Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful break and are feeling ready for 2021 and all that it will bring.
I wanted to do a roundup of some of the trends that I am seeing for this year, and how they can be incorporated into your own schemes and homes. This may be a slight contradiction of the mantra at Jessica Cox Design – because I do believe that you shouldn’t decorate or ‘buy in’ to things because they labelled as trends, but only if ever if you truly like them and if they will work with your own style and ideas. You will only love a space if it is a reflection of your own taste, so never feel pressured to change your interiors because somethings not ‘on trend’ anymore.
Now that this brief ‘disclaimer’ has been established, I have actually chosen these particular trends to talk about, because I think they are timeless and would actually be great additions to most existing schemes – so let’s jump in!
Nature
I think the incorporation of nature into interiors will be seen in an even bigger way this year, especially in the form of pattern, on fabrics and wallpapers. A lot of us have reconnected with outdoors in recent times, with it being the only escape from reality we have had, so it is ‘naturally’ finding its way into indoor spaces. The most literal way to add nature indoors is through physical plants. I have always been a big fan of using houseplants in my schemes and it is a quick and easy way to add a bit of nature inside. Not only do they have a lovely aesthetic benefit to a space, they promote health benefits by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and toxins – and if that is not benefit enough, they are also guaranteed to never go out of style! In spaces where real plants are not suitable, there is a huge range of artificial houseplants available, which I tend to use for staging and areas where natural sunlight does not reach, as they will always look great and obviously require little maintenance.
Wallpaper is another great way to introduce the botanical trend, and there are so many options – from big bold, colourful and tropical, to more calming, neutral styles. Another way to incorporate some into a scheme without having to redecorate is to frame some large sample pieces and hang them up as artwork. A simple and cost-effective way to create a display, and something that can be changed over easily if desired. Wallpaper can work very well in large or small spaces depending on the print sizes and colour. I can see the wallpaper pictured below paired with deep blue woodwork in a W.C or Powder Room space, with antique brass accessories to really stand out against those lovely green tones.
Cushions and accessories featuring botanical prints is another subtle way to add in this trend, and I can almost guarantee that there will be a style out there to suit every interior scheme and colour palette. I love the delicate watercolour style on the cushion pictured below, with the lighter background really making those lovely rust tones stand out – I can see this on a window seat or sat on a deep, rich coloured sofa. Another good example is this Barker and Stonehouse leaf patterned vase, with great texture and pattern. I love using vases, they are are such versatile accessories – used to make an impact when holding fresh flowers or dried grasses, but equally as sculptural pieces when displayed on their own or as part of a collection.
My personal favourite way of incorporating this nature trend is through the use of artwork. Whether it’s a traditional, vintage painting or a more contemporary print, it’s a great way to add some botanical details in. They can be subtle pieces to work with an existing scheme, or big and impactful pieces to draw attention. I am also a big fan of using photography in my work, and in particular landscape photography. I love the natural colours and how the views can often have a calming effect on a scheme.
1970’s
In both interior design and fashion 1970’s is set to be a big trend in 2021. With the earthy colour palettes (think mustard, burgundy and browns) it also works well with the botanical ideas we have also seen. I personally have a soft spot for 70’s bohemian design – with leathers, deep coloured velvet and textured pieces like macrame, bamboo and jute – I often draw a lot of inspiration from this laid back, individual and eclectic style of design. Even if you are not an obvious fan of 70’s style, it was an era that introduced a lot of design that is still popular today. Open plan living, wooden panelling, textured walls and patterned wallpaper was all a big part of 70’s design and is something that I see requested a lot today. I will very much continue to work 1970s style into my schemes this year, in my opinion the more rattan and macrame the better!
Artisanal Pieces
This is a trend that I can really get on board with and encourage as many of you as possible to follow – because I am a big believer in supporting artisans and buying handmade wherever possible. Having pieces created by hand not only means you are getting something totally unique and made with love, but you are also supporting someone’s craft and skill, that they have learnt and spent time studying. Furniture, building materials, fabrics and artwork can all be sourced from artisans, but the easiest and often most cost-effective way to introduce pieces is through accessories. Pottery, sculptures, carved wood or textile accessories – there are so many options out there. It is a great way to introduce your own personal style into interior schemes, and often with the ability to customise pieces so that they are even more unique to you. I will always try and use as many artisanal pieces in my projects as possible, it just creates such a unique look and style which is often why my clients come to me to collaborate on projects, and it is such an important part of Jessica Cox Design to use local, sustainable, UK trades whenever possible.
Places like Etsy and Instagram are a great way to source pieces like the below:
In summary, three design trend predictions for 2021 that I really love and will definitely be using throughout my own work and home. All three trends can work together or as stand-alone ideas in different schemes, which is another reason I focussed on these ones in particular. I will share how I use the trends throughout the year, and I will look forward to hearing what you think…
