With ‘stay are home’ a defining catch cry of 2020, it’s no surprise to anyone that our focus has turned indoors this year. Far from taking our homes for granted, they’ve become literal sanctuaries in the face of the pandemic and consequently have inspired a flurry of redecoration - both on minor and major scales. In this vein, we're chatting the chicest decorating trends right now, as well as the thoughts of Annabelle Idrus from Luxo Living on how to create a truly beautiful and comforting space at home.

WFH Chic

“It seems 2020 has been the year for home renovations and creating an inviting space as we have been forced to spend more time there, during this strange year,” confirms Annabelle – and our buying habits have reflected this trend of us not only living, but working, from home.

“Beds, sofas, and office furniture have been our best-selling products for the past four to six months, and are still going strong,” she shares.

“We are now sourcing other popular items that customers usually request such as timber sides boards, home décor, wall art, and clocks.”

Creating an appealing and efficient work area is vital to being productive while #WFH. A desk that is functional and conducive to productivity, yet doesn’t look too corporate or out of place in a home environment, is a good place to start. This Scandi-inspired table makes for the perfect clean slate to craft into your own individual space. Adding a pretty and uplifting candle can create a more comfortable environment (plus it adds some visual interest on Zoom calls, too). Our pick?  Maison Balzac’s La Plage – a seaside scented beauty flecked with citrus and floral notes. And because no WFH setup is complete without a beauty stash, consider Nars’s universally flattering Afterglow lip balm that can effortlessly applied without a mirror, and gives subtle sheen of colour.

COLOUR CRUSHES

Neutral hues are in high demand right now: “We are finding that beige and neutrals are trending at the moment,” explains Annabelle.

“Customers are moving away from the dark forest green velvets, which were very popular this time last year, although some customers still prefer these,” she shares. “They are moving more towards the pinks, duck egg blues, linen greys, and charcoals.”

The popularity of these neutral hues is likely rooted in the fact we are spending more time at home and prefer shades that remain classic year after year. These softer colours also make for a soothing and comforting home environment – which has been particularly  front of mind after the tumult of 2020.

A marble table is an investment that will see you through many a season –  it’s a blank canvas that will pair perfectly with  more trend-driven pieces that you can weave into your décor. Adorn with a minimalist vase that will complement, not compete with, a seasonal bouquet of blooms.  If you’re a regular incense burner, this marble hand from Maison Balzac would make for the chicest holder imaginable.

Home Comforts

 Not surprisingly, natural liveable materials and soft, cosy textures have reigned supreme this year. “Rattan is still going strong,” says Annabelle. “As is velvet, especially in softer muted colours like pinks, dusty pinks, blues, and blush.”

This year has seen the advent of ‘grandmillennial’ style, a chintzy homage to old-school decorating based in feminine shades and fun patterns, that prioritises cosiness and comfort – an interesting change to the aloof cool of Scandi minimalism that has dominated in recent years. In that vein, this blush shell chair is the stuff of dreams and would work as a desk chair or in the corner of a pretty dressing room. The Matilda Goad scalloped lampshade makes for an obvious and elegant pairing. A comforting but consummately chic touch to finish off the space would be the old-school beauty of Jo Malone’s Red Roses diffuser.

Texture Obsession

If you prefer to stick to a tight palette of neutral hues when decorating at home, adding different textured materials is  a simple but effective trick to add interest while keeping things visually cohesive and pared-back. A classic set of outdoor seating with rope detailing makes for a classic yet undeniably modern investment piece. Add some Aztec-inspired cushions for some cosy texture, and light a heavenly heady candle and you’ll have the ideal recipe for an evening outdoors with loved ones.

The Great Outdoors

We’re spending less time in restaurants and bars, and our travel plans have all but dried up, so we are instead extending our living – and socialising – into our outdoor spaces at home. This sunbed will have you feeling like you didn’t have to cancel your Euro summer 2020 trip in the end, especially when paired with a classic chic beach towel from Italian institution Missoni.

Story by Tess de Vivie de Régie. Photography by Alice Mahran. Sigourney wears Sportcraft. 

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