How Social Media and Online Shopping Shape Design Trends
Social media and e-commerce have completely changed the way we experience design. If you’ve ever bought something just because it looked good on Instagram, congratulations, you’re officially part of the problem… and the solution. And yes, my family has opinions about this. I once bought a handmade ceramic bowl online. My mother, never shy with commentary, looked at it and said: “Oh, fabulous. You spent how much on something that looks like it was made in a third-grade art class? You know, they sell these at a garage sale as a paperweight.” Family honesty aside, today we’re unpacking the power of social media, the rise of online shopping, and how to navigate this brave new world of design.
The Power of Social Media in Design
Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok aren’t just for dance challenges or cat videos; they’re shaping entire design trends almost overnight. I had a client obsessed with Pinterest. Over 3,000 pins on her “Dream Home” board, each more perfect than the last. She showed me a “rustic farmhouse kitchen” and asked, “Why can’t you just copy it exactly?” Social media has made design feel like shopping on Amazon: find it, click, get a perfect replica. My aunt Flo summed it up: “Pinterest is just a place where people lie to themselves. They pin a five-star hotel bathroom bigger than a house and then wonder why it doesn’t fit in their one-bedroom rental in Queens.” Takeaway: Use social media for inspiration—but never blindly copy trends. Ask: What’s the story behind this style?
The Rise of Online Shopping Platforms
Etsy, 1stDibs, Amazon—they’ve turned global sourcing into a living room activity. I once sourced a handwoven rug from Morocco. My Uncle Joe’s response? “Wait, you paid some guy on the internet to send you a rug from Morocco? I got a guy in Brooklyn who can get you a ‘Persian’ rug out of his trunk for $100. What’s the difference?” The difference is authenticity. Platforms like these empower small artisans, but they require careful navigation to avoid mass-produced knockoffs.
The Viral Chair Disaster
A few years ago, a quirky Danish chair went viral. I snagged one; it was stunning, sculptural, a piece of art. I proudly showed it to my father: “You spent HOW MUCH on this?! For a chair with no arms?! Does it give you a back massage too?” My mother added: “Oh, wonderful. You paid thousands of dollars to sit uncomfortably. Fantastic choice, Mr. bigshot designer.” Months later, a client confessed: “We love it, but nobody wants to sit in it. It’s like modern art—you admire it from a safe distance.” Lesson: Viral trends may look amazing, but functionality matters.
Balancing Craft and Commerce
I’ve always sought the balance between trend and timelessness, craft and commerce. Social media and online shopping are tools, but they shouldn’t dictate everything. Once, I collaborated with an artisan to hand-make a coffee table. My cousin Tony’s reaction? “Wait, you had someone hand-make a coffee table? IKEA exists, you know.” Good design tells a story. It’s about authenticity, craftsmanship, and creating something that lasts.
3 -Takeaways for Smart Design in the Social Media Era
1- Dig deeper. Learn the story behind what you’re buying. Don’t get swept up in aesthetics alone. 2- Support small artisans. Authenticity beats mass production every time. 3- Think long-term. Trends fade; timeless design endures. And one final family-approved tip: “If it looks good and doesn’t fall apart, you did fine.” Remember: “Good design can change your life, but it can’t protect you from your family’s opinions.”
