PORTFOLIO 3: InSight Trend Index 2023/24 by HomePage News

all about ease

New and next solutions for everyday living.

Success in the modern marketplace means understanding that the defintion of Trend is broader and more inclusive than ever—reaching beyond style and design to include other influences that drive major market changes. Trend, from this perspective, becomes an essential strategic tool.

Today, Trend means business.

The HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index 2023/24 is an exclusive digital guide that explores emerging and enduring home and housewares trends through the products and innovations which embody them. This comprehensive and expansive series was developed in partnership with Springboard Futures and its founder, industry trend authority Tom Mirabile, who also serves as consumer and lifestyle trend analyst for the International Housewares Association and HomePage News . The Springboard team explored influential tradeshows in the U.S. and abroad identifying home and housewares trends driven by global influences such as design, consumer lifestyle and functional/material innovation. The HomePage News lnSight Trend Index will release a new themed portfolio each week on HomePageNews.com, into the 3rd quarter of 2023.

The HomePage News InSight Trend Index 2023/24 accepted no payment for product placement, promotion, sponsorship, endorsement or other paid advertising. (Summer/Fall 2023 Release)

EXHIBITIONS INDEX:

Ambiente – Frankfurt, Germany

Atlanta Market – USA

Creativeworld – Frankfurt, Germany

High Point Market – USA

Formex — Stockholm, Sweden

Maison&Objet – Paris, France

NY NOW – USA

Salone del Mobile – Milan, Italy

Shoppe Object – New York, USA

Spring Fair – Birmingham, England

The Inspired Home Show – Chicago, USA

The New York Tabletop Show – USA

PORTFOLIO 1 ................... The Great Entertainers

PORTFOLIO 2 Material Evidence

PORTFOLIO 3 .................. All About Ease

PORTFOLIO 4 Pantone ® ColorWatch

PORTFOLIO 5 .................. Fine Lines

PORTFOLIO 6 The Great Outdoors

PORTFOLIO 7 .................. In the Groove

PORTFOLIO 8 World of Wellness

Why is “Ease” such an important trend? Let’s start by exploring what “ease” really means. For many, ease means simplicity; performing a task or perhaps creating something without a lot of complex instructions or previous experience. In a recent IHA/Springboard national survey,* 54% of respondents said “Ease of Use” is their #1 purchase influencer. But simplicity is just one facet of the trend. Across global home markets, products are delivering ease by saving consumers time and space while creating memorable experiences with new functions and features. Ease is an important trend, because for millions of consumers every day it’s the difference between “I have to.” and “I want to.”

problem solved

Perhaps our biggest role as retailers or manufacturers is solving everyday problems for the consumer. It sounds simple, but it’s a mission that crosses all home and housewares categories. The objective is simple: create products that make life easier, save consumers time, effort, space by improving design with the latest materials or technologies. In the pages that follow, you’ll see our list of the best in now and next plus a few classics we wouldn’t want to live without.

CUISIPRO

Reusable Bags for Cooking, Storing and Protecting

DASH

Safeslice Mandoline

ARNEST

Nesting Prep, Serve and Store Set with Tray Lids

problem solved - continued

InSight Trend Index

GENIETTI

Expandable One Size Stainless Splash Guard

LÉKUÉ

Essential 6 Piece Non-Scratch Utensil Set

FRONT BACK

problem solved - continued

BLACK + BLUM – Multi-function Food Box

NUTS INNOVATIONS – Cork and Fabric Storage Bags

MARTHA STEWART – Grip Handled Mix/Serve Bowl Set

MASTERCLASS

Featherweight Hard Enamel Coated Aluminum

GOODCOOK – BestBake MultiMeal Bakeware

THE CORD WRAPPER

Power Cord Organizer

LAPITEC

Conductive Protection Mats for Induction Cooktop Surfaces InSight Trend Index

MASTERCLASS – Smart Space 7 Piece Nesting Nonstick Bakeware Set

MASTERCLASS – Eco Snap Smart Storage Recycled and Recyclable Plastics

DEXAS – Prep-Tech Cutting Board with Integrated Food Scale & Tablet Holder

DASH – Space Saving Nesting Cookware with Collapsible Lid Grips

MAPLE LEAF AT HOME

Cheese Map Serving Board by Meg Quinn

DIPWARE

Serveware by MadeSmart

MASTERCLASS Eco Snap Smart Storage

FELLOW ‘Opus’ Conical Burr Grinder

LOMI

4-Hour High-Speed Countertop Composter

SIMPLE HUMAN Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can with Compost Caddy

Clearing the clutter is more than just managing a mess—today, we’re looking for storage and organization innovations that give us more. More space and solutions that help us create, share, socialize and simply relax.

