The rollercoaster that is the Pandemic has impacted us all. As we retreated into our living spaces back in March 2020, we began a journey on how we interacted with each other and gained insight into how we engaged with our living spaces. What worked for us as busy people using our living areas as a base between our outdoor adventures suddenly began to morph into something more profound as we remained in our homes for months on end. It seemed like everyone was starting to re-decorate and not just to ease the boredom of being cooped up, but because we finally began to reconnect with our homes on a deeper level - and of course, many of us finally had the time!
Our living spaces became our entire world - where we felt safe and lived the majority of our lives between the same walks to the park or shops. It was no longer just a base to store our things; now, it was the most important space in our lives, and many of us decided to make sure that our surroundings reflected that.
As we move into a new world of hybrid or even full time working from our homes, what used to serve us no longer does, and this is reflected in how we now choose to decorate and even determine our homes. A glance at the increase in sale and rental prices for places offering outside and garden space showcases that are now returning to the tradition that 'A person's home is their castle'.
Here at Yorkshire Fabric Shop have certainly noticed a massive shift from the styles that people were purchasing pre-2020, and as we move into the New Year, we are excited to share the most recent trends that we are seeing emerging for 2022 and beyond.
The Wholesome Rise Of Cottagecore
Cottagecore décor is one of the biggest trends of 2021 and doesn't look like it going anywhere in 2022. Essentially it's a modernised version of the perceived simplicity of vintage country cottage living. Cottagecore urges you to embrace personality and even clutter to get a genuinely authentic domestic vibe.
Country decor has long been appealing and is likely to be loved for longer!. With thatched roofs, fireplaces, country kitchens, and everything else that makes you feel like you're at home, it's easy to see why this is a popular choice for people who want to feel like they're straight out of a fairytale. Subtle, warm and earthy neutrals are the newest design trend, and sandy colours have returned, and they're proving to be everything but drab.
Cottagecore has seen a resurgence since the Pandemic, especially with Millennials and Generation Z, and this can be attributed to its references to simpler times and slower living. The Cottagecore style provides a feeling of safety and security in an uncertain Pandemic world that aesthetics such as minimalism does not. It allows people to pay into fantasy and make their spaces feel magical and unique. Elements of fairytales and witchcraft can also be woven into its aesthetic - and there are plenty of subcultures to be found on social media around this design trend. Add a sprinkle of home craft appreciation to this aesthetic, and you can see why people connect so emotionally to this trend. Part of its charm is the role that you can play within your decor. Perfection isn't the goal with Cottage core, so go ahead and hang up your pasta collage from lockdown. It'll fit right in with everything else.
"Cottagecore embodies the idea of a sustainable lifestyle, in harmony with nature. Aesthetically, it's a nod to the traditional, romantic, and nostalgic English countryside, " - Ramona Jones, social media influencer and author of the book 'Escape into Cottagecore.'
Get the look: try using Abbotsford Super Soft Basket Weave Material for curtains and cushions.
For reading a book in a cosy nook or fireside, we recommend the Piero Rocking Chair. The luxurious Rosetta chair is a perfect choice to sit, relax and drink something warm and wholesome while listening to the rain hit the window.
Real-Life Inspiration:
Having spent so much time at home I realised our living room wasn’t homely enough. We bought the new electric fire that looks like a wood burner, made our own mantelpiece out of wood and added other shelves to the room too. I bought new curtains for the room during lockdown as well as a light coloured rug which is kinda what started the changes. I wanted to bring a cosy, light and airy feel to the room and by making small changes it led to one big one!. - Emma Reed, emmareed.net
Textured Furniture Adding Drama To Your Living Space
Surfaces have undergone a ridged revival over the past few years, and texture design is the most recent addition. Frosted windows, textured tiles, and three-dimensional wallpaper is some of the most popular trends in interior design today. Vanilla wallpaper doesn't quite cut it these days! As many of us remain working remotely, it makes sense that we wish to add something pleasing to look at if we have to look at it all day.
