Regulations starting to be implemented in large industries, such as automotive, as well as the built environment in Europe and America, this will influence how products, including furniture, will be designed in the future. So, when carbon emissions begin to be calculated, the design needs to accommodate the indications and limitations of these regulations, so that not only economically competitive but also a lot of added value are created.

10 or 15 years ago, no one cared about something that was more environmentally friendly, or for example more durable, everything led to mass production which then created a disposable culture. With the development of the younger generation who make up the majority of the middle market, they have a different sensibility. They care more about the environment. They also demand a more transparent supply chain.

So, furniture design in the world is more focused on natural materials or materials that actually make more effort to reduce energy use. Some are semi-recycled, some are made from plant-based synthetic materials. Changes in mindset due to the total shutdown during the pandemic have made consumers look for something more responsible for nature and humans themselves, without sacrificing the commercial side.

Wood is not the only material that will be used. Nowadays, the next big thing is bamboo, a material that grows faster, stronger, and lasts longer.

Furniture designers must really know who their customers are and what problems they want to address. For example, for a small living house, furniture has to be more compact in terms of size. To be able to determine whether a design is good or not, furniture designers must understand who the users are. Furniture designers must have broad insight, and not just from the world of design. The increasingly complex market needs today, and the easier it is to be ‘inspired’ by digital applications, can make the designers not be creative and just follow trends, the same as fashion case.

–sh