Design is a mirror of society, reflecting our needs and values. At the start of each year, the Carnegie creative team reflects on the trends, movements, and cultural forces they see shaping the months ahead.

For 2019, Carnegie releases a trend forecast identifying six themes: Second Nature, The Future is Female, Inclusivity, New Americana, A Moment of Silence, and Online/Offline. With a focus on the political, digital, and natural world, these themes represent today's driving cultural forces and their influence on interiors – from exciting new color palettes, to trending materials, textures, and patterns.

I. Second Nature

Mother Earth has become our design muse and partner, providing the inspiration and bio-based materials that let us bring the natural world inside.

II. The Future is Female

As women publicly demand to be seen and heard, their rallying color—pink—takes on new power. One can be strong and feminine rather than either/or.

III. Inclusivity

The kaleidoscope of gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation is evolving. By breaking down traditional lines, we acknowledge and represent the full spectrum of identity, creating a new picture of the world.

IV. New Americana

In this politically charged climate, where we tussle over national identity and citizenship, we are asking, what does it mean to be American? Is it pledging to the Stars and Stripes? Favoring the red, white, and blue? It's not your traditional Americana anymore, there is room for many colors and voices.

V. A Moment of Silence

Silence has become a luxury amid the constant barrage of information, images, and noise. To cope, we seek to create places to breathe, refuges where we can contemplate and renew.

VI. Online/Offline

Disenchanted by living online, we're logging off, stepping away, and trying to feel something real. No wonder texture is becoming paramount in our physical environment, reassuring us with each touch that we are right here, right now.