It's now furniture's turn to get engaged in the conversation. Furniture such as cabinets, wardrobes, sideboards, drawers, and workstations are moving away from the traditional look of flat fronts, smooth doors, and level panels in favour of more ornate designs with slat-like grooves.
Get the look: try using 3D Effect Fabric to add more dimension to your curtains and cushions.
Our Evangeline chair is the perfect addition to any home office wishing to step away from muted colours as well as the traditional office chair.
To make your living room or even your zoom background more textured, we recommend adding some sparkle with made measure curtains in a fabric such as our Ayon Geometric Pattern.
Real-Life Inspiration:
It is very important for me to live in a space that I can enjoy every day. Due to the pandemic, I am spending a lot of time at home so I am paying even more attention to my interior design. In the last few months, I have been trying to achieve an industrial look in my house. I bought a modern dining table with raw steel box section legs and a matching wooden bench. I wanted to feel a bit cosier so I added a sheepskin bench cover and purchased two velvet dining chairs. The ceiling light with an open black metal cage above my table makes it looks contemporary. This is definitely not the last project I am going to work on at my home this year. - Paulina Borowik, Ukeveryday.com
Bring on the Eco Chic
The Pandemic certainly made us think about our planet and how we can do better in our everyday choices. We've seen this reflected in our customer's choices here at YFS, with our sustainable fabrics proving more and more popular. Who said being sustainable couldn't be stylish?
Relax and rejuvenate your senses with a well-thought-out design and soft textiles. Our need for spirituality and well-being is matched with a dedication to environmental sustainability in this popular trend.
Using warm tones, the colours and textures convey a sense of artistry. Golden beige, moss green, soft olive, and earthy orange creates this new colour palette. Comforting and cocooning materials like velvet, boucle, and linen are also available. In addition, these materials are suited for usage in high-volume sitting environments.
Get the look: add some dimension and detail to your eco interior with Abstract Camouflage Pattern.
Why not explore our sustainable fabrics? The sustainable fabrics that we stock are always ethically and reliably sourced, using natural or recycled fabrics that require significantly less to no chemical treatment, less energy and less water to grow. It certainly offers peace of mind investing in materials that can reduce your carbon footprint.
Real-Life Inspiration:
‘Pandemic brought the outdoor in! People wanted to feel more close to nature. Now that people have gotten used to the pandemic lifestyle, they are shifting back from going overboard to minimalism, and this trend is predicted to prevail in 2022, with a continued warm twist, including Japandi. Warm minimalism with a blend of rustic, and modern interior! Organic shapes will remain in 2022. Breaking down of symmetry with accent furniture, warm-toned metals, warm neutral paint colours, and natural materials. Wood, jute, and linens will remain in 2022, and also indoor plants, tall and green. The idea of warm neutrals, and minimalism with the blend of nature is to bring one, the mental calm needed in the pandemic. Hence, the reason the trends came and will stay’ - Isa, https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
Colour us a Rainbow!
Our final trends on this list are all about celebrating colour, be that colour matching the season to bring the outside indoor or simply celebrating your space with hues that make you happy.
For season matching, you may use this winter's chill as an opportunity to be comfy by decorating your home with icey hues. People may be decorating with colours they attribute with the season, moving from burned oranges and browns from autumn to blues, whites and black to match the winter mood.
In addition to combining nicely with darker hues like grey and blue, these colours may also lend depth to an area.
Get the look: try using some Abstract Fabric to add some colour that will carry you through to 2022 and beyond.
Real-Life Inspiration:
‘Spending so much time at home during the pandemic really made me reevaluate a lot of things, including our living space. We drastically de-cluttered and changed the colour scheme of our living room with a feature wall and coordinating coloured cushions and it made a huge difference. Now I can’t wait to decorate for Christmas, having a much more minimalist and appealing canvas to start with’ Anna Marikar, intheplayroom.co.uk
So what about you - are you planning any design changes in time for Christmas this year or doing a refresh in the New Year?
Make sure to follow us on our social channels for the latest in YFS news and interior trends.
Pst! - we also love to hear from you and share interior design ideas, so make sure to tag us in any interior design inspiration that catches your eye online.
Until Next time, YFS