“Thanks to this research, Macef has increased its ability to interpret the spirit of the times, and increase the international range of its offers” says Nello Martini, the International Home Show’s Exhibition Director. “In addition - continues Martini – this is a further step towards confirming and legitimizing Macef’s historic role as an observer of the home decoration and life-style world; from a great container of objects and a showcase for trends and fashions to a source of information for those working in the sector and a guide for end consumers”.

A qualititative analysis of emerging trends in contemporary living styles was carried out internationally (London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Tokyo, New York, Cape Town, Madrid and Hong Kong being some of the cities involved) using an ethnographically-based research method. On the ground observation was carried out by a network of 25 urban-watchers who collected around hundred examples of significant expressive trends. To complete this information, a number of specialist publications were also monitored. All the results were included in a map of trends in living styles, interior design and household objects surveyed among a target group of consumers.

95 examples emerged from this analysis, which were grouped into 16 significant trends and from which Macef selected the four being presented at the show, which are:

1. Paradise Lost
   The home as a small private paradise in which to find an uncontaminated space and a harmonious balance between oneself and one’s surroundings. The acccent is placed on values such as the search for serenity, freedom and holistic wellbeing, natural materials and spaces in an attempt to re-naturalize everyday life. The installation will be paired with “Macef World “Interior Furnishings and Decoration”. (Halls 2 and 4).
   
   
2. Suprise Effect
   A trend characterized by a desire to go with the flow, to let what happens happen, by the search for a continuous surprise effect. A casual way of being that helps conceive the tendency of situations and relationships to change as an opportunity. A condition in which the identity of every individual is shaped by circumstances and continual role plays. Spontaneity is preferred to planning, and the pleasure of the unexpected to plans for pleasure. The installation will be dedicated to Macef World “Table”. (Halls 5-7)
   
   
3. SuperFlat
   An aesthetic trend based on two-dimensional expressiveness: super-flat objects, flat surfaces that evoke the fluidity of the digital world. Graphic shapes that becomes an object or a decoration with the aid of new and old technologies, ranging from stencils and patterns to wallpaper or lasers. The installation will be dedicated to the Macef World “Kitchen”. (Halls 9-11)
   
   
4. Nostalgia
   A tendency to continually re-use styles and behaviours of the past, intended as a vital reservoir of the formal themes, icons, graphic, artistic and figurative references that fashion, advertising, communication, graphics and design regularly make use of. A fascination that continually comes back through being mentioned, with the intention of reviving a solid handful of archetypical formal stylistic features in ever-new ways.  The installation will reflect the Macef World “Classic”. (Halls 6-10).
   

“... Emotional and sensorial suggestions backed by modern technology. Perfume, music, lighting effects and video installations around the “treasure chests” will combine with design pieces and everyday objects with irony, dynamism, creativity and naturalness” is the comment by Anna Congiu, creator of the installations. New trends, pleasant certainties, dynamism and innovation – these are just some of the element that animate this edition.