Popular interior design from style to startup
table in modern dining room

How to Tell How Long an Interior Design Trend Will Last

How long a trend lasts depends on whether it’s a micro, macro or mega trend. Do you follow trends?
interior design trends
Some trends are destined to fail from the outset because they were never a good idea. Others succeed because they are a response to a deeper consumer ‘need’. Should you follow trends in interior design?

Interior design trends can be split between four different types: micro, mainstream, macro and mega trends. 

Micro trends last three months to a year.

Mainstream trends last between one and three years.

Macro trends last three to five years. 

-Mega trends last a decade or longer. 


In this post we explain how trends come about and how you can tell what type of trend you are seeing for yourself.

We’ll discuss:

a) What trends are in interior design,

b) How trends get started, and–

c) How long trends tend to stick around

We also discuss the impact of trends on the environment and what you can do to stay up to date, while not being a slave to interior design fashion.


What is a Trend in Interior Design?

trend market stocks

Trend = Fashion

A trend is essentially a ‘fashion’; something that is popular for a certain period of time.

A trend is also a general movement in a certain direction (think of the term ‘an upward trend’), which might take place over the course of months or years.

These days, thanks to social media, the term ‘trend’ often means a sudden emergence of interest in a particular thing, and can be shorter term.


Interior design trends can relate to everything from color palettes to furniture styles, textures and materials, wallcoverings, lighting, and accessories.

It’s important to consider whether the design elements you choose will stand the test of time, or if they are likely to become outdated quickly. Be sure to keep reading if you’d like to learn how to measure trends for yourself and decide whether they are worth following or not.


Trends in home furniture, furnishing, and decor can be tempting to follow, but it’s important to remember that they are just that – trends. They come and go, and what is popular today may not be popular in a few years.

Instead of constantly updating your home to follow the latest trends, it’s important to focus on creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. This can save you money in the long run, and ensure you have a home that truly feels like your own.


While it’s okay to incorporate some current trends into your home if you like them, try not to make them the driving force behind your design decisions. Instead, choose pieces that you truly love and that will stand the test of time.

It’s also worth considering the environmental impact of constantly buying new furniture and decor. Consider repurposing or upcycling items you already own, or investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years to come.

In short, don’t get too caught up in the latest trends. Focus on creating a home that is uniquely yours and meets your needs, and you’ll be much happier in the long run.


Let’s Talk About the Appeal of Trends

There’s no denying that trends in the world of interior design are fun. I know that I always look forward to discovering what Pantone’s color of the year will be (whether I would actually ever use it or not).


Personally speaking, I find the psychology behind ‘color of the year’ even more fascinating than the color itself.

In case you were wondering about this year’s color, here it is: the beautiful viva magenta, symbolizing happier days to come. Find the original at Pantone.

interior design trends japandi google analytics

Trends have never been easier to measure than they are today. This is largely thanks to digital measuring tools and advanced analytics.

Today we can measure trends in a range from a) hours on Twitter to b) days on Tik-Tok and c) weeks on Instagram.

An easy way to check trends on the web is to use Google Trends analytics. These allow you to look at search trends for certain words and terms on the internet over the years since Google has been tracking them.

You can even set the time period yourself to suit your search needs.


fashion vs interior design trend cycle

Quick Cycles and The Media

The once “yearly” trends in interior design fashion are happening more quickly than before. Why is this?

One explanation is that trends have tended to cycle more quickly in recent years due to the increasing influence of social media and the ability for ideas and styles to spread more quickly through online platforms. These quicker trend turnaround times are especially noticeable on “instant” media streams like Instagram and Pinterest. Home goods manufacturers take notice and try to predict what the public will want next.

It is also possible that the increasing pace of life in general may be leading to a desire for more frequent updates and changes in home design. Some of the decorating trends are superficial and involve seasonal decorating, while other trends that involve finishes and furniture are more substantial to implement. It goes without saying, if you want to understand seasonal trends, Pinterest is a great place to start looking!


Interior vs. Fashion Design

Of course, interior design and home decor are not the only spheres where fashion dictates consumer behavior.

In the fashion world trends have much shorter cycles (seasons), and styles are ‘out’ almost as soon as they are ‘in’.

Graphic design is another fast-moving industry with strong trends.


The Trickle Down Effect

fashion design trends

Believe it or not, the fashion and graphic design industries are highly influential to many other related industries, including interior design! Why is this?

Think of it this way: Fashion has been doing what it does at breakneck speed for a long time. As such, it is responsible for the “big ideas” when it comes to concepts.

A lot of creative industries take their cues from fashion!

When fashion filters down to the home products market it starts to show up in residential interior design and decorating.


Interior Design Industry Forecasts

interior design architecture industry forecast

Interior Design Industry Reports for 2022 and Forecasts for 2023

There’s nothing new about industry trends being forecast for the year ahead. They are a part of every industry’s yearly evaluation process and they can be both interesting and educational.

If we are smart, we learn from industry trends so that we can be better informed about where we’ve been and way more importantly, where we are going.

