Pinterest 2026 Trends Are Here… But What the F** Do They Actually Mean for Brands?
Pinterest just dropped its 2026 trend predictions, and while the visuals are gorgeous (as always), the real question is: how do we translate these trends into real marketing and branding decisions? Pretty images are cute and all, but turning trends into actionable ideas for brands is usually where things get messy. So instead of trying to cover everything, let’s zoom in on one of my favorite Pinterest 2026 trends: Wilderkind.
According to Pinterest, Wilderkind is:
“A trend that whispers instead of roars. In 2026, Gen Z and Boomers will go all in on animal aesthetics—but with a delicate touch. Think soft fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art, and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic.”
In other words: this isn’t about loud prints or literal costumes. It’s about subtle nature references, softness, nostalgia, and a quiet sense of wonder.And the best part? You don’t need to be a fashion or beauty brand to apply this trend. Wilderkind can work across branding, content creation, packaging, and visual storytelling, no matter your industry.
Here’s how I’d start incorporating it 👇
Change Your Video Setting (Nature Is the New Studio)
If you’re creating video content, ditch the office background.
Instead:
Film at your nearest park
Use grass, trees, flowers, and natural light as your set design
Let nature become the backdrop instead of marble, cement, or perfectly styled desks
Wilderkind is about feeling alive, organic, and slightly imperfect. We don’t want polished corporate vibes, we want real air, real textures, real green.
Brand Reference: https://www.instagram.com/lulumartinsgram/
Custom Illustrations Over AI (Yes, Really)
In the era of AI-everything, this trend invites us to slow down. Pair up with an illustrator and create custom, nature-inspired artwork that feels intentional and human. These illustrations can live everywhere:
Social media
Packaging
Website details
Tissue paper, inserts, or labels
Imagine a subtle botanical illustration or a forest-inspired motif made just for your brand. This works beautifully across industries, but it’s especially powerful for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and artisanal brands.
Brand Reference: https://www.leifshop.com/
It’s the Details, Baby!
If you’re about to shoot content…. add a flower. Or moss. Or a leaf. Use your usual environment, but introduce elements that say “nature” instead of “city.” The ultra-clean, hyper-minimal, sterile aesthetic? She’s tired.
Wilderkind is about texture, softness, and sensory details. It’s about wanting to touch things. Yes we’re touching grass again (literally).
Wilderkind isn’t about copying visuals, it’s about translating a mood:Calm instead of loud
Emotional instead of performative
Thoughtful instead of trendy
When brands focus on the feeling behind the trend, the result feels timeless—not forced.
