Those who are in-the-know have long considered the Maison & Objet trade fair unmissable. The Trend Curve™ agrees. So, when the new edition, which returned to Paris September 9 – 13 was announced, I made plans to represent The Trend Curve team at the fair. In my first trade-fair assignment … [Read more...]
Wallpaper Is No Wallflower
Wallpaper is back in a big way. This phrase refers to the accelerating preference for using wall coverings throughout the home. It alludes equally to the scale of motifs in the freshest new on-trend designs. There is nothing boring about these papers. In a bold reimagining of an outdated 80s … [Read more...]
Party Product Trends: Birmingham Spring Fair
The Trend Curve team has gone from one trade show to another since the year began. Today, Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf is at Spring Fair Birmingham. She is trend-spotting many categories, including party products. I spoke with her this morning about her top party-product trend takeaways: Bridal is … [Read more...]
The Practical Side of Paper
Paper is today's on-trend material, and The Trend Curve forecasts that it will remain so for at least the next two years. Products ranging from book-paper birds and papier maché rabbits to tissue-paper blossoms and cardboard signs have been cropping up at trade shows for more than a … [Read more...]
I’ve Got a Thing for Lambs
OK, I’ll admit it. With a last name like Lamb I’ve had a predisposition to loving these soft, wooly creatures all of my life—I’ve got a thing for lambs. But you don’t have to be one of my siblings or cousins to recognize that there are more lamb and sheep in the market now than there have ever … [Read more...]
Feeling Bookish at H.D. Buttercup
Real books are making a comeback. Why? Because it turns out that people like the experience of holding a book in their hands. And lots of people perceive that there is less stress on their eyes when they read ink on paper, vs. on a screen. Now the preference for books is beginning to impact … [Read more...]
Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day 2017
Are you feeling lucky? You will be, if you’re prepared for the wearing of the green next year at this time! St. Patrick’s Day may seem like an inconsequential occasion to some, but it’s actually significant enough to be listed in the top eight holidays for consumer spending, according to the … [Read more...]
Gift Wrapping Trends from Paperworld
Arona Khan, international gift-wrapping expert, was on-hand at Paperworld to talk about the newest trends in gift wrapping. But even if she hadn't been there, the wrapped presents on display in her seminar area told the story well. Gift wrapping is constantly evolving, with new products and ideas … [Read more...]
For Trend-Spotting, Ambiente Tops The List
Because The Trend Curve has a worldwide reputation for accurate trend forecasts and information, I’m often asked which trade shows I consider the best for revealing new trends. Ambiente is always at the top of the list. Ambiente bills itself as the top international trade fair for consumer goods. … [Read more...]
Mixed Media’s Secret Weapons for 2017
The rapid growth of mixed media reveals that this will be among the most powerful, long-term décor directives for the second half of this decade. Consumers are embracing mixed media as a way to differentiate today’s interiors from those of the past. To make the distinction even more pronounced, … [Read more...]