06/26/2026
One thing I want to remind newer designers of…
Just because someone shows something at market and says, “This is an upcoming huge trend,” it does not automatically make it true.
Sometimes it is a real emerging trend.
Sometimes it is a personal preference.
Sometimes it is a Christmas tree that’s been at market since my first trip in 2018 at a store that never has customers in it, but it is new to that person who thinks the show rooms change their displays every season.
👀🤷♂️🫣
And that is why you cannot build your buying decisions only around what one “influencer”, creator, or market shopper says is “the hottest trend.”
You can absolutely be inspired by people you trust.
I hope we inspire you too.
But inspiration should not replace research.
When you are buying for your business, especially a season or two ahead, you have to ask:
- Is this actually gaining momentum?
- Does this fit my customer?
- Can I sell this style in my market?
- Is this new, or is it just being presented as new by someone that’s new?
Here are 3 simple ways to do your own home decor trend research:
1. Watch major retailers
Look at stores like Pottery Barn, Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, At Home, Kirklands, Anthropologie, and HomeGoods. Pay attention to repeated colors, textures, themes, and shapes.
2. Study what customers are already responding to
Look at Etsy, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and your own past sales. Trends matter, but your customer’s buying behavior matters more.
3. Look for patterns, not one-off posts
One video, one tree, one booth, or one influencer’s opinion does not make a trend. When you see the same color story, style, or theme showing up across multiple places, that is when you should start paying attention.
The goal is not to ignore trends.
The goal is to stop treating every influencers opinion like a rule.
Your business will get stronger when you learn how to spot patterns, trust your ideal customer profile, and make buying decisions with strategy instead of influence.
