Stone Emporium-China stone factory and exporter, granite, marble, slate, sandstone, quartzite, limestone, travertine, porphyre, tiles, slabs, countertops, mosaic, sculptures, fireplace, monuments

Trends for 2010

Nothing in life is more constant than change. This applies to the way we work, where we travel to and what we buy, but also to how we live. Whether classic-modern or country-style furniture is preferred – everyone follows fashion trends consciously or unconsciously. Christian Hehenberger, Director of the Institute for Marketing and Trend Analyses in Gutau, Austria, is studying the economic, political and social changes within the next ten years. In his book (German language) entitled »The future belongs to the designers«, he proposes theories on how we will build and live in the period from 2010/15 onwards. His theories consider global trends as well as the climatic shifts towards warmer winters and summers.

Hehenberger calls the result a concept for living space and describes on a room-by-room basis which rooms will become more important and which less important. A few examples: Guests are no longer welcomed in the hall, but in the more spacious reception room. Extensive cooking for food preparation only will become less important, as food will be increasingly purchased in precooked form and only warmed up.

The winner in the kitchen area is the prestigious show kitchen, in which guests experience live how the host or hostess cooks. The bathroom will no longer be the place for relaxation, but the indoor wellness oasis. Overall, the amount of space required will increase by a few square metres. With the »60+« generation in mind, the floors will be non-slip. Light effects will radiate a feeling of well-being. All the furnishings will be of high quality and show it.

Trends can also be derived for the natural stone industry. Right at the top of the list is the tendency to more prestige and enjoyment at home, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Many a customer buys a kitchen worktop of stone not because of its easy care and durability, but as an expression of luxury. Finishes in which the new »soft« touch is noticeable are very popular among some buyers. Room fountains, which gain importance as air humidifiers due to the increased use of air conditioners, are also practical. The natural stone industry can also profit from the changes, if it adjusts to them. Particularly if it adds the terms »enjoyment«, »sensuousness« and »joy of living« to its repertoire of sales arguments like ecology and economy and makes these a permanent feature of customer advice.