PORTFOLIO 8: (Contemporary Contrasts) InSight Trend Index 2025/26
The HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index is an exclusive digital guide that explores emerging and enduring home and housewares trends through the products and innovations which embody them. InSight was developed in partnership with Springboard Futures and its founder, industry trend authority Tom Mirabile, who also serves as consumer and lifestyle trend strategist for the International Housewares Association and HomePage News . The Springboard team surveys major markets and trade shows in the U.S. and abroad to identify dominant home and housewares product and design trends such as color, pattern, material, form and function. In addition, the team evaluates the influences likely to affect the success and longevity of these trends, such as social, economic and consumer lifestyle shifts.
Each new portfolio of InSight will deliver unique cross-category presentations of energizing, innovative products, fresh perspectives from industry experts, plus exclusive new data to keep you in step with today’s consumers.
New InSight portfolios will be released approximately every 4-6 weeks on HomePageNews.com. Whenever possible, issue release dates will be guided by significant industry considerations such as major tradeshows and market events, as well as estimated product development, introduction, and delivery cycles for home industry suppliers and retailers.
Letter from the creators
Trend Waves Crest on Evolving Modern and Minimal Styles
In this portfolio, we want to explore the extraordinary expansion of Modern and Minimal influences driving development and assortments in the marketplace. Of course, these trends are not new, per se; but their relevance is. This resurgence bloomed mid-pandemic, fueled by the stress of clutter and claustrophobia from prolonged home sheltering. The attraction of these styles has endured, energized by renewed attraction to renovation and organization.
Still, consumer interest and demand for Modern and Minimal aesthetics can only be sustained by innovation and imagination. To achieve this, the need to distinguish between key Modern and Minimal design styles is critical. Not only to maximize the volume potential of each, but to guide our response to the new trends they are generating. One of which we are excited to introduce in this very portfolio: Post-Minimalism.
In this issue, we present clear, visually and verbally articulated guidelines for four design directives that are shaping product evolution in response to the evolving lifestyles and sensibilities of today’s consumer.
Tom Mirabile Principal, Springboard Futures Consumer and Lifestyle Trend Strategist, HomePage News
Dawn Evans Creative Director, HomePage News InSight Trend Index
TREND: MODERN IN MOTION
Modernist style has evolved significantly, but it still relies on some core tenets.
Emphasizes function, simplicity, and a rejection of ornamentation. Modernism values innovation and new technologies for their functional attributes rather than their decorative value.
FORM:
• ”Form follows function”—emphasizes simplicity, functionality and rational design
• Tend to explore a range of forms, including both rounded and angular shapes
• Focus on functional aesthetics, with designs that can be both geometric and organic
• Often feature smooth curves and fluid lines, reflecting a more experimental and expressive approach
FUNCTION:
• Innovation, simplicity, and functional beauty are core values
• Focus on functionality and practicality
COLOR:
• Often neutral, with an emphasis on natural and industrial colors
• In its evolution, Modernism in the last decade has incorporated broader use of color, though monochromatic and simplistic palettes prevail
• Controlled use of organic and natural form
MATERIAL:
• Mixed materials are combined to highlight contrasts and create controlled decorative interest
• Updated industrial materials such as sheet steel, lightweight concrete, and glass. These materials are used to create sleek, structural forms
• Natural Elements: Modernist designs often incorporate natural materials like wood and stone to enhance their structural and aesthetic qualities
Neutral Territories
Neutral palettes remain a core aspect of modernist style
REVOL
Caractère Culinaire
Oblong baking dish
MODERN IN MOTION
Mix Masters
Jeanne Fitz Wood & White Collection
Lazy Susan
YAMAZAKI
Mixed materials reimagine modern style
COSTA NOVA
Casafina Bakeware Collection With cork serving trays
GENSE
Focus de Luxe Flatware Collection
Color Craze
OGO LIVING
Viggo Collection
Enameled cast iron kettles with wooden accents
OGO LIVING ECTOR Cookware
Aluminum with removable wood and stainless handles shown in khaki
Nature-inspired palettes refresh modern style
FESTA
Handmade vases in fine porcelain
Glass Collection
KLATT OBJECTS
VILLEROY & BOCH Like
Next-Level Neutrals
Dorotea Carafe Polished
MASTRAD
Belissam
Borosilicate glass and stainless steel cookware
Simple, sleek form and material make function the feature
Multifunction and bluetooth-enabled cooking robot
NUDE GLASS Wine Party Stemware Sets of 2 designed by Ron Arad
GENSE
Dorotea Flatware
Designed by Monica Förster
MODERN IN MOTION
UMBRA Ferris
UMBRA Moona
UMBRA
Jewelry organizer
Ferris Jewelry Organizer
Available in solid ash wood, walnut and natural woods
UMBRA Bellwood Desk frame in black walnut
Jewelry organizer or storage box in black
UMBRA Cubiko Modular wall planter
Expert Perspectives
Do design and lifestyle trends still matter during times of economic uncertainty?
