Indoor plants and outdoor living rooms

As we spend more time inside, it’s only natural that we are going to want to bring some of the outdoors in. The addition of living plants throughout the home has been on the rise for a few years. The fiddle-leaf fig and the monstera have been popular plants for a while, but we’re now seeing other favourites such as the cast iron plant, olive trees, palms, cacti and other succulents. This trend can also incorporate the uses of more organic materials.

The emphasis is on air purification, earthy palette, and the new green obsession. The design can be achieved by using natural colours, fabrics, and structural materials, choosing earthy colour pallets, and accenting with floral wallpapers and pillow covers.

To complement making the outdoors part of your indoors is to bring the inside out. We call this “all seasons living.” An outdoor room can be created with outdoor furniture, a weather-proof rug and floor cushions, and cooking facilities. Even a small balcony can be transformed by adding some chairs and a coffee table or a small herb garden and some sweet fairy lights.

Calming natural tones and homemade wares

As we become more conscious of our consumerism and environmental impact, we’re choosing more natural, un-dyed, unprocessed materials to create a soothing, organic feel in their homes while also leaning towards more sustainable and less toxic choices.

We’ll be seeing more timber, linen and rattan alongside earthy paint colours that reflect those of the flora and fauna around us. These neutral tones and materials make a great background for pops of colour like metallic blue, ripe olive green, or lilac.

The natural theme has transitioned into a move towards buying locally-made, handcrafted items and artisanal goods to decorate in a more personal and meaningful way. More homes are showcasing homemade pottery and handcrafted dinnerware as well as hand-knitted wall hangings and uniquely stitched cushions. Wood and clay are making a statement as we embrace the mismatched and ‘perfectly imperfect motto. There’s something magical about finding a vintage treasure in your local market or op-shop. It’s unique and also an easy way to start living more sustainably.

Colour trends

Navy and grey tones have been marked as the colours to watch. They can instantly inject an air of elegance into any room, and connect with most other elements to modernise a space.

The “Pantone Colours of the Year” for 2021 is ultimate grey and illuminating, shades chosen for their warmth and dependability. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said this union expresses a message of positivity and fortitude. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

Green is emerging as more than a colour as we aspire to become more “green” in building materials, appliance efficiency, and practices at home. This soft, soothing green is a natural pair for the earth tones, indoor plants, handcrafted decor and well-being focus, and will play a major role as both base and accent colour.

Patterns, textures and accents, minimal but personal

The statement piece trend can cover anything from furniture, accessories or homewares – if it’s the first thing that draw your attention in a room. While it can serve as a colour burst, it can also incorporate patterns and prints. Minimalism will always have a place in design but it’s starting to become more personalised with added patterns and textures.

We’ll start seeing less of the monochrome and plain fabrics and more patterns, prints and textures. A mix and match of textures throughout the living room will keep things dynamic, and playfulness will be enhanced with colours like forest green and orchid pink amidst natural whites and browns. Thick, super-soft rugs and wall hangings will be more present and there will be plenty of upholstered fabrics using velvet, linen and even corduroy.

Mindfulness and well-being

Working alongside the move towards combining sustainable practices into design aesthetic is the well-being and mindfulness movement. With limited access to the usual fitness centres, yoga studio or meditation class, more and more we’re seeing the home turn into our own personal sanctuaries. More emphasis will be placed on natural light, views of nature, and water sources. Décor will be around low, comfortable couches, relaxing pillows on the floor, and calming palettes. We’re ditching single-use plastics, chemical based gardening aids, and even using our cars less.

With organic options like wood, wool and natural stone becoming more popular, it’s also important to think about where design materials actually come from. It’s become a lot easier to identify the origin of our materials, which can help to determine fair pay and their environmental impact.

Globally, we’ve become increasingly aware of our impact, and as a conscious consumer and decorator, it’s best to take your time to create a home that feels “right” for you.