For a year, we didn’t partake in the usual activities that were part of our routines. New clothes have been gathering dust in our closets, parties and weddings were put on hold, and for a lot of us – we pretty much had to fashion a desk out of ironing boards. Instead of giving ourselves a new makeover, we turned to refurbishing our homes and creating a new home office. And since then, we’ve discovered a newfound fascination with interior design and a deeper appreciation for our space – from giving our walls a fresh coat of paint or designing the #WFH station of our dreams.
While last year we mostly focused on being productive and organised, this year sees us looking for our creativity again, bringing fashion and form back into function, and creating something fresh.
If you’re someone who’s looking for a stylish new look for your space, here are the five top interior décor trends that have been circling the internet – from shapely furniture to a recharged love for cottagecore.
The art of Japandi
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With companies permanently implementing the work-from-home system or countries still toughing it out at lockdown, people are becoming more aware of the fact that they’ll need to stay home for most of the day. The need for a space that’s cosy yet organised and clutter-free welcomes the Japandi concept, a hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics – both known for their minimalistic and simplified approach to decorating.
From allowing plenty of natural light, to pairing light or warm-toned woods with neutral hues and simple furniture, home owners and decorators now place priority on serenity and warmth, so they’re able to maintain a constant peace of mind despite the chaos going around in the world.
Cottagecore hygge
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Keeping up with the theme of security and comfort, enter cottagecore – an aesthetic that blends elegant vintage pieces with soft, neutral tones to evoke a rustic, homey quality and sense of nostalgia. Think wooden furniture, houseplants, layers of ginghams and checks, vintage fabrics, muted tones, and embroidery. For a modern take on the cosy ideal, warm-toned gilded cutlery, luxury candles and even designer tableware can do wonders in lifting any “dustiness” of the aesthetic and bring a contemporary vibrancy to the colonial space.
Sculptural statement pieces
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And for those who wish to inject some “subtle drama” into their usually neutral, calm spaces, enter the careful curation of sculptural décor sporting shapely figures and natural, organic lines in matching colours. Striking furnishings such as a sculptural chair, colourful glassware or ceramic lamp can peacefully “blend” into a living room or bedroom, while creating a beautiful contrast to capture the eye and start a conversation.
Stripes and checks
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As far as patterns go, stripes and checkers are some of the easiest prints to play around with to give texture and dimension to a space. By playing with their colours, they can easily adapt to a space – whether you have a penchant for flair or need an eye-catching piece to tie the whole room together.
Remembering globetrotting
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Since we can’t travel for now – and for the foreseeable future, why not bring the travel to your home? Maximalists, wanderers, and travellers will jump at the opportunity to translate their globetrotting memories into interior décor, reliving the freedom and excitement of traversing the world. Zesty splashes of colour and an abundance of tropical greenery will definitely make an appearance, while archived souvenirs become beloved knick-knacks around the house. For an added dose of creativity, flora-inspired murals can also help transform the living space into an exciting escapade.
Featured image: Unsplash
