We’ve said it so many times before: decorating is a fast-paced world where you’re either keeping up and using the latest technology and techniques, or you’re standing still and having to cut your prices more and more to try and stay relevant and busy.
Decorating, like many other trades, requires keeping your eye forward, identifying and capitalising on trends that can boost your business and profitability. If you’re not seeing that, if you’re still thinking a brush will be the only tool a decorator will ever need, read on. It’s time we broke down the need to follow decorating trends.
Understanding Consumer Behaviour
Decorating trends aren’t just about colours and patterns; they reflect the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers. When we look back in history, trends changed less quickly than they do now. Before, you were safe with consistency for a good 10+ years. It’s why we think of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s as very different types of decades with their own distinct essence of individuality. But with the rise of social media and the growth of throwaway fashion products, trends rotate quickly and therefore so do people’s needs and desires.
Whether it’s embracing minimalist aesthetics or incorporating eco-friendly materials, understanding consumer trends is paramount for staying relevant in the market.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Telling you to stay on top of trends, we admit, is simpler than it sounds. Usually, by the time you’ve spotted a trend happening, competitors have also heard, and what could have been a cash cow is now just the thing decorators need to do. So, if you know they’re a trend and you’re not doing them, then you’re already behind and you need to catch up.
So what can you do, to be the first to offer growing trends? How can you stay ahead of decorating trends?
We’ll there’s 3 key things you can do.
- Keep an eye on social media. As simple as that sounds, the more you see the topic being discussed, or the more imagery you see, the easier it is to tell that it’s going to become something more than a TikTok movement. Sometimes we get it wrong; it happens, that’s business. But taking that chance is always a gamble worth taking.
- Keep an eye on training academies such as ours. We, like you, need to make money, and because our success is through offering courses on topics that we know you’ll need, it’s safe to say that we’ve put the research into what your customers want.
- Ask your customers. It’s one of the reasons we always say to keep a database of all your old customers. If you see a trend happening and want to know if it’s profitable, reach out and ask previous clients if it’s something they’ll buy. Previous clients already love you, so they are always open to being honest. Plus, it acts as a good upsell.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity
Remember, trends not only work for previous clients but also serve as a catalyst for innovation and creativity within your business. They allow you to push the boundaries of your trade business by embracing decorating trends.
The Dynamics of Customer Needs
We don’t have to tell you about the demands that customers can put on us; to all those who work in the trades sector, you’ll know all too well. Needs and preferences are like shifting sands, constantly influenced by various factors such as lifestyle changes driven by social media. Changes like technological advancements and societal shifts all play a part in how their home should look. What was in vogue a few years ago may not necessarily resonate with today’s customer base.
Staying ahead of decorating trends is really important. Ask yourself, if your customers are asking for it, can you afford not to be the one offering it?
Adapting to Emerging Decorating Trends
One of the advantages of jumping on board decorating trends is not only the necessity of offering what the customer wants but also the ability to be first to the punch. There’s always a risk in being the first to do something; trends can go either way, but being the first to want becomes a successful trend is highly lucrative. Plus, while others are trying to get up to speed, you’re already building a showcase of previous jobs that you can use for marketing. Adapting quickly can and will make you more money. Getting on new courses as soon as they are released can and will make you more money. Courses like “Decorative Finishes,” whether it’s mastering the art of Venetian polished plaster or honing expertise in gilding and marbling, adapting and staying ahead of the curve will position yourself as the go-to person.
The Future of Decorating
As the decorating landscape continues to evolve, your business must remain agile and proactive in embracing change. It’s not just decorating trends, but also the way we do business. Whether it’s leveraging the power of social media to showcase your work, such as jumping on TikTok or YouTube instead of relying solely on Facebook, or trying the old letter-dropping techniques with modern tracking and analytical reports to gauge effectiveness. The journey towards staying relevant in the industry is perpetual. By investing in training and education, trades can not only keep pace with decorating trends but also carve a niche for themselves in an ever-expanding market.
To discover the latest trends, check out your latest courses and see what people are asking for. Don’t stay still; look for profitable approaches to business.