Here are some industry reports related to the field of interior design that I’d recommend checking out:


2024

24 Interior Design and Furniture Trends to Watch in 2024

25 Years of the Pantone Color of the Year in Projects on Arch Daily

Arch Daily Report on the Paint Colors of the Year for 2024

House Beautiful: Interior Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2024

The Spruce: 10 Home Trends Designers Love for 2024


2023

Dezeen’s Good Design Awards for 2023

Architecture Trends of 2023 According to Open AI’s Chat GPT on Arch Daily

Home Furniture and Furnishing Market 2023 Report by Market Watch

Graphic Design Trends for 2023 on 99 Designs

Biggest Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2023 on Good Housekeeping


2022

The Best Architectural Projects of 2022 on Arch Daily

Biggest Fashion Moments of 2022 on Time Magazine

Top Ten News Stories of 2022 on Construction News


Trends in interior design are always evolving, but some current trends include:

  1. Natural materials: Using natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant life to bring a sense of the outdoors inside.
  2. Biophilic design: Incorporating elements of nature into design to improve well-being and create a connection with the natural world.
  3. Sustainable and eco-friendly design: Using environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials and practices in design, such as using recycled or upcycled materials and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
  4. Mixing and layering textures: Combining different textures and materials to create depth and interest in a space.
  5. Warm and cozy spaces: Creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with warm colors, soft lighting, and cozy textiles.
  6. Multifunctional spaces: Designing spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a home office that can also serve as a guest room.
  7. Maximalism: Embracing bold patterns, bright colors, and a mix of styles and periods to create a lively, eclectic look.
  8. Minimalism: Striving for a clean, uncluttered look with a focus on simplicity and function.
  9. Black and white: Using a monochromatic color palette of black and white to create a sophisticated, modern look.
  10. Personalization: Incorporating personal touches and meaningful items into design to make a space feel more personalized and unique.

The Link Between Fashions, Production and Trends

product design trends economics

There’s an interesting correlation between a) the time it takes to design and produce something and get it into the consumer’s hands and b) how quickly it goes out of style.

Some aspects of interior design, such as hardwearing materials and finishes, may be considered less trendy than decor and accessories because they tend to be more permanent and costly to change. Materials and finishes, such as flooring, countertops, and wall coverings, are more expensive to replace and require more time and effort to change, so people may be more hesitant to update them as frequently as they might update smaller decor items.

In contrast, decor and accessories, such as throw pillows, rugs, and wall art, are less expensive and easier to change, so people are more likely to update them on a more frequent basis to follow current trends.


A note on cheap decor: The less time a product takes to produce, the easier it is for that item to “age”, because a new version will be out in less than six months, replacing the old version and consequently ‘dating’ it.


Why Fashion and Tech Have Fast Turnovers

Electronics, software and apparel are all categories of consumer goods that are known for their fast turnaround times. But while tech necessarily upgrades with each new edition, fashion and decor do not necessarily.

Clothing and home decor are often old cheaply to a market base that has traditionally been harder to predict, although Google search and platforms like Pinterest are making it easier. Trends in decor can be anticipated with more surety these days, but even then, product designers feeding the home “fast fashion” beast tend to create items intended to please our arbitrary tastes for a season.

The result is that people buy cheaply and discard just as easily.

If you’re interested to know more about the original use of the term “fast fashion” outside of interior design I highly recommend Justine Deconte’s fashion channel on Youtube. She is very passionate about the issue of fast fashion and it’s implications on society and the planet.

The bottom line issue with any kind of fast fashion, whether it’s clothing or home goods is that it is never intended to last.


micro mainstream macro and mega trends interior design
Micro trends last between three and twelve months, while mainstream trends last between one to three years. Macro trends are trends that last more than three years, while a mega trend can last a decade and often defines it.

It’s important to understand the difference between micro and macro interior design trends. While industry professionals tend to focus on the macro trends, consumers tend to get caught up in the micro trends.

It’s an interior designer’s or architect’s job to continue to look ahead, while not getting caught up in every little tremor on the fad scale. Thus, it is the macro and mega trends that we pay most attention to.


The less permanent your home and the more you enjoy buying inexpensive fashionable items, the more likely you are to follow micro trends.


interior design trend chart
Micro trends of three to twelve months are the least useful, but they can inform your seasonal decorating.

Like the fashion world, the interior design and home goods industry also have their own form of ‘fast fashion’, driven by retail. In this market there is high turnover of products, which in the long term results in a lot of waste.

Fast turnover contributes to the production of inexpensive, products that usually don’t last long. When products have no ‘staying power’, ideas are cheap. Fast fashion in interior design usually affects small home decor items, like decorative elements and manufactured wall art.

Micro trends in interior design account for up to a year of influence. Tiny micro trends are more accurately described as ‘fads’. An example of a micro trend would be the sudden rise in popularity of a certain plant on Tiktok, or a popular color. Yes, even color of the year is a micro trend!


interior design fashion life cycle chart visual graphic

Macro trends are the trends that build a little slower. Whether due to a slow, steady rise in public interest or simply due to availability, nonetheless these are usually ‘best sellers’.

