I have noticed that some time ago new trend has come. I don't know if it is a massive tendency but it is observable. I am thinking about different elements of one collection and I mean elements as one kind products e.g. chairs.
The nice example of this approach are 'Patchwork plates' designed by Marcel Wanders for Royal Ticheraal Makkum, over 400 years old Netherlands ceramic company. A series of 30 differently decorated plates in 5 sizes was designed in 2003 for Royal Tichelaar's debut at the Salone del Mobile of Milan.