Stop Calling Everything a Trend
An Intelligent Guide to Forecasting for Designers and Developers
Why “Trend” Is Overused in Interior Design
Interior designers, buyers, product developers, property stylists, and architects—how often do you hear the word “trend” thrown around in your work? Too frequently, right? The problem is that not everything labelled a trend deserves the title.
At MC&Co Trend, we know that actual trends aren’t just fleeting moments of popularity. They’re the result of measurable, long-term cultural shifts. This blog will help you understand the difference between trending, on-trend, trendy, and accurate trends—and how aligning with genuine trends can lead to better business decisions and profitability.
What is a Trend in Interior Design?
A trend is not just something popular. It’s a documented, long-term style or behaviour shift based on research and data. For interior designers and product developers, recognizing a trend means understanding broader cultural, technological, and lifestyle changes.
For example:
- Biophilic design: This trend, reflecting our need to connect with nature, has transformed interior spaces over the past decade.
- Minimalism: Rooted in a cultural response to over-consumption, it continues to shape architectural and furniture design globally.
Actual trends take time to evolve and often indicate where the industry is headed—not just what’s popular today.
Biophilic Design
Minimalism
Why Relying on Social Media for Trend Research Is Risky
Sure, scrolling Instagram or TikTok might give you ideas, but let’s not confuse a hashtag with a bona fide trend. Here’s why relying solely on social media is a risky move:
- Short Shelf Life: Social media is built on fleeting popularity. What’s viral today could be laughable tomorrow. Remember glitter grout? Exactly.
- Algorithm Bias: Algorithms show you what’s trending in your bubble, not across broader markets. This skews your perception of what’s genuinely gaining traction.
- Lack of Data: social media doesn’t provide the depth of research needed to forecast trends with longevity. You’re basing big decisions on likes, not evidence.
- Homogenization of Ideas: When everyone’s copying the same TikTok aesthetic, originality takes a backseat. Your designs could end up looking like everyone else’s.
As one meme famously said, “TikTok made me do it” should not be a business strategy.
Glitter Grout
Why Short-Term Trends Hurt Designers and Developers
Focusing on short-term “trends” or what’s “trending” on social media can lead to poor decisions:
- For Interior Designers: A client’s obsession with a fleeting aesthetic (hello, Barbiecore!) can leave them dissatisfied when the style quickly becomes outdated.
- For Buyers: Overstocking trendy items can result in unsold inventory and waste.
- For Architects: Overcommitting to fleeting design fads risks creating buildings that feel dated within a few years.
Instead, long-term trends offer stability, sustainability, and value.
Barbiecore
Long-Term Trends That Shape the Future of Interiors
For those in retail, wholesale, and property styling, here are examples of long-term trends worth investing in:
Sustainability: Recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and low-impact manufacturing are no longer optional—they’re expected. Furniture and decor from bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood are timeless and eco-conscious.
Multi-Functional Design: Spaces and furniture that adapt to changing needs (e.g., work-from-home solutions) cater to modern lifestyles.
Neutral and Earthy Tones: Colours inspired by nature continue to resonate, creating calming and versatile interiors.
Inclusive Design: Designing for accessibility and aging in place is a growing priority for architects and developers.
Sustainability
Neutral and Earthy Tones
How to Use Trend Intelligence in Product Development
For buyers and product developers, aligning with long-term trends ensures you create products with staying power. At MC&Co Trend, we use Trend Intelligence to help you:
- Identify emerging design shifts backed by measurable data.
- Develop products that align with cultural movements, ensuring profitability.
- Stay ahead of competitors by anticipating market needs.
Our method isn’t about chasing fads—it’s about tracking the evolution of aesthetics in the interior design, furniture, and homewares industries.
MC&Co Trend: The Name Might Say Trend, But We’re Smarter Than That
Yes, we call ourselves MC&Co Trend, but let’s get one thing straight—we’re no trend-chasers. If anything, we should probably be called MC&Co Long-Term Trend Intelligence Superstars, but that doesn’t fit well on a business card.
Our approach ensures you’re not just following what’s viral but investing in insights that lead to profitability and innovation. So, while everyone else is busy jumping on the glitter grout bandwagon, we’re forecasting the design evolutions that will shape the future.
Download Our Free Mini-Book
Ready to improve your trend forecasting? Download our free mini-book, Colour Trends 2025–2026, and discover the palettes that will define the future of interiors.