Macro trends may last up to three years of influence.

An example of a macro trend is the popularity of a certain furniture item, like a particular style of recliner or a ultra-functional swivel stool which has been in hot demand due to the rise in home offices in the last few years. Really popular furniture can rightfully have macro staying power!


mega trends interior design decade furniture chairs

Mega trends are more important to watch. More often than not, these trends are the result of new technologies. These trends are informed by designers and builders using the best materials, products and methods to build new designs.

These are the trends that stick around the longest, as they are often the hardest to replace arbitrarily. They have become classics that are now a permanent part of the design landscape. They may typify the style of a particular decade.

Mega trends in interior design are those that last beyond the decade mark.


interior design trends judging

You might be wondering how all these trends affect us, and even more importantly, how do we know whether a trend is worth following or not?

If you consume a lot of popular interior design and home design media, it’s easy to get caught up in “the look of the moment”. One way of looking at trends that can help is to think of these ideas as inspiration, not mandates.


Questions to Ask Yourself Before Following a New Interior Trend

Here are some good questions to ask yourself before following an interior design trend:

  1. Do I really love this trend, or am I just following it because it is popular? It’s important to choose pieces and design elements that you truly love, rather than just following a trend because it is popular.
  2. How well does this trend fit with my personal style? Consider whether the trend fits with your overall design aesthetic and the look and feel that you want to create in your home.
  3. How long do I see this trend lasting? Trends come and go, so it’s important to consider whether the trend you are considering is likely to be short-lived or if it has staying power.
  4. How much will it cost to incorporate this trend into my home? Consider the cost of any new pieces or updates needed to follow the trend, as well as the potential cost of replacing those items if the trend goes out of style.
  5. Will this trend still be in style in a few years? Consider whether the trend is likely to still be popular in the future, or if it is likely to become dated quickly.
  6. Is this trend practical for my lifestyle and needs? Consider whether the trend is practical for your daily life and meets your needs, rather than just following a trend for the sake of it.

These questions can help you feel confident that you are making design decisions that reflect your personal style and needs, rather than just following a trend for the sake of it.


Practical Considerations When Following New Design Trends

It’s important to consider the level of commitment and cost involved when making design decisions. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind when incorporating an interior design trend into your home:

  1. Consider your budget: Trends can often require new purchases or updates, so it’s important to consider your budget and whether you can afford to follow the trend.
  2. Think about your lifestyle: Consider whether the trend is practical for your daily life and meets your needs, rather than just following a trend for the sake of it.
  3. Don’t forget about function: While aesthetics are important, it’s also important to consider how a trend will function in your home. Will it be comfortable, functional, and easy to maintain?
  4. Don’t be afraid to mix and match: While it’s okay to incorporate a trend into your home, don’t be afraid to mix and match with other styles and elements to create a look that is uniquely yours.
  5. Think about the long term: Trends come and go, so it’s important to consider whether the trend you are considering is likely to be short-lived or if it has staying power.

These tips can help you make design decisions that are both stylish and functional for your home.


When it comes to trying new styles consider making a stylistic change by replacing something inexpensive, like your throw cushions, your art work, or mirrors. Consider moving items that don’t work to other rooms in the house, or give them away to charity.


style trends consumer

The Grass is Always Greener

As consumers it’s easy to get caught up looking for the next greatest, biggest and better thing. It can also be tempting to compare ourselves with others. It’s obvious that this sentiment can have negative effects on the planet when not properly harnessed. On the other hand, our human-driven desire for change is also how progress works. In an ideal world we might consider striving to solve the dissonance between our desire for greater beauty and perfection in the world and the need for us to love our actual lives.

One way to love your life is to know your style and buy the best quality you can afford.


Making Those New Year Resolutions

One nice thing about a New Year is that it gives us a reason to reflect on the last twelve months and think about our direction for the next. A New Year heralds change, and we should embrace this notion.

Making changes in the New Year might include making adjustments to (or totally doing away with) living set ups that have not been working for us. A New Year perspective can and should also include finding inspiration (and making solid plans) for positive forward momentum in our lives.

Should these changes include the interior spaces we inhabit every day?

Absolutely.

Let’s just not ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater‘.

–Vonsassy


Share this article
Shareable URL
Comments 5
  1. Pingback: DESIGN BADDIE How to Be a Design “Baddie”
  2. Pingback: Considering the Best Metal Bed Frames Available Now - Snooze
  3. Pingback: Considering the Best Metal Bed Frames Available Now - Snooze
  4. Pingback: Home Features That Are Out Of Style, According To HGTV's Property Brothers - House Digest - WordPress Site
  5. Pingback: Funzionalità domestiche che sono fuori moda, secondo Property Brothers di HGTV

Quick comment

Discover more from DESIGN BADDIE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading