everything you need to know about the hottest trends of 2018
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This time last year I was scrolling through insta (pretty standard for a Saturday afternoon) and saw so many of the brands I follow heading to Top Drawer 2017 - I was super jel as I thought I couldn't attend... little did I know that 1 year later I would be there!
So I know what you're all thinking - stop wanging on about yourself and tell me what was here! Okay, okay scroll down to find out! :-)
Pantone are like the holy grail of colour - they have influence over the things we buy and see as 'on trend'
Millenial Pink? That was Pantone Colour of the Year 2016
Our increasing obsession with greenery and plants?
Thank Pantone Colour of the Year 2017 for your endless trips to Ikea!
So what does that mean for 2018's Pantone Colour of the year - Ultra Violet?
“The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world.”
So you can interpret this by painting your latest pottery creation violet or treating yourself to some new amethyst earrings - I can guarantee you will definitely notice this colour popping up in stores!
Or you can take the mindfulness approach and jet off to Ibiza to the coolest yoga retreat! 2018 is getting spiritual so use it as an excuse to spend some time on yourself!
With the EU declaring war on plastic, the push towards natural materials has never been greater!
I noticed a lot of the stands were promoting the fact they were eco - friendly; whether they were using recycled materials for greetings cards or using natural based ingredients in candles - the message was everywhere!
These plant hangers are much more eco - friendly than the ugly plastic pots you buy them in (and they look so stylish!)
Who wants ugly plastic toys strewn across the living room anyway? (It is actually one thing that puts me off having children! Haha!)
OK, they might not offer Peppa Pig, but wooden toys are where its at.
Read here about how these bags are made from recycled pineapples!
We've all been trying to recreate mini jungles in our living rooms (and frantically trying to keep them alive!) but the new girl on the scene is the patterned plant.
Print, pattern and texture is what you're looking for!
Following on from the war on plastic and saving the planet, the creatures of the sea are in the spotlight for 2018!
Even the fashion catwalks were promoting awareness of the planet in the spring/summer shows for 2018 - this swimsuit is by Ashley Williams featured in her SS18 catwalk.
The trend is already creeping into high street stores and will hit its peak in Summer.
Otherwise known as 'unicorns of the sea' ... or not!
Now I don't know about you but I was kind of hoping not to see unicorns again this year and leave them firmly in 2017 - well bad luck, because they were everywhere!
However this fun little narwhal creature is the perfect motif for kids clothes, cards, inflatables and toys!
Who remembers Kathryn Hamnett's slogan t-shirts from the eighties?
Well they are having a resurgence - graphic tees and sweats are big news for 2018 - literally!
The eighties and ninetines are bang on trend and with this comes maximalism... no more plain tees!
Minimalism is on its way out
(insert shocked face here)
Now bear with me while I tell you why scandi - cool might be on it's way out - I'm about to go off piste for one moment.
2018 is all about Wabi Sabi
Wabi, what? w.t.f. ?! BASICALLY the idea of perfection is out, over, done and dusted
A representation of wabi sabi from the Etsy Trend Guide 2018
'Wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.'Wikipedia.org
This means noone is interested in your stupid pressed white sheets, your perfectly made eggs or your flawless contouring, its boring!
The beauty of 2018 will come from imperfection.
This takes me nicely back to maximalism...
Top Drawer was a riot of colour, clashing prints and crazy neon highlights.
Gone are the days of matching grey curtains, cushions and rugs.
If your plates, crockery and glasses are all mismatching - its FINE!
“People seem eager for a vibrant new aesthetic to propel them into the upcoming year. They want the chance to make their homes a space ... where there are no rules, and where fun is at the forefront. Enter maximalism, one of the trends we’re tipping for success in 2018.”
Brass: This comes back to the eighties and nineties... again!
Brass is in and copper is out
Read more about the metal of the moment here
I had to google the name of this because I kept seeing it everywhere but just couldn't put a name on it!
It's the new texture which everyone is asking for (replacing marble!)
Type it into pinterest and you'll fall in love with the new & modern ways designers are using this material for fashion, jewellery and homewares!
This might not be for everyone (especially as we don't get a day off work *rolling eyes emoji* but like it or not, the royal wedding will be absolutely everywhere this May.
I noticed quite a few stands were doing some funny cards, patriotic tea towels, scarves or notebooks.
I think this is a big one for tourists but it's still a great way to celebrate the country we live in (and I'll take any excuse for a party!)