Those outside of the interior design industry may be unaware that over the past few years, there has been a significant and substantial change in trends. That’s not to say that property designs had previously stagnated but, instead, that, following the social upheaval of 2020, the way we design homes has been entirely and fundamentally shaken up.
For interior designers, it is a remarkably exciting time and trends are occurring and changing very quickly. There is a great deal of attention from the younger generation too, with Generation Z beginning to dramatically influence the interior design world across social media platforms like TikTok. Of all the new designs, however, two fundamental themes are at the core of most other trends: luxury and nature. Here’s how and why.
Luxury
It may seem strange that in a landscape of financial crisis, one epitomised by terminology like cost of living, that homeowners are celebrating decadence within their living spaces. It could be (and has been) argued that it is actually the rising costs associated with basic amenities and utilities that is in part driving this opulent decor, with residents wanting to embellish their living spaces to balance the sense of hardship elsewhere.
Other motivations of luxury in the home are associated with online trends like royalcore, which are being widely celebrated online with associated hashtags numbering over half a billion. These styles have been lifted from and inspired by media, such as Bridgerton, as well as events, such as those surrounding the Royal Family, which have spurred an interest in regal design.
Luxury is now making its way into homes in a number of ways. Gold and silver are being placed in the spotlight, with embellishments being spruced and gilded, with maximalism also shining, replacing the sparsity of minimalism homes with an indulgent abundance of fabrics, decor, and colour.
Nature
On the other hand, there is what may seem to be the polar opposite. Nature is being brought into homes, manifesting as log cabins, floral prints, and biophilic designs. Natural wood panelling is being more greatly sought after, as are previously rare flooring options, such as bamboo and cork, all with greater support. Other design elements, such as natural light, curved designs, and rustic, handmade decor are trending too.
The motivations behind these natural designs are primarily two-fold. Firstly, natural designs promote wellness. Nature has long been understood to improve health in various ways, whether it is reducing the stress of those who spend time outdoors or improving the air quality of landscapes with rich and luscious abundance. By bringing this aesthetic into homes, residents are able to create environments that mimic the positive qualities of the outdoors.
Secondly, natural designs tend to support sustainability and environmentalism is a recurring and important discussion in modern society. As a result, home designs are shifting away from the industrialism and artificiality of modern life and are, instead, embracing the slower and more sustainable lifestyles associated with cottagecore and rural life.