April/May 2026
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that future growth will rely on purposeful innovation that solves real consumer pain points, rather than simply introducing new products. Several categories continue to present strong opportunities. Essentials such as food and beverages remain robust, while casualisation is supporting apparel. Products linked to joy and creativity, including arts and crafts and outdoor toys, are performing well, alongside health and wellness segments such as fitness and beauty. Social media is also playing a growing role, particularly in beauty, prompting brands to think more creatively about driving demand through engagement and new usage occasions. Mr Derochowski also pointed to uneven spending patterns, with lower- income and younger consumers, particularly those aged 18–24, under greater pressure in a K-shaped economy. This, he noted, creates both challenges and opportunities for retailers targeting different segments. Key drivers in 2025 included replacement purchasing, increased eating at home and demand for small indulgences such as air fryers and ice cream makers. Health and wellness trends and external factors, including weather, also influenced buying behaviour. A notable shift has been the resurgence of home baking, particularly
among younger consumers, as growth in store-bought baked goods slows. Social media is now a major source of inspiration, shaping behaviour across all age groups. Looking ahead, Circana expects a slight dip in 2026, with growth
returning from 2027, supported by ageing populations, smart home adoption, major events and evolving work patterns.
Pantone inspiration
At The Inspired Home Show 2026, colour was positioned as a key tool for responding to evolving consumer mindsets, with calm, comfort and joy set to shape home trends in the coming years. In her keynote, Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute
unveiled the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2027 forecast, highlighting how design is adapting to meet consumers’ emotional and sensory needs in an increasingly fast-paced world. Built around the concept of “Sense-abilities”, the forecast emphasises multi-sensory design, where colour works alongside texture and other elements to create more immersive and meaningful home environments. Ms Eiseman noted that consumers are seeking sanctuary at home, using design to disconnect from external noise and reconnect emotionally. A wide range of influences is shaping future palettes, from fashion and film to technology, nature and culture, underlining the psychological as well as aesthetic role of colour. Soft, calming tones remain important, alongside more nostalgic and expressive hues driven by popular culture. Ms Eiseman also highlighted Cloud Dancer, a versatile white reflecting a growing desire for simplicity and clarity, with broad appeal across seasons and categories.
The 2027 palettes balance subtle, nature-led shades with more
dramatic and playful colours, offering flexibility to meet different consumer moods. Directions range from gentle, meadow-inspired tones and cool blues and greens to warmer hues linked to comfort and nostalgia, alongside more eclectic combinations for bolder styling. For retailers, the implication is clear: colour is not just aesthetic but
strategic, with the power to influence mood and purchasing decisions. Translating these trends into product and merchandising will be key to meeting demand.
AI is here to stay
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting from a back-office efficiency tool to a core driver of commercial strategy, with retailers and suppliers urged to act quickly or risk falling behind. That was the key message from a keynote at The Inspired Home Show 2026, where speakers highlighted the need for immediate experimentation and adoption. Udayan Bose, founder of NetElixir, joined Aaron Conant of BWG Connect to outline how AI is reshaping e-commerce and decision- making. While consumers are already engaging with AI through search and generative tools, Mr Bose argued that many businesses are still only
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THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW 2026
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