RICHMOND, INDIANA – International Floral Distributors, Inc. (IFD) persistently works to supply the flower and design industries with the latest consumer trends. As part of that work, IFD partners with a floral trend forecaster to research modern consumers and their flower design preferences. This year, IFD collaborated with trend forecaster, Michael J. Skaff, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, to examine the upcoming flower, color, decor, and wedding design trends for their annual Flower Trends Forecast. IFD would now like to share a glimpse into their top 2018 trends.
Consumers crave to attain a flawless combination of opposites—the indoors and nature, classic and modern, trendy and unique. IFD trend forecaster, Michael Skaff, believes this constant desire stems from consumers’ love of change. Though they strive for inclusivity, consumers still seek one-of-a-kind experiences and ways to showcase their individuality. Through distinct color choices, flower selections, and bold accents, consumers will assert their originality in every design choice they make in 2018.
Consumers will accomplish this special style by incorporating global design into their lives. Greece, Spain, Italy, and Egypt in particular provide an unmatched combination of serenity and adventure demanded by today’s buyers. The laid-back Mediterranean coast will excite with its casual charm and natural color palette. The earthy blues, oranges, and browns seen in a traditional Mediterranean villa will appear in geometric patterns, hand-painted ceramics, and formal pedestal vases. Natural greens, reds, and yellows will come alive in Bells of Ireland, dahlias, and sunflowers. Olives and citrus fruits will mingle with delicate Sahara roses, blue agapanthus, and rust-colored calla lilies. Whether it be with grand cascading bouquets or rustic natural accents, the Mediterranean coast is sure to inspire in 2018.
The reason consumers cherish the Mediterranean coast derives from their desire to create a natural refuge in the home and escape the turmoil of today’s political and social unrest. Whether it be through reusing goods or incorporating nature into the home, Skaff believes modern consumers, especially Millennials, revere nature’s role in their lives. Design choices will showcase the chic, artistic side of nature with beautiful combinations of mobile wood grains, raw stone, and burnished metal accessories. Consumers will revamp the traditional garden style with vibrant ginger, delphiniums, and celosias. Consumers will continue to transform their homes into natural retreats, and there is no better way to do so than with an organic design that boasts an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Along with consumers’ recent peaked interest in the environment, the design world has also witnessed an increased focus on France and its posh ambiance. In 2017, IFD revealed the French Connection trend, and Skaff believes this “romantic, lavish look is taken to the next level for 2018 with even more luxurious elements.” Reminiscent of 18th century France, 2018’s updated take on classic French design will mystify consumers with its soft, feminine features. Consumers will adore ruffled floral arrangements filled with roses, peonies, and ranunculi. Various shades of purple will surge into the scene for the first time since 2011 and will complement bounds of pink hues. Gold will resound as 2018’s metallic of the year and flourish alongside the subtle blues, greys, and neutrals found in traditional French decor. Complete this timeless French design with elegant Mother of Pearl finishes and metallic bronze accents that will please every romantic.
For consumers who are searching for something less lavish, the updated folk art design will better suit their tastes. Due to Millennials’ infatuation with vibrant colors, Skaff predicts we will witness “a slight throwback from the ‘60s where bold, bright colors were in textiles, fashion, and interior colors.” Punches of saturated orange, pink, and purple will come alive in quirky polka dot fabrics, multi-floral prints, and geometric star patterns. The hippy style will meet country chic as vibrant gerbera daisies, rainbow roses, and sunflowers explode in eclectic colored glass vases. Consumers will look to add their personal, optimistic touch by incorporating subtle cream, sage, and peach hand-crafted elements. Using the beauty of embroidery, origami, and quilting, remind consumers of their creativity with an eclectic folk art design.
IFD will reveal more about this whimsical style, as well as the other three trending designs for 2018, in their annual Flower Trends Forecast available Sunday, October 1st.
Since 2009, IFD has published their annual Flower Trends Forecast to inform the flower and design industries about the upcoming year’s flower, color, decor, and wedding design trends. To learn more about IFD’s Flower Trends Forecast, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
International Floral Distributors, Inc. is a marketing consortium of 19 flower distributors with over 60 locations in the United States providing flowers, supplies, and an annual Flower Trends Forecast to leading floral decorators, designers, and retailers. For more information about IFD, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Source: International Floral Distributors, Inc. (IFD)