Trends are always a catalyst for evolution. During uncertain times—moments when consumers may not be so inclined to spend— their importance is amplified because they provide tangible reasons to buy. As indicators of what’s next in lifestyle and décor, trend colors and items are uplifting. They are metaphors for confidence in the future, imparting often-subliminal, yet much-needed encouragement. That makes it in the industry’s best interest to continue delivering newness and innovation, even in volatile times.
Michelle Lamb Founder and Editorial Director
The Trend Curve™
LEONARDO
ROMA Ceramic
Tableware Collection
TREND: MINIMAL MELLOWS
Minimal makes the mainstream by showing its softer side.
Eliminating excess reveals the beauty of simplicity and functionality to create a sense of clarity and calm by reducing and restricting elements of color and ornamentation.
FORM:
• Emphasis on geometric shapes and clean, straight lines
• Limited but expanding use of organic and natural form inspirations
FUNCTION:
• Apperance is practical and functional, both core principles of minimalist design
• Where product performs a function, it is often featured as part of the design, not hidden by ornamentation
COLOR:
• Generally neutral colors and monochromatic color palettes
• Colors draw attention to beauty of the object, not the color itself
MATERIAL:
• Simple and pure materials such as unembellished wood, metal and glass
• High-quality materials and their natural textures such as smooth concrete, brushed metal or untreated wood
• Monochromatic materials, especially whites, grays and blacks, ensure a clean, uncluttered look
Smooth Simplicity
CRYSTALEX
4 For 1 Collection
Each set a complete service for one
Circling Back
Available in solid ash wood, walnut and natural woods
Includes four bowls and a center plate
STELTON Brus Wall mount carbonator
VILLEROY & BOCH
La Boule Porcelain Snack Set
KROSNO
Shake Collection
Cocktail glassware
Spherical forms soften the Minimal aesthetic
TRANSPARENT
Transparent bluetooth speaker
MINIMAL MELLOWS
Core Values
Electric kettle in matte black
Portable induction cook and grill plate
SinkTech
Sinkware and cleaning collection
Large modular, customizable organizer made o f recycled plastic
UMBRA Glam
JOSEPH JOSEPH
SPRING SPIRIT
AARKE
Black, white and steel remain Minimal mainstays
Eau Series
Nesting porcelain serve and tableware
Lid and ladle stand in powder coated steel
ADHOC
Infusion bottle with stainless strainer
15 plate tiered draining rack in steel with matte black finish
SWAN Stealth
YAMAZAKI
ZONE DENMARK
Clearly Contemporary
WELCOME INDUSTRIES
Visual Measuring Spoons
Welcome Cantinetta
Modular wine bottle holder
SEVERIN
Retro style electric kettle with 1.7 litre glass reservoir and clear acrylic handleand clear acrylic handle
OMADA
SEMPLI
Monti Sonnoi Carafe and tumbler
Expert Perspectives
What role does trend play in the way retailers and suppliers present themselves to the consumer?
Dawn Evans
Creative Director
HomePage News
InSight Trend Index
Retailers and suppliers strive to curate product assortments that set them apart in a crowded marketplace, and trends are central to how they shape and communicate their brand identity to consumers. My role is to objectify and translate the visual representation of current market trends into something that is tangible and actionable. Trends are then presented in a cohesive light that clearly identifies their viability, so that retailers and suppliers alike can assess which trends align with their consumer base—and whether a particular trend is essential to attracting the audience they aspire to reach.
From my perspective, staying attuned to how consumers perceive style, functionality and value within a product is a vital compass. This awareness reveals how people want to live and what inspires them— insights that are often most clearly reflected through trend.
KROSNO GLASS Roly-Poly Collection
TREND: POST-MODERN PASSION
Mood-lifting color and playful forms fuel a revival and re-imagining of Post-Modern style
Challenging the rigidity of Modernism. It is characterized by its eclectic, playful, colorful and sometimes ironic approach to design, often blending different styles and materials.
FORM:
• Unconventional use of bold geometric shapes, and a mix of materials; often playful, whimsical, and even kitschy
• Contrasting textures, patterns and finishes draw focus to unconventional forms, marking a departure from both Traditional and Modern aesthetics.
