I will, however, clarify one thing at the very onset. I don’t follow trends. The clickbait articles don’t make me click, I will not hear a word against brass fixtures, and I don’t think anyone, in particular, buys anything because it's trendy. It’s too frivolous to give in to something that may disappear in half a year when the truth is, you will have to live with “that trendy fixture” for a very long time.
But this!
At the Fall 2022 High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings industry trade show, one particular trend shone through. A trend that is also most exciting to the likes of me. A renewed emphasis on glass was noted, and it was not just clear glass but glass in all its colored, wavy, seeded, ribbed, and brass-fitted glory. The dames of design instantly “skeetered” in their diaries about this hot trend, the star of 2023 after the coveted checkered pattern, and truth be told, I am here for it.
For the resurgence of glass decorative items in our homes and the glamor and glory, it brings with it.
Because Neoclassicism is natural after the oversaturation of mid-century modern
“I think after the pandemic and all its casual practicality, there is a desire for formality and luxury.” -Robert D. McKinley, Studio Robert McKinley
And I couldn’t agree more about why we are looking for the glam of luxury glass decorative objects in our homes and lives. A possible explanation of why we are looking at the glass as THE medium in 2023 is because it lends itself beautifully to grandeur. Especially when coupled with light!
Trends are a reflection of the cultural and political environment of society, and design and art respond to these constant changes in our societal fabric.
After two harrowing years of shutting ourselves down in our lofts, we are ready to be the people of the world. We are ready to add that sophistication to our homes, that statement element of magnificence, symmetry, and scale, as we open our homes to friends and family. And glass, in my opinion, is almost altruistic in this scenario.
The focus will especially be on glass light fixtures
2023 will specifically see a resurgence of glass light fixtures. But it will not be the kitschy glass chandy of your neighbourhood barber. No cutting corners on metals either. Expect larger-than-life glass installations, elaborate chandeliers, delicate light fixtures, juliette glass, and statement-blown glass full of details – all crafted in colored or non-colored glass. Expect a lot of nature-inspired motifs, modern iterations, and uniquely designed modern lights. Brace yourself, ladies and gents. We have successfully signed up for magic!
And we are probably also craving joy through colours…
There is no doubt that colours make us happy. And I have quoted Ingrid Fetell Lee in multiple articles about how a simple change in colour can dramatically change our surroundings and, thereby, our mood. And what better way to add color to your home than through colored glass that makes light dance around it in the most cheerful hues? With roots in the 20th-century depression era, colored glasses have re-entered the world of design with the same vigor as they did in the depression era, bringing cheer, optimism, and normalcy to a world that seems rather bleak. And I think we could use a bit of upliftment here!
Once upon a time, my grandma prescribed Sorbitol. I remember her having it in pink fluted glass. One of the prettiest glasses I have ever seen. Upon asking her why she particularly chose that glass for a very unpalatable drink, she said it makes drinking sorbitol a happy affair.
So yes, expect to see beautiful coloured decorative glass bottles, pitchers, and drinkware all around because we are seeking joy! Actively.