Trend Q&A: Digital shopping in interiors and more

The impact of digital shopping on interiors, functional versus decorative and the antiques of the future. That and more on today’s episode.

Want to know what’s next? Listen to the show where our experts from around the globe unpack your biggest challenges. This week, WGSN’s President and CEO Carla Buzasi takes us to London, Paris and New York for the first part of a two-week interiors special. Hear from the friendly faces of our Interiors team.

Watch the full episode below or read on for highlights of this episode:

Q: In times of inflation, is the consumer going to prefer functional products over decorative ones?
“It’s not a matter of either-or between functional and decorative, even in times of inflation, because there is a focus on prioritising reliable, functional products that have the versatility to adapt in the long term to the ways consumers are living, working and playing in their homes. Decorative and functional can complement each other. A practical product can still look good beyond the core functionality and something decorative needs to go beyond mere aesthetics and serve a purpose, even if just emotional, to persuade consumers to invest in them as a statement piece for their homes.”
– Gemma Riberti, Head of Interiors, WGSN
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Q: How will digital shopping impact the interiors industry?
“Digital shopping is already happening, with AI and VR shopping facilitating consumers’ lives and driving business. It’s about making shopping for interiors easy, such as letting consumers download and visualise products in 3D, and dropping them into their house spaces so they can play around with size, placement and colour.”
– Lisa White, Director of Interiors, WGSN
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Q: What are going to be the antiques of the future?
“The antiques of the future will include designs of the past. Colourful glassware, kitschy ceramics, retro bar carts and even handmade textiles such as quilts and afghans will hold strong moving forward. As for products that are modern but with a future heirloom appeal, look to pieces with a minimalist-maximalist balance – ones that encapsulate personal expression while still having a timeless finish. Think sculptural candle holders in neutral hues or classic cookware in bold shades.”
– Cassandra Gagnon, Analyst, WGSN Interiors
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