Autumn Fair showcases 2024 trends

Visitors from retailers including Clintons, Oliver Bonas, Fenwick Ltd, Cardzone, Lakeland, M&S, Matalan, Pengethley Garden Centre, Aldi, Tesco, TJX Europe, Toys R Us, The Works, WHSMITH, Wm Morrisons Supermarkets, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, British Garden Centres, After Noah, Barnado’s, Blue Diamond, Brown Thomas Arnotts, Chatsworth Estate, Cotswold Living, Jarrold, Lark London, Longleat, Menarys, Ragdale Hall, Scotts of Stow, The British Museum Company, The Walt Disney Company, attended on day two of Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion taking place until 6th September at NEC Birmingham, and were treated to a stimulating and informative day of trends and product inspiration.

In collaboration with its trend agency partner TrendBible, Autumn Fair hosted two trend presentations focusing on the key lifestyle trends for home, gifting and celebration delivering vital insights into the consumer behaviours and lifestyle choices set to underpin product and design trends over the next 12 months.

Naomi Pollard, head of publications at TrendBible opened the trends programme this morning with the much-anticipated Home and Interior Lifestyle Trends for 2024 and an overview of four key Macro Trends that carry throughout the year; The Great Renovation, Meta Discovery, Democratising Domesticity and Inherent in Nature. Pollard gave the audience an in-depth insight into The Great Renovation.

Embedded in social and cultural threads, The Great Renovation sees households undertaking a shift where the home becomes a sanctuary; blended families need more flexibility and continued focus moves towards a more carbon neutral future.  Textile is key in this trend, the psychological impact of colours take effect, with peachy apricots and deep dark browns injecting warmth. This is translated into product with consumers starting to future proof with quality items that can be adapted to weather specific elements.

Four SS24 trends were also introduced; Avatar Lounge, Natural Balance, Memory Collectors and Space to Heal. Naomi took the audience through the latter, Space to Heal, which sits at the intersection of self-care and sustainability. The self-care movement is maturing, we’re entering an anti-hustle mindset where focus is on the sustainability of a lifestyle. Comfort is found in a heightened sense of what is around us and what we really need. This is a meaningful form of minimalism, softness sits alongside frugality with a pastel colour palette. Delicate dusky peach and mauve tones make up the base of this palette, combined with soft hazy greens; a discreet pop of acid lemon yellow is gently uplifting, making it feel brighter for spring/summer. This palette has been designed for mixing and matching providing opportunities for layering of décor.

Looking at Autumn/Winter 2024/25, Pollard introduced Soul Searching, The Last Forest, High Vibe and Rework. Rework touches on the new fundamentals in functional interiors; future proofing and playful utility. Products cover a wide scope with a focus on making and mending, a greater respect for makers, where workmanship replaces craftsmanship. Home accessories are functional and playful; elevating mundane items in the home to bring joy. Colour blocked cook and dine products give a chic canteen vibe, whilst dining experiences are low-key and casual. Stationery and greetings are bright and bold designs inspired by graphic design contrasting with colour block stripes.

The afternoon trend session, Trendbible’s AW24 Gifting and Celebration Trends gave insight into two trends; Modern Love an celebration of hedonism, and 2024 festive trend Retracing Roots.

Modern Love followers the resurgence of Goth culture with a glamorous twist. The pursuit of pleasure defines this rebellious story for 2024; lavish dinners and extravagant parties offer the perfect outlet to indulge. Design is inspired by a melting pot of anti-establishment movements embracing goth and punk; gothic typefaces sit alongside Neo-traditional tattoo inspired illustrations, and ‘rock hand’ motifs. Messages and editorial are not for the faint of heart with a heavy dose of dark humour and profanity. This clashes with the sugary sweet and overtly feminine touches here, like bold pink and red stripes, lips and heart repeat patterns.

There’s a desire to break away from tradition entirely for the occasions, that ‘do it your way’ mentality influences the rise of alternative weddings, where brides wear black and grooms wear pink – there are no rules. Food and drink is driven by pure indulgence from caviar and champagne to fast food. Pollard says, “Embrace the wild, hedonistic spirit of this trend which invites customers to let go of their emotional luggage for a moment. Celebration is found in freedom from social norms, indulging without guilt and embracing the basic human coping mechanism of humour in difficult times.”

Retracing Roots, TrendBible’s AW24 Festive Trend brings a sense of connection; a universal craving that will resonate across the globe the festive season. There’s a Northeast European theme emerging here driven by socio political factors. Family and friends gather festive rituals old or new, from telling stories to unboxing decorative treasures. Traditional carved wooden ornaments are designed to be preserved and passed on through generations. The spotlight on Eastern Europe influences pattern and illustration with folk inspired florals painted and embroidered across accessories, baubles and gifts.

The palette here is rich, with florals for the winter season and a familiar festive palette of rich berry tones that feels comforting and nostalgic. Classic reds and greens sit alongside burgundy wine shades, delicate gold and pale pinks which add a bit of magic and luxury here. Dense florals showcasing the richness of the palette, alongside quilting inspired coordinates for luxurious, festive gift wrap.