HOUSE DOCTOR

Minimalist Shelving, Wall Rails, Hooks and Baskets

InSight Trend Index

KRAFTMADE

Multi-Storage Pantry Cabinet with Door Storage Racks

HOUSE DOCTOR

Basket Assortments for Storage and Utility

KRAFTMADE Bi-Level In-Drawer Organizer

GUDEE LIFE

Natural Bamboo ALFA Collapsible Double Tray Serving & Storage Rack

RUBBERMAID BRILLIANCE

Refrigerator Storage

REV-A-SHELF

Cabinet Insert with Cutlery and Board Organizer

Pantry

JEJ ASTAGE

3-Way Stackable Modular Storage

MADESMART

& Vanity Organizer

HONEY-CAN-DO

Foldaway Hamper with Shelf & Foldaway Double Drying Rack

YOUCOPIA ® StoraRoll™

Foil and Food Wrap Dispenser

[RE] Innovations

Sometimes the most meaningful innovation is re-innovation. That is, design that re-evaluates and re-imagines the functions and features of the products which power and propel our everyday lives. By applying advances in form, material, technology and consumer insight, these innovators are creating today’s “better mousetraps.”

App-Enabled Guided Cooking

AMC AG COOK & CO

InSight Trend Index

BUGATTI

Ergo Knife Block with Cutting Board and Tablet/Phone Easel

COWAY

Airmega 4-Stage Air Purifier and Deodorizer

LÉKUÉ

Microwave Grill XL

DASH Clear View Toaster

REV-A-SHELF — Cabinet Pullout with Utensil Organizers

WARIMEX

Little Pleasures Cookware

TREBONN

Grate & Collect Kitchen Tool

LÉKUÉ

Non-Scratch Kitchen Utensil Set

GREENPAN™

Premiere XL Smoke-Less Open Grill & Griddle

DREAMFARM

Ograte 2-Sided Speed Grater

DREAMFARM

Automatic Sharpening Peeler

Trend Perspectives

In recent years the very definitions and drivers of trend have expanded beyond style and design to incorporate social, economic, technology, lifestyle, environmental and even political trends. Staying informed and focused in this “never normal” is challenging—but essential.

During this journey to bring InSight to life, we had many discussions on trend with home industry executives—all who have a history of success and innovation in their fields. While each interpret and react differently to any given trend, they share a singular trait. They all lead companies with a strong brand identity and goals forged from an ever-evolving understanding of consumers.

Regardless of their perspective, all seem to converge on a crucial reality: Just as economies, markets and retail channels will change and evolve, trends, in response, will continue to influence commerce. Navigating that influence successfully will depend on the ability to respond rapidly to changing consumer realities and aspirations.

Hear from their perspective in their own words.

Derek Miller President & CEO, International Housewares Association

Looking back over the past two years, how is the role of trade shows evolving in providing trend insight and inspiration to both manufacturers and retailers? Retailers and suppliers alike know that there is no better way to evaluate the direction of an existing trend—or the strength of an emerging one—than to view it in the context of an active show floor. Trade shows like The Inspired Home Show® create a forum where the true nature and direction of trends comes to life in real time for both buyer and seller. That’s something no online presentation or meeting can match.

Are trends still important in Home? Some people are saying that trends are slowing down? Is that true? Trends have not “slowed down,” some have that perception because the lifespan of viable trends has actually increased. When established trends last longer it’s a reflection of consumers’ demand for lasting value. They are evaluating quality, price, and design in new ways, and with new expectations. For the supply side, that’s a great thing because it gives us the opportunity to evolve with consumers—to really listen and reimagine our industry in response to what we learn. Home style and lifestyle trends remain essential to evolution and growth in our industry.

Tom Mirabile Principal, Springboard Futures Consumer and Lifestyle Trend Analyst, International Housewares Association and HomePage News

Are consumer lifestyle trends important even in unsettled economic conditions? Trends are important because they can help you better anticipate future behaviors and make better decisions, providing greater opportunities for growth. For that very reason it’s during times of economic uncertainty that trends are crucially important.

Joe Derochowski VP, Home Industry Advisor, Circana

Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf Founder & Principal, Project Partners Network

As experts in licensing partnerships, how does Project Partners Network make use of consumer and lifestyle trends? Monitoring trends is essential to determining which licenses will help our partners move farther, faster toward achieving their business goals. Sucess is always expanded by a strong alignment of marketplace preferences and product launches or expansions.

