative, social, and utilitarian sectors, attempting to break down divides between ’art’ as distinct from ‘design’. It was a great opportunity to see how designers from around the world are approaching design, where themes of storytelling and craft dominated.

Objective Gallery represented this theme well, debuting works by J McDonald and Eny Lee Parker. Lee’s lighting took inspiration from prehistoric jewelry while J McDonald’s pieces looked at ways of bringing biological forms into the home.

Evidence of human touch and creativity was highly sought after at this year’s fair. Works such as “Chest of Drawers” by the late Wendell Castle showed clear evidence of the designer’s playful imagination and skill capturing the hearts of many collectors and winning best in show.

Organic forms, impossible to mass-produce, also took centre stage combining bold tones, natural materials, and raw textures. The Metamorphosis armchair by Tadeáš Podracký was an incredible example of this created using easily accessible materials from the designer’s studio during the pandemic. The goal of this piece was to reach the unpredictable by not designing the object’s appearance at first. Instead the process was controlled by quick decisions and reactions to the material and object itself.

Irish Design is often featured at Design Miami too, captivating collectors from every walk of life.

Joseph Walsh, a designer/maker based in Co. Cork creates elegant, gravity- defying works of art from wood for the world stage. Growing up on a farm near Kinsale, Joseph began wood carving at the age of eight, later taking a strong interest in the challenge of wood bending. He has since become a world leader in the technique, setting up his studio in 1999 next to his grandfather’s cottage. Here he has remained since, with his works reaching the four corners of the globe. Most recently Joseph Walsh showcased his work at Design Miami/Basel in Switzerland, and Podium X Shanghai.

Another highly sought Irish designer is Niamh Barry in Co.Louth. In 1991, upon her graduation from the National College Of Art and Design, Barry established her studio practice. She quickly rose to prominence in the art and design world, becoming one of the leading figures in LED light sculptures. Niamh’s high-concept chandeliers are made of carefully worked bronze and glass, forming sculptures which look as though they have been plucked

Lumenoria Dining Table, Enignum RINN Chair and Shelf - Joseph Walsh Studio

Magnus Dining Table, Gestures Sculpture and Enignum Locus Chair - Joseph Walsh Studio

Swarm Credenza - J McDonald

directly from the artist’s notepad. Niamh’s work was represented by Sarah Myerscough Gallery at Design Miami in 2018.

Other designers to note are Zelouf & Bell, cabinet makers in Co. Meath who have been showcased at the prestigious Maison et Objet Awards in Paris; and indigenous Irish basket weaver Joe Hogan from Co. Galway whose work was recently commissioned for the Loewe spring/summer 2019 fashion show in the UNESCO building, Paris.

These creators are blurring the lines between art and design, raising the bar in the global design world, and ultimately paving the path for the future of ‘Irish Design’. The best part is that it’s still possible to meet with these creators and their works at various events in Ireland throughout the year. So what can we expect for the future of design? Well, after all I’ve seen this year, I believe these three design trends will play a big role in 2022.

Imperfection

Right now there is nothing more trendy than embracing imperfection. After decades of trying to control nature through design in an attempt to create ‘perfection’ we have taken a step back to appreciate the visual comfort that lies in the organic and raw elements of nature. I believe this trend will continue to grow playing a large role in the attraction of sustainable design.

Natural Design

Keeping in line with imperfection, nature will blend into our home surroundings more and more. Research has shown the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being. Natural color schemes have been proven to be more calming so expect to see more moss, olive and wood tones along with the use of grainy stone. Furthermore, furniture styles will likely take on a more biophilic design by taking inspiration from mushrooms and other plant life.

Positivity

Finally, after two years of lockdown, the world is crying out for a big boost of positivity. Many of us will leave Covid with a renewed sense of optimism and design will reflect this new outlook through bold patterns, exaggerated proportions and comforting curves.

Hug Bed - Conor Biggins

Graduating from the University of Limerick in 2019, Conor took his design skills to New York City and secured a position with Chris Shao Studio (CSS), a high-end design firm based in SOHO, Manhattan and led by interior designer and businessman, Chris Shao. Conor helped design the studio’s first Conor Biggins collection Objective, bringing to reality the Jelly Stool and Hug Bed. As the furniture collection grew, the studio began to incorporate more independent artists and designers breaking away from CSS becoming the multidisciplinary brand, Objective Gallery. www.conorbiggins.com