The almost endless lists of what’s hot/what’s not always prompts a lot of comments, especially on social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and answers to the preferences can create a cycle of confusion for anyone trying to get a handle on trends.
Of course, there are life events, stages and ages that play a role in what consumers buy, throw away and keep, and a growing number of trend forecasters are taking those factors into consideration when developing their own future-looking statements.
But one underlying theme seems to permeate the conversation — home is a blank canvas filled with opportunities for expression, and some of the latest trend conversations combine travel, nostalgia and hobbies into a home furnishings line-up that give new meaning to the now almost vintage term “eclectic.”
Props to Real Homes’ Eve Smallman for designating the love of all things Amalfi coast-ish as a design trend. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of a coastal Italian destination with all the feels of a Mediterranean summer?
For those of us (yes, raising hand here) who’ve been in love with all things Italy for a while, gives that sun-kissed blue hue anchored by terracotta tiles a new of-the-moment moniker, while the homage to all things lemon as a motif prompts some memories and/or fantasies of lazy afternoons under a tree sipping cool drinks before an al fresco dinner.
Smallman even includes recommendations from none other than Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home and upcoming keynote at the summer Las Vegas Market, for this trend.
“Infuse a bit of Italian glamor into your home with a Mediterranean color palette of bright blues, crisp whites, and pops of citrus tones and earthy terracotta,” said Kuo in Smallman’s article. “Now, finish off the look with an Aperol Spritz and relax Italiano-style.”
Full disclosure, it’s been called Grandmillennial, Granny Chic, Coastal Grandmother, even Grandpacore, so I’m going to go all equal opportunity grandparent here and call it . At its core, Grandicore oozes nostalgia, coziness and warmth — just the antidote for all that ails us. Think about it: In a scary world, what could be more comforting than the idea of our grandparents’ homes?
So what is the Grandiecore style, exactly? That’s the beauty of this one; it isn’t one particular style at all. It’s floral sofas that continue to increase in popularity, surprising many who’ve been accustomed to every color as long as it’s gray for the past few years. It’s Capodimonte, that intricate and (ironically) Italian porcelain décor design that has been around since the 1700s and that was once the “must have, look but don’t touch” décor in many “grand” households. It’s even retro afghans, throws, and clocks still found at estate sales and thrift shops, and also favorite haunts of many in the Gen Z audience.
Still need convincing? Look at pictures of Grandma’s house and think about how it makes you feel. The likelihood that whatever was in her house becoming warm memory is strong, and that’s an eclectic style vibe as varied as the number of grandparents who spent lots of time with their little people of choice.
Another concept that incorporates everything except a one-size-fits-all aesthetic, can be travel-inspired, but it can also encompass the idea of recycle, reuse, repurpose for the good of all humans. It can be supporting artisans and craftspeople — the makers — and scouring antique markets and thrift stores in search of items that can be given a second chance in a home.
Globalcore speaks to the awareness that resources are limited, humanity is one, and people are more alike than different regardless of physical address.
More consumer-path-to-purchase philosophy than specific product preferences, Globalcore acknowledges the consumers who think about a purchase beyond a certain color, material or silhouette, often with an eye toward the good of the planet or makers in other countries.
Feel-good consumerism? Yes, and while the specifics of the products can certainly be debated, the wish of a large group of consumers to make conscious purchase decisions continues to be successfully addressed in many product launches, particularly on social media.
The Globalcore consumer hears the stories and responds with their wallet — Apple Pay, Paypal, Venmo — you get the idea.
Trend forecasts will continue for several reasons, not the least of which they are fun, translate into great content and, of course, support marketing initiatives. So for summer 2024, maybe mix a little Amalfi, grandie and global core together for a product story that might move the consumer apathy needle in a new direction.