CHICAGO — Color, texture and fashion play a key role in determining what appears on the retail floor, but megatrends, macrotrends and design narrative trends, according to Trend Bible's Anna Ward. distinguishing between the two is a key step for a successful in-store or online activation.
In his keynote address at The Inspired Home Show, “Global Head of Household Trends: Looking Ahead to 2025'', Mr. Ward will provide insight into what consumers want and why, as well as current events. and commercial preferences, and revealed the outlook for 2025.
“It's important to understand the difference between a trend and a trend,” Ward says. “We're watching to see how trends develop.”
According to Ward, mega trends span over 15 years, while macro trends are determined from mega trend insights and can be used to build product strategy. Design and storytelling trends incorporate key materials, colors, and seasonal influences to energize your brand, e-commerce, and retail.
“Our macro report is the starting point for predictions,” Ward said, adding that four of the macro trends for 2025 include temporary housework, low-desire living, ownership, and rebellious creativity. he added.
temporary housework
This macro trend highlights a “cost of living crisis,” Ward said, referring to consumers living temporarily out of necessity, with renters, people sharing a home with roommates, He explained that this includes young people in their 20s who live at home with their parents. She added that more than 160 million Americans live with parents and children sharing space under the same roof.
“72% of Gen Z and Millennials in the U.S. are looking for new ways to improve their homes,” Ward said. “Think about DIY projects and creating for fun. For this group, adjustable solutions and shape-changing furniture could be part of product development.”
low desire life
This macro trend points to a growing movement to “disconnect,” Ward reported. Ward noted the growing popularity of “dumb phones” and said the trend incorporates concepts such as “daily rest time” and “distraction-free living.” One of the key elements of this trend, he says, is that “rest is a rebellious act” and is creating opportunities in the health and wellness category, but companies are “rather than competing with other brands. Ward added that people should recognize that “consumers are not paying for it.”
own it
This macro trend, which incorporates the 'repair rather than replace' movement, appeals to consumers who are frugal by necessity and choice. Product preferences may include lifetime warranties and replaceable parts. Ward cited Sabai as a furniture brand that embraces this idea, noting that under this macro trend, “frugality becomes a badge of honor.”
rebellious creativity
Regarding the fourth macrotrend, Ward mentioned the “increasing rejection of conformity” and consumers embracing clutter with the goal of finding a home for their favorite things.
“They think of home as a place to play, and they don't want to be told what they like,” Ward said. “It's about living in gratitude for what we have versus what we want.”
At home, Ward said rebellious creativity translates into fun, playful design, interactive dining spaces and creative color blocking for “little moments of joy.”
Following an overview of macro trends, Ward announced TrendBible's Spring/Summer 2025 trends: Retrofit Club, Home Shores, Estudio Futuro, and Dark Garden, followed by a preview of Estudio Futuro.
“This is driven by Latinx culture, feelings of richness and positivity, conviviality and community, and artisanal design,” she said. “The colors are expressive and you'll see playful prints like batik. Maximalist decor is popular in this trend.”
See also:
Trends learned from the 2024 Inspired Home Show
