Key Design Industry Shifts And Business Updates

This week in design, a notable highlight includes a Brooklyn designer's six-month endeavor with 300 dozen eggs to create furnishings adorned with an eggshell lacquer—a design tradition with over a century of history. Stay informed with our weekly roundup of significant headlines, new launches, events, recommended reading, and more.

Business News Highlights

The Trump administration has recently moved to reduce tariffs on goods from China and the U.K. following negotiations. As reported by The New York Times, the president announced intentions last week to sign a trade deal with the U.K., which would withdraw some tariffs on British exports. Subsequently, on Monday, news emerged of a trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Both countries released a joint statement agreeing to a 90-day suspension of some of their respective tariffs. Consequently, the U.S. tariff of 145 percent on certain Chinese imports has been lowered to 30 percent, while China has reduced its 125 percent duty on American goods to 10 percent. This agreement is set to initiate further negotiations between the two nations.

OpenAI has introduced updates to ChatGPT aimed at enhancing the user shopping experience. These new features provide direct links for purchasing products, along with images, reviews, and pricing data. These updates follow a February report from Capgemini which found that approximately two-thirds of millennials and Gen Z (and many Gen X users) have shifted from traditional search engines to tools like ChatGPT for product recommendations. Furthermore, an Adobe research survey of 5,000 U.S. consumers indicated that 39 percent have used generative AI for online shopping, with 53 percent planning to use it this year, highlighting a trend of increased purchasing based on generative AI suggestions.

Gianni Fortuna has resigned from his position as CEO of Arclinea, an upscale kitchen company within the Italian luxury design conglomerate Flos B&B Italia Group, as reported by Women’s Wear Daily. Angelo Monaco, who joined Arclinea as sales director in 2018, will take over as CEO immediately. This marks the third major executive departure at Flos B&B Italia Group in the last year, following Daniel Lalonde (former executive chairman) in January and Roberta Silva (former CEO of Flos) in 2024. Sources suggest these changes are part of broader restructuring attempts within the company, which has reportedly considered informal offers for its furniture group.

The Manufacturing Revitalization Corporation of America (MRCA), a private equity firm investing in domestic manufacturers, has acquired Nevada-based direct-to-consumer furniture brand Semi Exact. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Semi Exact’s products will now be manufactured in MRCA facilities. Elton Rivas, co-founder of Semi Exact, will continue with the brand, leading a new business unit that includes two other recently acquired consumer brands: Subpod (in-ground composting systems) and Hungry Bin (freestanding compost bins).

Dorel Home has announced a restructuring plan to consolidate its residential home furniture brands—including Novogratz, Cosmo Living, and Ameriwood Home—under its Cosco Home segment, which also produces items like folding furniture and garage cabinets. According to Home News Now, this reorganization will lead to significant layoffs in Q2 as sales, marketing, and product development divisions merge into Cosco Home. Dorel Home cited lower-than-expected sales and margin levels in Q1 as reasons for these cost-cutting measures. The company is actively pursuing other opportunities to reduce overhead and operating costs, including SKU reduction and a smaller distribution footprint, to be finalized by the end of June.

Two independent home furnishings businesses are closing. Furniture Today reports that Quality Furniture Co., a family-owned Tennessee store, is closing after 56 years as owners Butch and Carolyne Jones retire. In Mount Olive, North Carolina, Bobby Denning Superstore, another family-owned company, is also ceasing operations. Owners Donna, Paula, and Gwen Denning will retain the property and focus on their family’s real estate business.

Assouline has debuted The Library Collection, an array of objects and home fragrances. Photo: Laziz Hamani.

Launches and Collaborations

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released a new design guide, Reimagining Aging: A New Way Forward for Adaptive Living in the Home. This resource, developed by ASID’s Universal Design Committee as a follow-up to the Senior Living Guide, provides design professionals with a framework to better serve the aging population. It outlines eight key areas of focus, such as alleviating isolation and promoting autonomy, and includes research-driven case studies and technical recommendations.

Assouline, the luxury book publisher, has launched The Library Collection, marking its entry into objects and home fragrances. The collection features items inspired by the Assouline family’s favorites, crafted in wood, leather, and brass. An accompanying home fragrance offers notes of fresh lemon, aged rum, musk, and sandalwood.

Trove Object Gallery launched earlier this month, offering unique handcrafted objects from nearly 50 independent makers worldwide. Founder Hadas Teuscher aims to highlight sustainably created items that tell a story and use craftsmanship for cultural preservation. The gallery features diverse pieces from artists like Marcela Cure, Noe Kuremoto, and Caroline Desile.

Recommended Reading

While millennial gray and modern farmhouse styles have been dominant, a shift towards the maximalism of the 1980s is gaining traction. Kate McGregor, for House Beautiful, explores how elements of Memphis design and Italian postmodernism are returning to homes and why this expressive aesthetic is resonating today.

Home brands are facing new challenges due to tariffs amid a difficult housing market, leading customers to either delay purchases or stock up. For Modern Retail, Melissa Daniels examines how companies like Havenly and RH are adjusting their supply chains, inventory, and pricing to navigate the changing trade landscape.

Cue the Applause

The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) will accept applications for five professional grants through its Educational Foundation from June 1 to June 30. These grants are open to professionals in interior design or furnishings-related fields, design educators, and program participants. Available grants include the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant and others. For more information, visit the IFDA EF website.

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