Decorating & Design
February 24, 2021
8 Ways To Upgrade Your Home For Our New Way Of Living
From conscious consumption to touchless tech and upcycling thrift store finds, scroll down to discover the big (and little) shifts signalling a sea of change in the home this year!
All About Prints
Prints are still huge, but smaller-scale versions are joining the party and being layered with abandon on rugs, upholstery, drapery and lampshades. There’s a sampling of eras that hopscotches through time: a revival of ancient motifs and tattooed walls reminiscent of frescoes look to history, while classic ’60s geo prints and ’80s florals join the mix for an effect that is completely 2021.
Going To The Country
City dwellers often fantasize about ditching the rat race and heading for the country, but the pandemic is making it more of a reality. A shift in mindset doesn’t require physical relocation; it’s possible to conjure a country vibe with battered finishes, humble vernacular furniture, and rustic lighting and barn-like fixtures (even if they’re new).
One Of A Kind
Bolstered by a desire to support local artisans, we’re upcycling and antiquing to keep castoffs out of landfills. DIYers are giving thrift-store finds a new lease on life with coats of paint and fresh upholstery. Vintage blanket boxes and crockery lend a timeless feel in a farmhouse.
Chic Comfort
We’re literally loving our sofas and chairs right now, choosing “huggable” designs loaded with curves and channelling in inviting sunset hues. Since travel is curtailed, we’re seeking an added level of luxury in our homes with enhanced climate and lighting controls to suit our every mood.
Architecture First
It’s the age of the architect, and homeowners who are renovating or starting from scratch want wow moments. They’re partnering up with the pros to open up houses with huge steel windows for great street presence, framing windows like art and installing statement staircases that deliver professional polish.
Making Everyday Moments Beautiful
It’s tough to carve out downtime when working from home. Everyday items are getting new attention, as consumers order handmade plates or pairs of mugs (just for them). Sitting in a comfy chair, taking a moment to enjoy a cup of java in a special mug, then washing it with a fragrant dish soap makes home a nicer place to be.
Clean Takeaways
Touchless tech isn’t just about convenience anymore, it’s a safeguard. Sanitary devices employing ultraviolet light, air purifiers, wall hung toilets and materials with antibacterial properties like copper are delivering an extra level of hygiene and peace of mind. Finishes that can withstand heavy-duty cleaning such as stone and quartz are also emerging as all-stars.
Conscious Consumption
Shopping local got a shot in the arm from Gen Z consumers, who view shopping as entertainment and prefer doing it in person. The scarcity mindset (see toilet paper and Clorox wipes) has subsided, as environmentally friendly signs emerge, like refill and delivery options for staples like water and soap, which reduce plastic packaging. Fair trade is garnering more scrutiny, as buyers want to know where goods come from, and in what kind of working conditions they were made.
House & Home January/February 2021
Produced by Emma Reddington