Make Design Trends Work For Your Home

Sometimes it feels like design styles are going in a million directions with new ones cropping up constantly. We all love a trend, but how do you incorporate them into your home in a way that won’t fall flat in a year? Because let’s be honest, overhauling your aesthetic on a regular basis isn’t realistic or budget-friendly. We are breaking down popular niche trends and sharing tips for incorporating elements into your home’s existing style.

Cottagecore

Think romanticized rural life. It’s going back to a place of authenticity and embracing the charm of hand made materials and lived in spaces. It brings a fresh perspective to your grandma’s floral drapes and is an excuse to score thrift shops and work in family heirlooms. For a deeper dive check out this article from Redfin, where they reached out to design experts (including us!) for tips on how to bring this design to life.

Tips for incorporating trends into your home

• Source vintage pieces to add instant character to your space. Artwork or smaller accessories like vases, objects and even books is an easy way to blend the trend alongside modern, boho, or farmhouse styles, for example. Our go-to vintage shops include:
  • The Blue Door – Santa Barbara
  • Sunbeam Vintage – Los Angeles
  • Amsterdam Modern – Los Angeles
• Choose finishes that feel handmade or that you’d find in a 100 year home. Marble, brass and we say even neutral-tone zellige feel right at home and are blend-able with other styles.
• Keep it light and airy, but do layer in pattern. Pillows are a quick and affordable way to switch things up. In the bedroom add a fun floral coverlet and the bathroom is an easy spot for a textured bath mat and vintage tray or vase. Add a touch wicker via storage baskets, trays or even a decorative side chair and call it a day. Some styling quick-shopping hot-spots of ours include:
  • Collyer’s Mansion
  • Toast
  • One Affirmation

Maximalism 

More-is-more, bold, colorful, pattern on pattern bliss. This no holds barred style will grab your attention and start a conversation with its playfully busyness. Is it timeless? Debatable. Is it marvelously fun? Absolutely. 

To add a dash of extra to your style try the following:

• color is your friend — and it’s easily reversible. Opt for bright saturated, unexpected colors (poppy reds, moody greens, and deep saturated blues). When it comes to application, think beyond your walls to trim and even the ceiling.
• Make your space a reflection of your personality. Display decorative items that shout this is me! Maybe its a gallery wall, found objects from travels abroad, or your collection of pottery. Whatever it may be layer your interests / hobbies visually, maximalism is all about showcasing yourself to visitors. We love Tortoise General Store for decorative odds and ends that oooze personality.
• Pattern on pattern … on pattern. Whether your home is modern, traditional or somewhere in-between find ways to add dimension and layers to your space via rugs, drapery, pillows and fabrics. Wallpaper is another way to dip your toe in the water. Pair a fun wallpaper with patterned sofa and throw pillows, don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out Archive New York for bright, bold pillows, textiles and decor.

Japandi 

The crossroads where Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetic meet. This is a favorite trend in our book and one where elements can be applied in any space. It’s rooted in natural materials, thoughtful empty space and soothing color palettes. With an aesthetic that focuses on simplicity and comfort it’s easy to understand this look’s appeal. 

Tips for incorporating trends into your home:

• Seek out natural materials. This can be as simple as adding a leather lounge chair and wood accent pieces like a side table or coffee table to your space. When it comes to furniture think sparse and clean lines, this means simple fabrics in neutral shades and minimal to no pattern. 
• Be intentional about space. Clutter is the opposite of Japandi, so focus on open spaces with clear sight lines while keeping the furniture pieces to a minimum. You should meet the functional needs of a space, but not a step beyond. 
• Sustainable design is paramount. Seek out hand-crafted, high quality pieces that will go the distance. This is an excellent excuse to splurge on that custom chair or dining table. Look for furniture that you’ll love for years and ideally are made with sustainable materials.

Grandmillennial

In many ways Grandmillenial goes hand-in-hand with Cottagecore, but with less focus on rural romanticism. This look is all about embracing the past and reinvigorating items you may have seen in your grandparents house — pleated lampshades, monogrammed linens and classic floral wallpapers. 

To sprinkle in some Grandmillennial style into your home try the following:

• Revamp your ambient lighting. Swap out the lamp shades on your existing table and floor lamps for fun patterned and pleated shades. This is a quick and easy way to add a touch without going too deep. We love what Fermoie brings to the table in this department. 
• Bring the florals inside. Swap out your clean linen duvet for floral bedding or try out wallpaper in space that feels dull. Don’t forget about the tabelscape! For an occasional foray into this look pick up some vintage floral dishware or table linens. Think Chinz! Chinz! Chinz! 
• Tuft it up. When refreshing your seating think tufted sofas or lounge chairs. There are so many options out there with streamlined silhouettes that tufted arms can still fit right at home with more current or modern elements throughout your home.