With our homes being our closest confidante over the last 10 months, it’s no surprise that our top 5 interior trends reflect this. Today, we thought we’d share some inspo for how you can say thank you to your home for being your safe haven with a few added tips on styling - 

Japandi

As the name suggests, Japandi involves a delicate fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian (or Nordic) design elements. In fact, the Japandi style brings together the best of both worlds: think simplicity, organisation and minimalism. But what’s clever about Japandi is that it blends together two complementary design styles, while balancing the excesses of each. So, Japanese interiors may be sleek and elegant, but they can appear clinical. However, the Scandinavian concept of “hygge” (comfort and cosiness) helps to compensate for this with a natural, pared-back aesthetic.

STYLE TIP: consider this handmade chequered marmoucha rug as the only accessory paired with minimalist furniture.   

                                        Photo credit: ShizenStyle

Yellow and Grey

This year, Pantone took the unusual step of naming two colours as their shades of the year: Illuminating, a zingy yellow, and Ultimate Yellow, a pale grey. 

Playing with scale like this can be a good option if you love two colours but can't decide which you like best. Accessorise with rustic wood and white to add contrast.

 

'The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one colour or one person, it’s about more than one,' says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

STYLE TIP: consider this handmade handira throw to contrast the rustic wood and add a bit of shimmer.   

Cottagecore

Cottagecore is an aesthetic that has existed for years, but it was only when the world was thrown into a global lockdown that it was considered as a much-needed luxury. Cottagecore is a cultural movement which idolises the concept of a simple, self-sufficient life. It’s so much more than just ditsy prints, flourishing gardens, or raisin sourdough starters. The lockdown has made us re-evaluate our lifestyles and what matters most - this is a style for both the young and old, city and country dweller alike. 

Think cosy, historic spaces brimming with period features and filled with aged furniture, antiques and vintage finds. Handcrafted furniture in wood and wicker are a hallmark of the look, alongside handmade ceramics and plenty of vintage fabrics.  

STYLE TIP: consider this handmade Fes-embroidered cushion to contrast the vintage florals and add some character.    

As seen in The Telegraph, UK

Global Traveller 

With international travel still uncertain, many of us are waiting to soak up different cultures abroad. However, that doesn't mean you can't bring your favourite international style to your own home to get that cultural fix. If you aren’t blessed with the luxury of having travelled the world collecting trinkets and keepsakes from every corner of the globe, and local antique stores are closed, shop online at shops such as ours for some interesting treasures to display - from the workshops in Morocco to your home. 

'We usually travel around the world to gain insight into the must-have trends for the season ahead, but this year we have had to think outside the box and gain inspiration from elsewhere.

‘Taking influence from nature, nostalgia and the desire for a tropical getaway, living spaces will reflect the current situation we are faced with, embracing calming colour palettes and familiar patterns that create a sanctuary in any home.’

STYLE TIP: consider this classic handmade Berber to add a touch of Moroccan-chic to your interior.  

Photo credit: Myakka Blog

(Home) Office 

Remember the days when we were allowed to take work home once in a while and that day felt special as you kicked back, did only what was absolutely must for that day and felt like you got rewarded with a ‘cheat day’ of sorts? 

Now work from home is the reality for many across the globe; and they are the lucky ones who actually still get to work and make a living even as many businesses start to shut shop for good. And it is this major factor that has completely altered home office decorating and design trends in 2020.

Instead of a linear progression of previous trends, the second half of 2020 saw home office design take a direction that is heavily influenced by what we label  ‘the new normal’. Makeshift home offices that involve lazily working on the laptop from your bed or flipping through files on your living room coach are no longer acceptable. You need a dedicated home workspace that allows you to be productive every day of the week; just like your office environment. Some can afford to spare an entire room exclusively for the home office while others are working with smart workspaces that make most of small areas. No matter what you prefer, the next 6 months are going to see a spurt in new home workspaces that put functionality ahead of form.

STYLE TIP: consider this indigo kilim rug to add a dash of colour to your home office.  

Photo credit: Houzz.com

 What style appeals to you the most? Let us know in the comments below.