If there is one thing that keeps a product development team up at night, it is trying to successfully predict trends. No matter what business one may be in, accurately forecasting tomorrow’s trends is paramount to the profitability of a new product. There is an endless supply of styles to observe, but they don’t always make the jump to a trend.

Once upon a time, those in charge of men’s fashion believed that the leisure suit would be a staple. Someone out there thought the mullet was a trendsetting hairstyle. Perhaps the most notable and most expensive style that never became a trend was the infamous Ford Pinto. The trick is to accurately pick those styles that will become trends. Thank goodness for those who take the risk to move our industry forward by giving those countless styles a shot at becoming a trend.

It is often said that floral follows fashion. Much of what we see as a possible floral trend comes from clothing fashions and home décor. So from the beauty shops, fashion show runways, and the furniture boutiques, here are the new styles to keep your eye on.

• Ombre. What started with hair treatments, has now found its way to clothing, nail treatments and home décor. Floral buyers will see ombre treatments from leading floral container manufacturers. The transition from color to neutral finishes promises to be a great complement to flowers.

• Mosaic. Thanks to home improvement projects, mosaics are back. Mosaic treatments in kitchens, showers and home accent pieces give a home-crafted sense. Mosaic floral containers, properly done, will be considered expensive. This look and the price tag will appeal to higher-end customers and are considered keepsakes.

• Geometric. Geometric shapes and patterns may have already reached trend status. Take a look around — lampshades, furniture shapes, clothing patterns and fabrics have all embraced geometrics. Geometric terrariums are here and floral containers in interesting geo shapes are on their way.

• Metallic. Metallics have never left floral design and accent pieces. However, be prepared for metallic finishes of a wider range of colors. Gold and silver are proven winners and are safe. Look for an emergence of metallic finishes in pink, red, copper, champagne, rose-gold and more. Color experts predicted this surge in 2014 and 2015 and they were right.

• Lace. Although a subtle embellishment, lace is everywhere. Check out women’s shoes and clothing and furniture accent pieces. Lace is an interesting mix of old romance and contemporary design. Forward-thinking floral manufacturers and suppliers will be taking a chance on this look.

• Chalkboard. Personalization is now a trend. A trip to any boutique store is evidence of how chalkboard finishes and accent pieces have taken hold. Chalkboard is the king of flexibility when it comes to personalization. Chalkboard floral vases are here.

• Keys. Of the many motifs to choose from, it appears keys will be the leader for 2016. We are talking about vintage-looking keys — the older looking, the better. Keys have been particularly popular in home décor. If you are going to embrace an accent piece for your floral arrangements and floral vases, keys are your best bet, and they offer endless promotional messages that are not tied to a specific holiday.

Which styles may become floral trends is unknown. However, industry experts have done the homework for you. As floral follows fashion, the outlook on Ombre, Mosaic, Geometric, Metallic, Lace, Chalkboard and Key motifs are promising. Manufacturers and suppliers have taken the risk — trendsetting is now in your hands.

Kelvin Frye is the director of sales and marketing at Syndicate Sales in Kokomo, IN. He can be contacted at [email protected].