I've kept a close eye on trends for all of my 30+ years in the design world. What I've learned is that it starts with fashion – which is usually way ahead of home, gifts and stationery. For example, if peacock feathers are on the runway in 2025 we'll see peacocks on throw pillows and cards by about 2027.
As someone who prides herself on creating original ideas (or at least original takes on old ideas), I feel like if we all get on board with trends then everything looks the same. On the flip side, buyers love whatever is trending so if you're trying to make money with your creations it's hard to avoid jumping in.
And then there are seasonal trends that include color palettes and textures. Occasionally we buck traditions and some bold designer introduces a hot pink and orange Christmas collection but the biggest sellers will often be the most traditional.
You might be asking yourself how this is helpful. I'm asking myself the same question as I write. I've tried to be a pioneer and introduce new things just to find that nobody gets it until 2 years later when it's everywhere. The least interesting card (borderline fugly) I ever designed made the most money because it was traditional and that's easy for people to buy.
There are movements that will always be in style. Things like choosing environmentally friendly materials. Sentiments that are loving and supportive. And Humor will always be appreciated, maybe now more than ever.
As VP of Creative Direction at StationeryHQ.com I no longer develop products for the public buying population. But we like to sprinkle trends into our communications/product samples and of course I still design an epic holiday card for my personal use every year. So here are some trends I'm seeing that will influence my aesthetic this fall...
Shades of green are the front runners for fall colors.
Checked patterns and plaids are fun, I might create a traditional plaid with an unexpected color combo like this one. This one includes our corporate blue but hot pink or orange would be fun too.
And don't even get me started on type trends. I'm a total font hoarder/snob and I love trying new typestyles at the same time I'm totally dedicated to Baskerville because it has a super cute number 3. Spring and Summer had us enjoying juicy 70's throwbacks, maybe Fall will take us up to the 80s (really hope not, lived through that era - great music but our aesthetic was... a lot).
Metallic accents will be popular this year, gold foil is still trending and who doesn't love shiny stuff? We have Foil Stamping and Elevated Ink Products options if you want to go hard with your cards in Q3.
So think green this fall. In your color palette and your material choices (yes we have 100% PCW and Bamboo papers, we recycle everything we can and we plant trees monthly).
Or do whatever you want, you're one of the trendsetters, remember?