Trends in stationery, homeware, design and interiors are always changing – something that trend forecasters Scarlett Opus know all too well. Knowing what consumers want next enables you to create more of what will sell – it helps de-risk buying for retailers, informs and inspires merchandising.

Scarlet Opus provide in-depth information about the future wants needs and desires of consumers; how people will be living in the future and what they will want to surround themselves with. They’re specific about colour, material, pattern, texture and shape – they know what trends will be desirable two to three years in advance of their launch.

By identifying trends which are relevant to the stationery sector and right for every business in it, we tagged along to a trend talk hosted by Scarlet Opus at the London Stationery Show, to help you get ahead and gain that competitive advantage.

So, what’s coming for 2020?

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

Trend 1: Satori

This trend hinges on Japanese inspiration and with The Olympics held in Tokyo in 2020, this trend will be huge as we hit the latter half of 2019, through 2020.

What’s the trend about?

It encourages consumers to find rhythm and balance, and escape the everyday complexities of modern life.

Centred around the Japanese ethos of filtering out what you don’t need, this trend not only focuses on Japenese style and colour palettes, but also longevity. We will see consumers shift towards buying behaviours that support craftsmanship – investing in products and styles that will stand the test of time.

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What colours can we expect?

Muted pastels inspired by Japanese blossoms and blooms

Indigo blues and reds

Gold foil

What about motifs/style inspiration?

Koi carp

Cranes

The great wave

Textures like sand and grooves, inspired by zen gardens

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

The Game Changer

We’ve known this one was coming for a long time, and according to Scarlett Opus, it’ll be hitting its peak in 2019/20.

The Game Changer trend focuses on recycled materials and sustainable concepts, all with a conscious effort to reduce waste and increase awareness of environmental issues. It addresses pollution, the ecological agenda and reusing and recycling waste products. These products will address the consumer demand for businesses and brands to become more aware and actively reduce their impact on the environment, climate change, and the way we use resource.

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What’s the trend about?

Brands will be striving for out-of-the-box designs, going above and beyond the norms. Think: surfaces made from corn husks, vegetables, elephant dung, food waste and new concepts for materials like leather. We even spotted some pineapple skin leather on our travels around the show!

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What colours can we expect?

Bright, bold statement yellows

Greens

Aqua blues

Bright tones designed to draw attention

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What about motif/style inspiration?

Positive messaging

Natural/nature inspired patterns

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

The Fellowship

This trend promotes the power of the collective; working together to carve a better future. It has a global outlook, celebrating cultural diversity and placing ethics at the centre of decision making.

What’s the trend about?

Collaboration and community are key. It is experimental, colourful and joyous, showcasing patterns, styles and materials from various cultures.

It harnesses the power of working with, and for others to grow a better future. Businesses will be, and should be, looking to collaborate with charities, organisations and others, to promote a purpose and be purpose-led at their core.

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What colours can we expect?

Natural shades

Organic colours, derived from nature

Muted tones

A fusion of styles

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What about style/motif inspiration?

Seed papers

Stationery that grows/can be reused

Organic textures

Cultural references

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

The Traveller

Well hello roaring 20’s! 2020’s, that is… This trend looks set to be huge for winter months, especially when it comes to homeware, interiors and party planning.

What’s the trend about?

The traveller exudes an understated mature luxuriousness; a glamour that is controlled, ordered, stable and made to last. It is disciplined, precisely crafted and pristine; demonstrations of our attempts to bring order and control into our lives at a time of great uncertainty.

What colours can we expect?

Dark woods

Brass

Plush velvets

Marbles

Faux tortoiseshell

Bakelite-like resins

Fine grain leathers

What about style/motif inspiration

Think 1920’s but with 2020 sophistication

Art deco influences

Brass and gold foil highlights

Tweed and traditional fabric styles

Tailored and precise styling

Trend Talks from the London Stationery Show

What do you think of the upcoming trends? Will you be using any in your designs? Let us know over on social, we’d love to hear what you think.

Don’t forget to tag us in your printed creations using #ProudlyPrinted – we love seeing your designs!

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