TRENDS in WEB DESIGN

I am slightly weary whenever I hear (or see) the word "trend." TRENDS may (or may not) be capricious, whimsical, and even sarcastic—at any rate they may or may not be based upon successful design ideas.

However, trends are not to be ignored necessarily either. Trends may be as simple as the foothold into a new methodology, or the bellwhether for reactions to upcoming changes in paradigms.

I came across this (relatively old by web standards) article on WEB TRENDS. While web trends seem to have a relatively short "shelf life," I have noticed this continuing past the articles 'freshness date.' (anyone else notice the trend towards corporate and commerce websites looking a bit like TUMBLR of late? Heavy on the squared grids).

What do you think?