If you flick through your Instagram or Pinterest feed, I’m sure you’ll be able to spot these trendy design styles. These trends weren’t intentionally created with holistic interior design principles in mind but it’s clear to me why we are gravitating to them right now.
We are finally starting to understand how deeply our surroundings affect our mental and physical health. After almost two years of being locked indoors, we are gravitating to pieces that bring natural elements into our home.
Incorporating organic shapes and natural materials is at the heart of holistic interior design. When we choose items inspired by nature, we are connecting deeper with the rhythms and lifeforce around us. These trendy design styles incorporate biophilia, natural materials and mimic the lines and architecture of nature.
When you bring these things together it has a calming and grounding effect on our overall well-being. Holistic interior design is all about understanding our human needs and translating those needs in a beautiful and functional way.
This is why I think it’s important to listen to and understand trends. It’s very easy to cast aside ideas just because they are trending. But remember, these trendy design styles are popular for a reason! Let’s talk about why.
01 | Cultivating an indoor jungle
When I started university in 2013 no one was talking about houseplants. And now, eight years later, everyone seems to be obsessed with cultivating an indoor jungle. Humans are deeply connected to nature. We know that spending time outside and with plants can really enhance our physical and mental health. This concept is called Biophilia, which is one of the principles of holistic design that I explored briefly in this blog post.
Biophilia is our desire to commune with nature. Bringing a variety of plants into our homes is a great way to connect with nature. It’s literally bringing life into our homes! The process of caring for plants is also very therapeutic. We also know that certain houseplants like bamboo, pothos and snake plants can eliminate toxins from the air. Considering the air quality in your home is also a crucial part of holistic interior design. We are striving to be as healthy and supported as possible in our homes. Here’s your permission to buy another plant.
02 | Beautiful linen bedding
One of my best pandemic purchases was our 100% linen duvet cover set. I’d been coveting a set ever since seeing hundreds of beautifully made-up beds with linen bedding on Instagram and Pinterest. Pure linen has many incredible benefits like being bacteria-resistant, a great ventilator and moisture absorbing. Linen is ideal for people with severe allergies and will help keep you cool and comfortable while you’re sleeping. It’s been wonderful in the summer months but I found it equally cozy and luxurious in the winter. Linen is a beautiful natural material and the health benefits are great for supporting your body and your decor style. Linen looks beautiful when it’s worn in and rumpled!
03 | Rattan & Cane furniture
The 70s are back in a big way with all of the rattan and cane furniture. This style has been around for a few years now but I don’t see it slowing down. All white everything has been a major trend for a long time and adding in rattan or cane is helping to add warmth to that trendy design style. This trend corresponds to the materials and biophilia principles because of the natural materials that are woven together to create intricate patterns. This style of furniture or decor is very popular online and is another way to bring texture to a room.
04 | Archways & curving furniture
We are saying goodbye to straight, clean lines in favour of curving silhouettes and archways. This is a trend that I can definitely get behind because it’s very calming and soothing to look at. If you look at nature, nothing is ever a single straight line. Think about the organic and rounded shape of plants, flowers, shells and stones. These organic shapes allow our eyes to rest gently instead of jumping between hash halting lines. Curved sofas, archways and rounded details are really gaining in popularity right now. It reminds me of the legends of the knights of the round table. The round table had an equalizing effect on the knights and helped them make decisions as a team. Rounded furniture and architecture have the same pleasing effect on our senses — King Arthur definitely knew a thing or two about this!
05 | Shopping secondhand
I love that shopping sustainably is trending! There is nothing better than a good thrift shop find. Shopping secondhand elongate the lifestyle of household objects and clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. When you shop secondhand, you’re often supporting charities that support your community and you’re able to find cool items that tell a story. I love looking around my home and acknowledging the pieces I’ve found at thrift stores and on the side of the road. This is a great accessible option if you’re decorating on a budget and oftentimes the pieces you find are better quality.
We have a few original midcentury pieces that we purchase on Facebook marketplace that are beautifully made and in perfect condition. I’m sure we could have found a reproduction at a big box store and get the same look, but we saved a lot of money and these pieces will probably last forever.
These trendy design styles are probably even present in your own home!
Will you incorporate any of these trendy design styles into your home?
