So there has been a LOT of buzz about the new trends for the new decade. In fact, I wrote about it recently in THIS post. But are the “new” trends really all that new or is this Groundhog Day all over again? You know, same old thing, new spin. {Also, I know the furry rodent didn’t see his shadow last weekend so we are supposed to have an early spring. And while I don’t personally trust predictions made by a circus animal with a brain the size of a cashew, here’s hoping!} Some of these trends are definitely groundhog day trends…aka not trends at all , and some are nature and spring inspired trends. So…what makes a trend a trend? Well it all depends who you ask!

Here is the Merriam Webster Dictionary Definition:

So it seems a trend is technically just movement in a general direction. When the whole country embraced “farmhouse” that could be defined as a trend. Does it mean farmhouse is the direction we should all keep going in? Are we obligated to install barn doors on EVERYTHING to keep up? Sometimes it just looks contrived and bizarre - Farmhouse decor in a skyscraper with floor to ceiling views of the city skyline is just wrong, for example. Some trends were never meant to be trends - you can read all about my tenuous relationship with farmhouse style HERE.

So what trends SHOULD you get on board with and are they even really trends?

Here are a few cited in a recent Good Housekeeping article.

Please NOTE: this post contains affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Navy Blue

Well, duh! Classic blue was Pantone’s color of the year, which means we will be seeing more of it in everything from packaging to new product design. A deep navy was also Sherwin Williams pick for the color of the year (if you want more info on paint colors of the year, click HERE ). I would argue that navy blue is a classic and not a trend. It’s been around forever and pairs with a lot of other colors nicely. But the availability of products in certain colors is always determined by predicted trends as manufacturers jump on whatever might sell, so expect to have a lot of blue options right now for your decor!

Vintage and Patina

Which were listed as 2 different things in the article, are really the same: an appreciation for and resurgence of interest in things with a history.

There is the renewed popularity of “brown” (stained wood) furniture - not everywhere and not in suites of matching furniture, but as accents and mixed with more modern pieces. Vintage art and accessories were mentioned as well. Great design has always incorporated some vintage and antiques, so can we call it a trend? Not sure I would…but It adds a layer of interest, and layering is what makes a design unique and adds personality. And the importance of sustainability and the move away from “disposable” furniture is helping fuel this trend toward using vintage, antique and upcycled elements, so I don’t see it going away.

Textured Fabrics

In case you missed it, TEXTURE IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT in design. GH calls them cozy textures, but it is the variety that is important and the options showing up at the current textile shows in Europe and headed our way, are staggering! Rich embroideries, brocades, and tapestries along with eco-friendly and sustainable versions of leather-like and animal hide print products, and tons of nubbly bouclés. And there are still plenty of linens and velvets and chenilles. Hopefully not the crazy long haired faux fur in toxic waste colors…but if you love a thing…you do you!

Florals

The article specifically highlights floral wallpaper. I would argue that wallpaper in general is making a comeback, not just floral wallpaper. But absolutely floral is big - large scale designs especially. Floral chinoiserie and mural wallpapers have always been a classic, as have the textured grasscloth wallpapers, but many more options are available and manufacturers are resurrecting some vintage patterns in new colors too. This is not the Laura-Ashley-ditsy-flowers-overload from the 80’s. And if wallpaper terrifies you, it’s probably because you had to scrape through 6 layers of horrible to remove it. Good news! The newer papers are far more easily removable - and some are even peel and stick temporary papers! Start small, in say a powder room, to dip your toe into this trend if you aren’t ready to go all in.

Rattan and Wicker

Bring it on! Rattan and wicker furniture have also been around forever and hardly qualify as a trend, but they have moved back inside along with all things made of grass and plant fibers (also not exactly a new phenomenon) - from baskets and rugs to lampshades.

These textures are fabulous layered into a room. Remember how we said layers add interest? Well texture is another layer in your design and the more contrasting, the better. These expand on the current popularity of bringing elements of the outdoors in - the restorative value of nature comes to you when you can’t get outside to it! Which brings me to …

Plants

Biophilia - nature elements in design, is currently a HOT topic. The idea being that incorporating nature into interior design is beneficial for wellness - both physical health and mental well-being. And the most obvious way to do this is with plants. Live plants literally clean the air! For various reasons, live plants are sometimes not possible, but even good faux plants (all about that in THIS post) can give your space a more organic feel and add mental benefit. Good Housekeeping cites a shift from the fiddle leaf plant of the last decade to olive tree plants as the new darling du jour, but ANY plant will work. I mean how can a plant REALLY be a trend? They predate people for goodness sake! Choose something with a scale and shape that complements the rest of your decor and you are good to go!