Monthly Themes – Page 2 – Sphere Trending

Design Chemistry

By Lori Salem, Sphere Trending Market Research & Trend Analyst

As we move into 2024, I am grateful for the return to travel and being able to attend incredible tradeshows that provide us with the opportunity to learn about new products, creative collaborations, design innovations, and give us inspiration for the year ahead.

The design industry has been fortunate enough to experience a plethora of tradeshows worldwide. Being connected to press coverage allows me to gain further insights, product details, and enhanced conversations with vendors. I really enjoy immersing myself into the design community and city that hosts the event.

1.Weaved woven wickers

Woven materials still had a strong presence at High Point, NC in furniture and lighting. However, it took on more of a structured interwoven pattern instead of the traditional lacing we’re used to seeing. Made Goods had credenzas and cabinet doors in this material, which resembled a clean, tailored look.

2. Gray Burl

Burl was a statement at the show in many different collections. We generally think of burl as a lighter maple finish, but this new gray burl by Made Goods really made an impact.

3. Power Motion

Motion was the new technology for reclining sectionals. Four Hands was one who introduced Power Motion, a sectional that could fully recline with a touch of a discreet button.

We look forward to more travel and tradeshows in 2024 including the upcoming Spring Market at High Point in April! Follow along to see our insights from trendspotting around the US and abroad. Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

New Year, New Thoughts

In 2024, we are exploring new schools of thought that reveal emerging behaviors and interests connected to our trend forecasting. This video is a preview of the changing consumer attributes and personalities that will be critical to understand and embrace in the year to come. Please join us as we dig deeper into these new schools of thought this season – home philosophy, lifestyle chemistry and brand archeology. We look forward to hitting the books and diving deeper into these themes throughout the year.

Take note! Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Inspirational Retail

By Riann Henkel, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Interior Home

In a world of screens, AI-everything, bots and having almost anything you need available at the blink of an eye without ever leaving your house, sometimes it’s refreshing to get out and go analog – and get rewarded with a dose of inspiration.

As trend forecasters, we are constantly looking for inspiration all around us, from a color palette inspired by an amazing sunset to patternwork in a building’s architectural façade. Retail in one of many tools in our toolbox, but post-pandemic it is a reminder of how you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. At the end of the day, there is nothing like getting out in the middle of a city and immersing yourself in the pulse points to observe consumer patterns and product trends.

Retail as Art

Exhibit-style evolving retail keeps the shopping experience fresh and interesting. Recent exhibits while retail trendspotting in Paris included “at my grandmother’s house – ‘chez ma grand-mere-” at Merci and Ole, Ole! – a celebration of Spanish design – at Le Bon Marche.

Beyond Brick-and-Mortar–retail all around

Sphere Trendspotting – The Signature 5th Ave Fragrance by Nest

Sensory experiences tie in to product and retail. With scent being so strongly tied to memory, both Nest Candles and Bath and Body Works got creative for the holiday NYC season. Nest featured immersive outdoor scents to reach shoppers on the street, while Bath and Body Works rolled a gigantic candle into the streets to celebrate their annual Candle Day.

Don’t miss out on more stories like this – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Material Innovation

By Susan Yashinsky, Sphere Trending Vice President of Innovation

I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings in new material innovation as we push the boundaries in sustainable products as well as manufacturing techniques, style and fabrication.

Fueled by a rising creative class across all industries, today’s experience economy is focused on new material attributes, application and design evolution. Here are three we’re watching:

1. Fully Circular

ARCHISONIC® Cotton is a circular solution made in Italy from renewable materials. 100% of the acoustic absorbers can be returned to the production process, making it fully recyclable.

2. Climate Solutions

Cooling Ceramic from City University of Hong Kong

A significant breakthrough in developing a passive radiative cooling (PRC) material has been announced by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityU). The material, known as cooling ceramic, has achieved high-performance optical properties for energy-free and refrigerant-free cooling generation. Its cost-effectiveness, durability and versatility make it highly suitable for commercialization in numerous applications, particularly in building construction.

3. AI Innovation

Researchers from Google DeepMind and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have introduced GNoME, an advanced AI system that has uncovered over 2 million potential materials for applications such as batteries, solar panels, and computer chips.

Stay tuned to hear from the rest of our team on what they are grateful for – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Year of Brave Commerce

By Mandi Mankvitz, Sphere Trending President of Possibilities

As we began 2023, artificial intelligence felt futuristic, shopping on social platforms felt cumbersome and we were still contemplating the Metaverse’s potential. Fast forward to the end of the year and I am grateful for how bravely we’ve embraced the new ways tech-enabled commerce is making our lives more efficient, inspired and seamless.

In 2024 consumers won’t be defined by a single journey or a single source of inspiration and will increasingly allow innovative technology to assist them in unique ways. Here are three things we’re watching:

1. The AI Personal Shopper

Mastercard launched a new generative AI shopping tool called “Shopping Muse” that can take users’ colloquial language and turn it into tailored product recommendations. Shopping Muse is able to understand modern trends and phrases like “cottagecore” or “beach formal.”

“Nearly 90% of Gen Z say online shopping will improve using AI for product selection, price comparisons and more.” ROTK SURVEY

2. Social Commerce Goes Mainstream

The success and widespread adoption of TikTok shop will influence other platforms and inspire consumers to be brave and try social commerce. According to The Information, TikTok is hoping that sales through TikTok Shop will exceed $10 million per day in the U.S. by the end of 2023.

3. The Metaverse Rebrands Itself

J.Crew’s ‘Winter Sports’ Virtual Store Experience

Gen Z’s approach to experiential retail means gamified environments that reward people for spending time. Shopping is a bonus. Virtual stores such as Crate & Barrel’s exact virtual replica of their new NYC flagship and J.Crew’s gamified, ski-themed, immersive holiday shopping experience are subtle nods to the metaverse as virtual retail reinvents.

Don’t miss the rest of what we’re grateful for in 2023! Click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Category: Monthly Themes