It goes without saying that the past year and a half has drastically altered our lives, as a global pandemic and its accompanying restrictions have had far reaching effects on work, travel, fashion and technology. We have since had to react and adapt to the new circumstances, and naturally new changes in trends reflect this.
The case is no different when it comes to the way we structure and arrange our homes, be it refreshing our spaces with a new paint colour or infusing a touch of luxury style into their decor. As we spend more time at home than ever before, some have found comfort and a sense of control in taking charge of their own spaces, reorganising them in a way that suits their new normal.
Notably, the fall of minimalism and sleek industrial white spaces have given way to natural elements and colours, nostalgic cosiness, and a reintroduction of partitioned space. Here we show you the biggest trends in interior design, and how you can incorporate them into your next redesign.
Grandmillennial styles
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In the midst of a pandemic-ridden world filled with uncertainty, it is all most of us can do but seek out familiarity and comforting nostalgia of a time much less chaotic than the present. Naturally, that collective yearning spills into how we arrange our homes. Enter Granmillennial decor. A word hybrid of ‘grandmother’ and ‘millennial’, it refers to styles incorporating floral wallpaper and prints, rufflers, embroidered linens, drapery and chintz. Foregoing modern, sleek minimalism, the new focus is on textures that provide a homey and warm feeling. To avoid falling too far into the grandma end of the spectrum, the key is to balance traditional, nostalgic elements with contemporary pieces to keep the look fresh.
Rattan and cane
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Being stuck under lockdown for months on end necessarily means getting very acquainted with the inside of our own homes. Such an adjustment has been a blow to many who enjoy the outdoors and being in nature, or even just a casual walk in the park. Nevertheless, if we can’t go outside, there might be some solace found in bringing the outside in.
Rattan, cane and other natural woven materials have gained popularity for its ability to bring warmth and a natural element to the home, as well as its versatility. The possibilities for using these materials are nearly endless, ranging from sofas and tables, to headboards, lighting and wall decor. In addition, rattan and cane tend to fit into most decor schemes, and the variety of options gives opportunities to combine different weaves, textures and shades, creating a one-of-a-kind arrangement.
The green kitchen
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Continuing with the natural theme, one trend that’s found its way into the Instagram feeds of a number of interior junkies is the green kitchen. Whether it’s another way of incorporating a piece of the outdoors inside, or a means of adding an element of calm and tranquillity in a unstable world, this colour has an uncanny ability to impress and intrigue the viewer without coming off as too daring or out there. It also helps that the variety of shades available, ranging from earthy olive and soothing mint, to jewel tones like emerald, means that there will be something to suit every aesthetic and personality.
Dedicated home office space
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At the beginning of our Covid reality, many had the assumption that the novel work-from-home arrangements they found themselves in would be a temporary one. Occupying the dining room table, guest bedroom, or even the couch as a makeshift workspace was not an uncommon practice. A year later, with many companies planning to permanently retain the work-from-home system even after restrictions lift, it became clear that a dedicated home office space that’s conducive to productivity was necessary.
It is no surprise that many have made an effort to build a workspace that’s comforting yet bright with clear lines and natural light. Those with jobs requiring frequent video calls will have given more thought to the backdrop that will frame their faces, opting for a classic book case or professional-looking glass doors.
Broken floor plan
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While the open floor plan had its moment for a good while, with its increased room for movement and easy access for light to flow through, the pandemic has struck a blow to its popularity. With the lines between work and home becoming increasingly blurred, as well as the realisation that most of us will be spending a lot more time with family members and housemates, many have found that a little compartmentalisation in the house might not hurt.
Without fully committing to building new interior walls, many have turned to installing partition screens and room dividers to gain a degree of privacy, yet not completely closing off the space. Whether it’s with a glass panel or a partially see-through bookshelf, these changes give individuals room for some solitude, while updating the overall layout in an interesting and modern way.
Feature Photo: Arteriors Home