How has the use of trends changed in recent years? Trends are no longer dictated by an elite, inspiring few and followed by all, there are hundreds of viable trends evolving at any given time. Trends can emerge as inspirations from social media, pop culture, even a truly unique retail experience. Success comes from interpreting those trends and translating them into products and assortments that inspire and engage consumers

Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman Executive Director of the Pantone®

Why is trend awareness important to business growth? Trends provide a new approach and a fresh perspective that creates a need to purchase—and that is the ultimate goal.

David Shull EVP, Marketing & Communications, JURA

How does JURA integrate design and lifestyle trends into its products and program development? Trends have a past, present and future. Here at JURA, we analyze the past to separate the temporary from long-term changes in consumer behavior. We deliver and position products with an eye to current trends. But what truly sets us apart is projecting future trends and even creating them with new technologies and innovations that expand the concept of what a product or category can do.

Rep Groups and multi-supplier showrooms often present an incredible breadth of trend statements. How do you keep those offerings balanced? And why not focus on just a few? As a partnership representing 40 brands and product lines, Schauben & Co. keeps a close watch on lifestyle and design trends. Our retail partners of every size are defined by which trends they follow, and they depend on us to stay in sync with what’s new and next. Trend awareness and editing is at the core of the services we provide.

Peter Schauben President & Managing Partner Schauben & Co.

Aaron Stewart Creative Director, Gibson Homewares

Color Institute

What role should trend play in creating retail assortments?

Trend plays the role of catalyst. It stirs things up, creates excitement, instills optimism and propels change.

Are there any charachteristics that longer-lasting design and lifestyle trends have in common?

Is consumer/ lifestyle trend an important consideration in your company’s new product development? Absolutely, consumer and lifestyle trends form an integral part of Dash’s new product development strategy as they help us understand the evolving needs, preferences, and aesthetics of our customer base. We constantly observe and analyze lifestyle trends through market research, customer feedback, and social media analytics, which allows us to create innovative and stylish appliances that resonate with our customers and fit seamlessly into their everyday lives.

Many enduring trends these days have evolved into lifestyle moments. This is awesome, and very important for Nancy Fire Designs and other firms who work with both manufacturers and retailers who need to be on the same page when it comes to product. This makes the trends more realistic and focused on enhancing everyday living, which in fact is what the consumer is looking for.

Is trend always important—even in times of economic uncertainty?

A keen awareness of what’s trending in the marketplace and in consumer lifestyles is essential to Mud Pie’s product design and development process. Our designers are always on the pulse of what’s new, tracking both traditional and social media outlets as well as consumer insights to determine direction for new product lines and key items.

Marcia Miller Founder & CEO, Mud Pie

Michelle Lamb Editorial Director, The Trend Curve

Evan Dash Founder & CEO, Storebound, Dash

Nancy Fire Creative Director, Nancy Fire Designs

Will craftsmanship in home furnishings continue its current broad influence on Home and Housewares trends? Demand for handcraftsmanship in home furnishings is a continuing trend and shows no sign of fatigue, and actually continues to broaden its influence on Home and Housewares trends. Craftsmanship is the new luxury and will add a distinguished warmth, longevity and inherent value as we crave that connection to place and provenance as a counterpoint to technology.

What role do trends play in product development and design at Lifetime Brands? Staying trend-aware is a critical part of innovation, it can help us direct development toward what matters most to our consumers. That means looking at trends on every level: lifestyle, design, material innovation and even pricing. Trends must be viewed through a lens of our brand mandates for consistency and value.

Linda Levine President, Godinger Silver Board of Directors, NY Tabletop Association

In the next 2-3 years, which trend will deliver the greatest opportunity for meaningful sustainability advances in the home and housewares industries? Education and information. Without a doubt consumer awareness and commitment to eco-conscious home products will continue to expand. In fact, in response to that trend and the demand it’s created, the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) provides home furnishings retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and designers with education and tools to incorporate sustainable best practices into their business models. That commitment has made the SFC the leading sustainability education resource in the home furnishings industry.

What role does trend play in the the relationship between your sales team and the accounts they serve? Trends, whether consumer, lifestyle, material or color play an important part in Godinger’s continued success. Trends are part of our ongoing conversations with our retail partners—every account is unique, so trends help us differentiate assortments as well.

Patti Carpenter Principal & Founder, Carpenter + Company

Dan Siegel President, Lifetime Brands

Scarlette Tapp Executive Director, Sustainable Furnishings Council