Photo Credit: Restoration Hardware
As we all know, trends evolve, quickly becoming prevalent in our everyday décor choices, but tending to be short-lived (shabby chic anyone?). There are, however, some trends that are molded by changes in our society. They emerge to fill a void in the way we live. For instance, with more and more people still working from home, the home office has grown to have a starring role in many households. As people become more “green” and “ecologically” conscious, bringing organic elements into the home has become increasingly popular.
Let’s explore these trends in more depth:
1. Rethinking the home office
If you happen to be among the many people who have transitioned to remote or hybrid employment, the need for the privacy of a home office is more prevalent than ever. Making this space work for you is imperative in order to make it a place where your creative juices flow.
Here are some considerations for your home office:
- Where: Picking a quiet place where you can be productive is ideal (spoiler … it can be difficult to get work done from the comfort of your bed, hehehe). I like to turn the formal dining or living room into a home office as they are, quite often, not utilized at all. If you don’t have an actual room that you can use as your office, think outside the box. Choose an area that can serve as a perfect spot to boost your productivity. What about that big area in front of the window you don’t know what to do with, or an oversized stair landing, or even that corner in the living room where no one sits?
- What: Now that you’ve found the perfect spot to set up shop, make sure you create the most efficient workspace. Take scale and proportion into account by getting the right desk size and other furnishings. Buy pieces that are functional and nice to look at. Choose a comfortable, good quality chair so you can focus on your work. Don’t forget to get storage pieces to keep your paperwork organized and have everything you need on hand.
- Décor: This is the fun part! Keep your look simple. Pieces that are too busy create mental chaos and don’t inspire productivity. This is your space, so add personal touches that make you happy. Choose a color palette that inspires you and always choose pieces that are functional (floating bookshelves, storage cabinets, etc). There are plenty of beautiful options to complement any style of décor.
2. Thrifting Vintage
With the popularity of environmental awareness, and styles from by-gone eras making a comeback, thrifting old furniture is an excellent way to give your home a more interesting look. Searching for thrifted or used items however, is very different from traditional furniture shopping.
When looking to add vintage pieces, you can save a lot of valuable time in your search by knowing where and what your resources are. Visiting local thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales or auctions (in person or online), may take a bit more effort, but definitely worth it when you find those timeless and unique pieces. If you are patient and have a good eye, another great resource is Facebook’s Marketplace. Your diligence will most certainly pay off when you discover that magnificent coffee table, exquisite headboard and frame, or mid-century modern chair that gives you the one-of-a-kind space everyone will admire.
Make sure your selections work in the scheme of your home, the scale is appropriate (measuring is crucial), and the color or finish pairs well with all the other elements of your decor.
3. Bringing Nature Into Your Home
Photo Credit: West Elm
Earth-friendly is as popular as ever, and making a huge impact on the way we decorate our homes. Earthy tones, live plants, natural wood, organic fabrics and materials are more on trend than ever. Giving your home a natural flair creates a relaxed, welcoming feel that is so comforting.
Here are a few ways to bring the outdoors in:
- To provide your space with the fresh, natural feel of the outdoors, get rid of your faux greenery and replace it with live plants that are easy to maintain. If you live in a smaller place, hanging plants are a great option and won’t sacrifice counter or storage space.
- Consider the colors of nature for your paint, furnishings and accessories. I love to incorporate greens, beiges, greiges, and other earthy hues into my décor … green being a personal favorite. It makes me happy.
- Selecting organic fabrics such as linen and cotton makes for a more natural and earth friendly home.
- Jute, sisal and other natural fiber area rugs are timeless and a great choice to give any room a more natural feel.
- To make a statement and give your space a splash of sophistication, add some gold accessories.
Finally, remember to always make a space your own. It’s okay to get your inspiration from Pinterest or Google, but ultimately, your home should be a reflection of you and the things you love and enjoy. Your home, no matter how big or small, should be your favorite place. Make it a space you find beautiful and inspiring and, more than anything, a place that makes you happy! Make it happen!