FUNCTION:
• Simplicity and function are key elements of design
• Importance of form and aesthetic are paramount, and sometimes interfere with the purity of functional considerations (e.g. a fry pan shaped like an fried egg)
COLOR:
• Color palettes are vibrant and eclectic, with a mix of bright colors and patterns
• Primary palettes have an almost retro appeal, while mixes of brights, pastels, or middle values are newer
MATERIAL:
• Mixed material statements still a mainstay of Post-Modern style
• Material options broaden to include more ceramics and plastics, but the value of gloss finishes endure
• Transparent materials such as acrylic and glass are updating the style, giving a new boldness to color
• Textural surfaces add a sense of dimension and pattern
WARREN & LAETITIA
Tick Double Candle Holders Taper and tealight versatile
Vivid new palettes express a fresh design sensibility
Magnetic folding flat store set of two measuring spoons
IMUSA
POST-MODERN PASSION
NOGENT
Vice Versa Vegetable Peelers
Double blade peels smooth and julienne
&KLEVERING
Bole Candle Holder Collection
Design accommodates both taper and tealight candles; colored borosilicate glass
GREENPAN
Nova Collection
Ceramic nonstick cookware collection shown in Ocean and deep teal
Expert Perspectives
How has the role of licensed product changed for Home and Housewares in the current economic climate?
Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf Principal & Founder Project Partners Network
Licensed products have always provided inspiration, guided choice and helped consumers feel like part of a community. The comfort and assurance they provide become even more important in times of cultural and economic uncertainty. Licensed products in home and housewares today range from the functional, to giftable and even mood-lifting decorative items. Globally, retail sales of licensed products in housewares, gifts and décor are over $45B, so clearly consumers are responding positively when offered a choice. In any case, exploring how licensing can strengthen your connection with customers and strengthen assortments has become a crucial component of growth strategy.
DOLCE & GABBANA CASA Glassware Collection
TREND: POST-MINIMAL PERSPECTIVE
Evolving tastes and lifestyles converge to inform a new aesthetic
Functionality, practicality, and simplicity maintain a ”less is more” ethos while promoting new materials and technologies. A broader, more expressive use of color and material softens the edge of earlier Minimalist and Modernist aesthetics.
FORM:
• Geometric forms dominate, with spherical and capsular inspirations in the lead
• Organic and nature-inspired shapes gain importance
• Softened edges and angles ease the severity typical of Minimalism
FUNCTION:
• Functional innovation is a core element of Post-Minimalism
• Forms enable functional versatility and adaptability such as modularity
COLOR:
• Colors are more broadly used than in Modernism and Minimalism
• With selective restraint, color and finish add a fashionable, contemporary aspect
• Narrow palettes highlight the simplicity of product form and function
MATERIAL:
• Material diversity is crucial and emphasizes new materials, techniques, forms and technologies
• Crafted and natural materials dominate, especially wood, ceramic, glass and marbl
• Sustainability and purposeful use influence material selection
Natural hues and materials inform a stylish simplicity
CRUSHGRIND
Above: Zurich Prep and Presentation Boards
Below: Billund Grinders
ALT.O BY COMMUNE
Tierra Console Table Steel frame with shelves in terrazzo and oak veneer on engineered wood
ARTE LEGNO Carrara Collection Wooden knife blocks with natural marble bases
Pleasure Crafts
Modern reactive glazed tableware collection
POLSPOTTEN
COSY & TRENDY
Bubbles & Bottles XXL Collection
Mouth blown glass; Colorway: Cognac BE HOME
Niko Cocktail Collection
Glassware
Craftsmanship and innovative function are focal points
HUBSCH
Echo Side Table
Tubular metal in warm gold with amber glass shelves
CONTINENTA
Oak Wood and Walnut Collections
Lidded storage containers and serving bowls; open gallery trays
KINT Puffa System
Modular and transformable furniture designed by Rostyk Sorokovyi
Color Commentary
DAAN TECH Joe the Mutifunction Cooking Appliance
Minimal forms are draped in magnetic palettes
OLLY
Stovetop espresso coffee makers
VILLEROY & BOCH
La Boule Dinnerware Set for 2 In Porcelain
Golden Rules
SJÖSTRAND
The Original Coffee maker in brass
LUNA VIA Wireless LED table lighting
TRABO ITALY TOAST GOLD In collaboration with Gae Aulenti
NewIcon Pedal Bin (30L) is even more iconic with its warm-toned metallic coating and stylish stainless-steel stylish bin adds a sense of luxury to any room, standing strong thanks to its non-slip base and anti-tilting block. closure feature ensures a smooth closure too. And of course, the NewIcon is easy to open, odor-proof, easy to keep clean. 30 liters of timeless design.
