How to Spot Interior Trends Before They Hit the Market

In the fast-paced world of interior design, spotting emerging trends before they hit the mainstream market can give you a competitive edge—whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your space, or an interior designer aiming to stay ahead of the curve. While some trends evolve slowly, others can pop up seemingly overnight, catching everyone by surprise. The question is: how do you spot these trends early?

At SJ Interiors Designs, we believe that predicting interior trends is both an art and a science. It involves keen observation, a deep understanding of design principles, and an ability to forecast cultural shifts. Here are some tips on how to spot interior design trends before they become ubiquitous in the market.

1. Pay Attention to Fashion and Design Across Industries

One of the best ways to anticipate interior trends is to look at the broader fashion and design landscape. Interior design often mirrors what’s happening in fashion, art, and architecture. Designers and brands frequently borrow elements from these industries and translate them into home design.

• Fashion Trends: Designers in the fashion world are constantly experimenting with colour, pattern, and texture, which eventually trickles down to interior design. For instance, the soft pastel hues or bold geometric prints seen on fashion runways today could very well become the focal points of living room walls and textiles tomorrow.
• Architecture and Urban Design: Architectural trends in urban spaces, such as open-concept floor plans or sustainable building materials, often influence how people approach their home interiors.
• Art Movements: New art movements, styles, and influences also play a major role. A particular art trend—say, the rise of abstract expressionism—could lead to a boom in colour palettes or artistic decor.

Pro Tip: Follow industry leaders in fashion, architecture, and art through social media, blogs, and magazines. This can provide insights into the aesthetic directions of tomorrow.

2. Monitor Design Events and Trade Shows

Design trade shows and events are often the breeding grounds for new trends. They give designers, manufacturers, and other industry leaders a platform to showcase their latest products, concepts, and ideas.

• Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair): Milan’s annual furniture fair is one of the largest and most influential events in the design world. Many of the trends you see in homes around the world today were first showcased here.
• Maison & Objet (Paris): This French trade show offers a deep dive into new styles, materials, and product innovations that are about to hit the market.
• ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair): Held annually in New York, this event brings together cutting-edge furniture designers, manufacturers, and artists to showcase what’s next in interior design.

Pro Tip: Attend or follow these events to catch early glimpses of what designers are showcasing. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are often flooded with images from these events, making it easier than ever to spot the next big trend.

3. Follow Emerging Designers and Innovators

Trends often begin with individual designers and small boutiques pushing boundaries. Staying on top of the work of emerging designers is one of the best ways to get ahead of trends. These innovators are often the first to experiment with fresh materials, techniques, and colour combinations that the larger design community will eventually adopt.

• Rising Designers: Young designers or smaller design firms often have the freedom to experiment and take risks, paving the way for new trends. They push boundaries with bold ideas that may eventually find their way into larger, mainstream markets.
• Collaborations with Big Brands: Keep an eye out for collaborations between emerging designers and well-established brands. These partnerships often create a buzz and introduce innovative concepts to a wider audience.

Pro Tip: Follow emerging interior designers on platforms like Instagram, Behance, and Pinterest. Look for designers who have a unique voice or are known for pushing the envelope with new materials or concepts.

4. Watch Consumer Behaviour and Technology Innovations

Interior trends often emerge as a response to shifts in consumer behaviour or technological advancements. Understanding these can give you early insight into what’s about to hit the market.

• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products: As consumers become more eco-conscious, sustainable materials and energy-efficient products are becoming increasingly popular. Look out for innovations in biodegradable materials, renewable energy solutions for homes, and designs that prioritize minimal environmental impact.
• Smart Technology: The rise of smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is already influencing home design. From smart thermostats and voice-controlled lighting to advanced home security systems, tech-driven interiors are a major trend on the horizon.
• The Impact of Remote Work: As remote work becomes more common, people are redesigning their homes to accommodate new needs, such as home offices and multi-functional spaces. This shift could lead to trends focused on ergonomic furniture, productivity-enhancing design, and flexible spaces.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the tech and sustainability sectors to spot innovations that could influence interior design trends. Smart home gadgets, sustainability movements, and changes in consumer priorities all point to future trends.

5. Track Social Media and Visual Platforms

Social media and visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are often the first places where trends gain momentum. These platforms allow users to share and discover ideas quickly, making them a goldmine for early trend spotting.

• Instagram: By following interior design hashtags (#interiordesigntrends, #homedecor, #interiorinspo, etc.), you can track emerging design ideas, color palettes, and styling techniques. Influencers and designers often showcase what they’re working on before it becomes widespread.
• Pinterest: Pinterest is another platform that functions as a visual mood board for upcoming trends. The most-pinned images on Pinterest often correlate with future design directions, and the platform itself tracks trending searches to highlight what's catching people’s attention.
• TikTok: With its short-form, engaging content, TikTok has become a powerful tool for spotting viral trends. The #homeimprovement and #interiordesign hashtags are particularly helpful for discovering quick, innovative design ideas.

Pro Tip: Use the “Explore” feature on Instagram, follow Pinterest boards that focus on trends, and keep up with TikTok’s design influencers for real-time insights into what’s gaining traction.

6. Follow Design Publications and Trend Forecasting Experts

Certain publications and agencies specialise in forecasting the future of interior design trends. These resources can give you a sneak peek at what will be popular in the months or years ahead.

• Design Publications: Magazines like Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful are known for highlighting the latest design trends and the innovative designers behind them.
• Trend Forecasters: Companies like WGSN, Pantone, and Color Marketing Group specialise in trend forecasting across industries, including interior design. They analyse shifts in culture, technology, and consumer behaviour to predict what’s next.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to industry-leading design publications or trend forecasting reports. These publications and organisations often release their predictions months before trends become mainstream.

7. Embrace Cultural Shifts

Cultural movements, whether in art, politics, or social causes, often influence design trends. The world is constantly evolving, and the way people live, work, and interact with each other impacts their environment. Pay attention to changes in society, such as:

• Wellness and Mindfulness: As more people embrace wellness lifestyles, trends like biophilic design, minimalism, and the use of natural elements in the home are becoming more prominent.
• Global Influence: Travel, immigration, and globalisation have all contributed to a fusion of styles from different cultures. You may see trends influenced by Japanese, Scandinavian, African, or Middle Eastern design elements, such as particular colour schemes, furniture styles, or decorative patterns.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about global events, pop culture, and societal changes. They can offer valuable clues as to what design trends will emerge next.

Final Thoughts

Spotting interior design trends before they hit the market requires a combination of observation, research, and intuition. Whether it’s paying attention to emerging designers, tracking cultural shifts, or staying on top of social media and trade shows, there are plenty of ways to stay ahead of the curve. By keeping your finger on the pulse of the design world, you’ll be able to embrace the latest trends before they become mainstream, helping you create innovative and stylish spaces that feel fresh and exciting.

At SJ Interiors Designs, we’re always on the lookout for the next big thing in interior design. Whether you're designing your own home or looking for inspiration, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Ready to embrace the future of design? Contact us today to see how we can bring the latest trends into your home!

Happy Trend Spotting!
SJ Interiors Designs