Home is where the happiness is
Meaningful furnishings top this spring’s hot decor list as people fight the pandemic
Our new relationship with our homes — and life indoors — is reflected in a desire for surroundings that are meaningful and mindful, Etsy reveals in its spring 2020 trend report for home decor.
“Our homes should provide us with a sense of comfort, joy, and relaxation,” said Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. “And now, more than ever, little changes to our decor can go a long way. Whether changing out the knobs on dressers, adding new wall art, or swapping out a throw pillow, now is the perfect time for a home refresh.”
Isom Johnson said a sense of comfort and sanctuary has become a priority as people isolate themselves in the global battle against COVID-19. “It’s important to to reflect on how our spaces make us feel and the types of items we surround ourselves with.”
From eco-conscious fabrics to pottery inspired by ancient Greece, the spring 2020 trend report was compiled by Isom Johnson using data from Etsy — the online marketplace of unique, handcrafted lifestyle goods.
She found that shoppers are putting more thought into what they buy, as well as the impact those purchases have on the planet. She added that shopping local can make a difference as small business suffer during the coronavirus health crisis. “When you shop on Etsy, you’re buying from a real person who put their heart and soul into making something special.”
Here are five decor trends making an impact this spring:
Natural textiles: Soft, breathable cotton and linen are warm weather staples and the cool, relaxed feel of linen adds elegance to a room.
Think rumpled linen sheets with just the right amount of texture — so chic. According to Etsy, there is greater interest in organic, natural bedding in textiles like plant-based hemp and linen. The sustainable and longer-lasting fabrics are moving into main living areas: casually drape a lightweight, 100 per cent linen, hand-dyed throw with a fringe-edge (oliverandrust.com, $120) over the arm of a chair, add a trio of plush linen pillows (tonicliving.com, $67.95) to a settee. Or add the aura of relaxed elegance with natural table linens, such as classic stone-washed linen napkins by Swedish brand Axlings (homesmithhouse.com, $79).
Ancient accents: Maximalism is back, in a maximum way, in home design. Curvy velvet sofas and statement
wallpaper are setting the tone, and fitting right in are ancientstyle Roman busts. After all, more is more. According to Etsy, there has been a 56 per cent increase in searches for statue or bust planters and vases in the past six months.
“The ancient-accents trend takes cues from decor found in old-world Rome and Greece — from columns to statues to busts — and is popping up everywhere from wall art to planters,” said Isom Johnson.
Quirky objects like a sculptural, goddess head planter (Putti.ca, $21.95) for a leafy, green houseplant adds a touch of Roman-inspired nature. Try a piece of ancient pottery on a wall with an alluring, 18-by-28inch, silkscreened amphora print in a natural wood frame by internationally acclaimed, Toronto illustrator and printmaker Alanna Cavanagh (Alannacavanagh.com, $450).
Colour blocking: Mixing colours with bold shapes and lines is — like all things ’90s — back.
“Colour blocking is a way to add instant personality to any space,” said Isom Johnson.
“The trend is all about pairing unconventional colourways to create a bold, unexpected splash.”
Etsy reports a 41 per cent increase in online searches for colour-blocked items over the past six months. The dynamic contrast between colours and shapes can turn a simple cushion, or throw, into art. For an updated and subtle look, choose a mix of hues from a similar palette, like the earthy colours the cotton throw by Chicago textile and furniture designer Dee Clements of Studio Herron (willsandprior.com, $279). Or keep it simple and bold with a custom pillow (rocailstudio.etsy.com, from $56) that lets you be the designer and pick the colours that suit your mood.
Burl wood: Another retro throwback, this time from the 1970s, burl wood gets its distinct knotty and/or swirled grain from a tree’s unusual development — often from an outgrowth or the result of stress.
The unique and rare wood has a warm, organic look and creates unique furniture statement pieces. Burl wood works well with a variety of decor styles and pairs well with other natural elements, such as plants and stone. Smaller options include a handmade bowl ( jgfinewoodworking.etsy.com, $120) featuring the uniquely patterned burl of a yellow birch tree Or go big with a luxe, Pion console table (blackroosterdecor.com, $1,782) with burl veneer and finished with delicate brass accents.
Bee motifs: A decorative detail that’s flown through home decor trends for centuries, motifs of the pollinator insects symbolize everything from healing to fertility to power. Increased awareness about the importance of bee health and pollination has helped boost its popularity.
“Trends on Etsy have shown that shoppers are much more eco-conscious as a whole. It’s no surprise that the motif has worked its way into our design. Bees serve as a conversation starter and a playful way to integrate nature into our decor,” said Isom Johnson.
Embrace the bee trend by laying out a bee crest welcome mat (willsanddprior.com, $29), made of natural coir fibre. Add the charm of a golden queen bee print (wallandwonder.etsy.com, from $15) to a gallery wall from Halifax-based Etsy artist Lisa Pineau. Or consider a whimsical yet functional brass bee hook (vdevmaison.com, $18.75) to hold essentials.