Features
of luxury - contemporary warm-toned metallic coating and stainless-steel pedal
Smooth - soft closing lid, light pedal operation to Clean - removable plastic inner bucket and out - inner bucket with ventilation holes, no vacuum proof - grip in lid hinge
Perfect match - sample pack of Brabantia PerfectFit bin bags enclosed
Problem-free use - 10 guarantee and service
friendly - Cradle Certified, Bronze level sustainable choice made from 41% recycled material, 97% recyclable after use
Bronze, Warm Gold, Warm Brass, Warm Cooper
Brabantia.com and products, please visit https://www.brabantia.com/int_en/
IPAC i Genietti Anello Gold plated food tools gift collection
AOUMM Libra
Multi-functional 2-piece blown glass candle lantern designed by Dan Yeffet
NewIcon Pedal Waste Bin Shown in Metallic Warm Gold
Function-Focused Form
ROSTI The Collection
AMABRO Four-color glass tea pots
AMABRO Two tone stacking cups
Masterful
Modularity and Multifunction
MEPAL
Vita Bento Box
ROSTI The Collection
Evolution Meets Revolution
COOKVISION
Combination cook, bake, serve and store wares with vacuum seal lids
KITCHENAID
Go Cordless Suite
Expert Perspectives
Why are design and lifestyle trends important to industry growth in home and housewares?
Peter Giannetti Editor in Chief HomePage News
When design and lifestyle trends intersect, that’s the sweet spot for the home and housewares business. It’s easy to see design through the lens of style alone. However, design succeeds most often in this business as an aggregate of style, technology and utility emphasis on utility—tuned to the needs of a clearly defined lifestyle. The concept of design vision is evolving. Vision, more than ever, demands precision… a strategic assessment of how consumers are living their lives at a given moment and how that inspires every choice they make, as well as future aspirations. Today’s consumer can be unforgiving to those that don’t get it right, so a well-informed vision is essential.
BRABANTIA
New color, finish, and function on flawless minimal forms epitomize the Post-Minimal ethos.
ON OUR RADAR: WELCOME MATTES
GROUP, PORTUGAL
VILLACER
Matte and satin glazes interact on new stoneware patterns
A-TABLE Collection
Indoor/outdoor steel furnishings
Flatware 18-10 sainless steel, in a mix of mirror polished steel and matte black finishes
ZONE DENMARK
SERAX
Catu Metal Baskets
Designed by Antonino Sciortino
MAARTEN BAPTIST Outline
Welcome Mattes
GEFU ACURO
6-piece knife set, block included
SIMPLEHUMAN
L: Round Can Step
R: Rectangular Step Can
MEGA PROJECTS BE Living Cookware
WARTMANN Multifunction Stand Mixer 2306 MX In matte black
ZONE DENMARK Watering Can Enameled metal designed by Mavro//Lefevre
VILLEROY & BOCH Manufacture Rock Glassware Collection In matte white
Welcome Mattes
Honorable Mention: Petrol Blue
OOBJE Wine rack
LUBIANA Classic Porcelain Tableware Collections
MAISON DADA Lov Lov Stool
COOKUT La Fabuleuse Frying pan
Expert Perspectives
Is there an effective way to gauge whether the style and lifestyle trends we see across social media have long-term viability?
Adrian Bredeson Co-Owner E-Power Marketing
A social media trend shows long-term potential when it maintains momentum over time, sparks strong engagement and positive sentiment, aligns with broader cultural or economic shifts, and gains traction with influential brands. For example, “Scandi” Design grew steadily in the 2010s, fueled by conversations around wellness, sustainability, and conscious living—amplified by brands like IKEA and shows like Tidying Up. Similarly, Cottagecore evolved from niche aesthetic to mainstream movement, resonating during the pandemic with themes of comfort, simplicity, and a return to slower home living.
ZONE DENMARK Ume Laundry Basket
OOBJE Onda Shelf unit in navy blue
ON OUR RADAR: MAGIC FLUTES
LYNGBY PORCELAEN
Lyngby Vase
Various sizes and colors
ADHOC
Scape Salt and Pepper Mill Set
KROSNO Perfect Serve Spirit decanter and tumbler set
Collaboration with Design Studio Front
KOSTA BODA
Pavilion Collection in Glass
Magic Flutes
DAVID MELLO Liner Collection
Stainless flatware designed by Corin Mellor
LAV
Helen Glassware
COSTA NOVA Casafina Dinnerware Collection
XLBOOM
Lima Collection
Glass pitchers and tumblers
QUALIA
Fluted glass vases in mineral blue and smoke
LYNGBY PORCELAEN
Tura Porcelain Vases and Pitcher
Magic Flutes
ASA SELECTION
BREDEMEIJER
Skagen Porcelain Teaware Collection In white
URVE
Organizer domed cabinet with drawers
URVE
Domed cosmetic bath organizer with 360 degree spinner
Juna Candle Lantern Collection Glass with Ceramic Bases
LYNGBY PORCELAEN
The Original Lyngby Vase Shown (left to right) in glass, marble and ceramic
POLSPOTTEN
Pum Glass Pitcher & Barware Collection
UP NEXT PORTFOLIO 9: Wellness
An exploration of the ever-expanding definition of wellness and its influence on proactive and reactive product development.
