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Design, like fashion, is cyclical. What goes around comes around. Kind of like karma, right?

I’m not a fan of following trends, in anything, but it’s not a bad way to keep you current and feeling “on trend.” Personally, I love the classics, so here are some classics that I keep seeing pop up in decorating trade publications, home magazines and even popular culture.

Homage to Nostalgia

What’s old is new again and this is certainly true in design. Statement-making pieces that get their backbone from past decades (think 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s) are making a comeback. The colors, textures, proportion are bold in style and will stand out in your space when implemented at home.

This is a trend I wouldn’t suggest you go crazy with, but perhaps incorporate a touch of it here and there. One statement chair or collection of accessories would do the trick. Colors like warm neutrals as well as oranges and greens were popular in this era and are today as well. You can find these pieces at furniture consignment stores, thrift shops, flea markets or boutique and mass retailers. Chances are good that you’ll find the patterns, pops of colors and upholstery of older pieces. 

Return to Tradition and Timeless Pieces

I know, this sounds contradictory, right? It’s not uncommon for you to see what we might view as traditional pieces like wingback chairs, roll arm sofas and other pieces with history and more detail. Natural materials are also gaining in popularity. You’re probably seeing more hardwood floors, marble countertops, butcher block countertops, linens and mohair – things that make you want to reach out and touch them. 

Part of this trend is due to sustainability and wanting to keep items for the long haul, not easily disposing of things so quickly. It’s also the best way to have a curated or collected approach to decorating that takes time and a lot of thought to do well – especially if you’re in a hurry for that look. 

Celebration of Curves

Straight lines are certainly inevitable in design, but curves help to soften and balance a room. You can find curves in coffee tables, dining tables, cabinets, dining chairs, backs of sofas and headboards, etc. The very angular lines of furniture are giving way to a softer style of decor.

Bringing Nature Indoors

Who doesn’t love the look of natural items in a home. Authentic greenery is a great complement to natural woods and warm neutral colors. They’re great for the air we breathe as well and provide a great sense of fulfillment when they are thriving due to our care. Here are some plants that are easier to care for than others, including:

Fiddle leaf fig tree: These trees are hardy and beautiful trees that need a lot of sun and weekly watering. 

Palm: There are a wide variety of large and small plants that do well in partial sunlight. 

Snake Plant: Perhaps more sensitive to negativity than others, this plant flourishes in direct sunlight and infrequent watering.

If maintaining real plants scare you due to your brown thumb, there are plenty of really good looking plants you can incorporate into your decor. 

Real flowers are obviously beautiful in a home as well. Orchids are a favorite and can be purchased at places like Costco and Trader Joe’s. Grouping them together in a larger pot looks beautiful as a centerpiece. One ice cube a week per plant is all you need to keep them happy.

Multi-Purpose Rooms

Since the pandemic when we were all used to living in close quarters, it became clear that rooms needed to have multiple purposes. Given the former open plan concept that was so popular, now people are looking for creative ways to divide up space for optimal usage. Tall ceilings can also provide vertical usage of space as well with lofts, shelving and ladders. 

Although these are “trends” most of these ideas are tried, true and tested ones. As times change, we need to adapt to certain things and design can and does play a role in that. As for me, I’ve got a very eclectic group of furnishings and given my smaller, scaled down home in the city, the only thing I’m thinking about replacing is my sofa. Stay tuned as I do my research on that piece of furniture sometime next year!

Don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @nancymichaelsinteriors! Also, please share this blog with a friend who is into design trends. I look forward to connecting with you all.