More recently, matt black has become the choice for many limited edition disposable luxury goods, its austere and intimidating reputation as a finish juxtaposed against the small, cheeky item that is is applied to.

As this trend gains momentum in fashion, expect to see it cross over into interior statement pieces and home accessories, such as the recently released Ascaso Dream coffee machine.

Matt surface ceramics and kitchen appliances are likely to be popular but as with any trend, the more daring are likely to push it a step further, opting for whole furniture or flooring looks in the finish.

www.ascaso.com

Already well known for its great metal collections, Emu’s new line by Patricia Urquiola offers a new element to the already well established style of chair — comfort!

Whether used indoors or out, they’re practical and timeless. Not to mention loads of fun!

www.emu.it

One of the latest stand-outs is Pete Dungey, a British-based intervener who creates pothole gardens in the blemishes of Britain’s roads.

As street art as we know it continues to grow and change, keep an eye out for unusual interventions and be prepared to look twice at what may initially seem to be your usual landscape.

Michael Young experimented with brightly coloured matt rubbers. The Reverse collection, created for the style-conscious jetsetter, combines two digital displays, allowing different time zone displays, and comes in four colours.

The understated finish is coolly sophisticated, standing out from other more gaudy materials.

www.odm-design.com

It’s no surprise that hand-craft is making a comeback as the recent recession has reduced consumer confidence to an all-time low.

Topshop’s newly launched make-up collection is an obvious example of this trend’s new lease on life.

Expect to see more hand-made markings and pared-down packaging until the financial slump lasts.

www.topshop.com

This 14K gold-plated retainer necklace for Areaware preserves adolescence for generations.

Being a nerd has never been so cool.

www.kielmead.com

By enlarging a photograph, graphic designer Cristian Zuzanaga played up its pixels’ 26 brillian hues to create this hand-knotted wool rug for Spanish rug company Nanimarquina.

Consider it a digital cornucopia of colour.

www.nanimarquina.com

Our faves this season? From left: Butt stool, Est by Established & Sons; 130, by Naoto Fukasawa for Thonet; Magic Hole, by Philippe Starck for Kartell; Pipe Chair, by Tom Dixon for Conran Shop.

The baskets are made from scraps of palm wood in a Vietnamese workshop, and are held together with nylon thread.

It’s a solution that Eek came up with to allow the wood to expand and contract while adjusting to European climate and humidity.

www.pietheineek.nl

The threesome’s new design for the Italian house Moroso is equally enchanting, and seems to take its inspiration from 1970s car seat covers.

This lounge chair is covered in thousands of wood beads that rotate with your shifting bodyweight to give an all-over massage.

www.moroso.it