Photo credit: photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

In the midst of a global pandemic, with domestic and global tensions at an all time high, the looming prospect of WWIII, and one ‘unprecedented’ catastrophic climate disaster after another, it’s safe to say that perhaps the best place for most of us to escape to is our very own home!

It’s hard to talk about something that seems as superficial as “interior home decor ideas” when there is so much going on in the world right now, so many people fighting for their lives and livelihoods. But hear us out…

While we strongly believe it’s important we take action, to care, to fight for change, help those that need our help, to have a meaningful impact, be inclusive and kind, all while carrying on with the daily grind ourselves.. It’s a lot! The weight of guilt, of not feeling like you’re doing enough, can be a heavy burden to carry when there is so much vying for our attention, every second of the day, on every device we turn to.

It’s equally important right now, to be kind to ourselves. To embrace a sense of escapism; creating space in our lives for retreat, to recoup, self-soothe, to tap out when we need to. As a design trend “escapism” is nothing new, but it's taken on a slightly greater significance as it sweeps through our present interiors landscape with a vengeance.

Creating a sense of harmony and reverie in our immediate surroundings has a profound impact on our wellbeing, on our ability to feel a sense of joy amid the darkness, and our ability to offer impactful help to others in the long run.

Nodding while reading this? Here, we’ll show you how to find that sense of escape within your own home…

 

Photo credit: 'Flow' collection, photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

Travel inspired home decor, sans the jet lag and airport security queues

One way to get that well-traveled feeling at home is to delve back into past holiday memories from our pre-pandemic lives. Exhibiting special pieces we’ve collected on past journeys, or places we wish to visit, can re-energise our sense of wanderlust. It acts as a gentle reminder of that personal connection we hold outside of this ‘new normal’ life.

With our latest collection FLOW we really wanted to channel this transportive feeling of quintessential Mediterranean travels. Taking inspiration from the ancient marble ruins of Greece, the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea, and the terracotta sunsets over Tuscany. We wanted to bring those European holiday home designs right to your doorstep.

In our ZURI collection (coming early April) we’ve escaped the indoors to the exterior! Bringing a wild, punchy dose of bold zebra and deep jungle green inside. We’ve also seen a surge in people restyling their actual outdoors with gardens, patios and balconies bedecked with outdoor cushions and beanbags, layered rugs and potted plants.

Photo credit: 'Zuri' collection, photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

Going global by mixing modern and vintage home decor

Also described as ‘retro futurism’, we’re seeing a major trend towards splicing nostalgic references (70s inspired interiors, mid-century designs, vintage and upcycling) with futurism (space age, hyper realism and the whimsy) to create a sense of escape. 

This mixing of modern and vintage home decor creates a unique sense of personality and sparks a tonne of joy! Pioneers in this sphere are the likes of long time reigning queen of interiors Kelly Wearstler, maximalist-enthusiast Tik Tok stars Josh & Matt, quirky New Jersey homeowner Planktons Loft, and the run-away success of Curated Spaces (who led the charge in selling vintage on Instagram).

What you’ll notice about this style with enthusiasts is the ever-present notion of ‘impermanence’; regularly rearranging furniture and room orientations to shift energy and breathe new life and inspiration into a space is as much a part of this trend as That Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola wave mirror! We love this idea of constant change, especially for those channeling holiday home designs.

Our PRISM collection (coming April) speaks to this sense of retro futurism, with a chameleon-like ability to inject a modern pulse to a space whilst simultaneously blending with age-old classics with ease.

Photo credit: 'Prism' collection, photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

This nook is on airplane mode

The other thing we’ve noticed coming out of this trend is a need to create designated spaces within our homes that provide an escape from modern life. Devoid of technology and any trace of WFH, whether it be our bedroom or a special reading nook, it’s important to have zones that allow you to switch off. 

Photo credit: 'Boucle' collection, photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

Rounded shapes, soft lighting, potted plants and plush, cozy materials, like our Boucle or Linen cushions, provide a sense of calm and escape that signifies a “no work zone”. We have some incredibly delicious Silk Velvet Throws dropping soon, which will offer super luxe home decor inspiration, perfect for trans-seasonal styling as the months start to cool off.

Because a lot of us are still working from home and/or have kids being home-schooled, we’re seeing unique home designs that maximise otherwise unused spaces; window seats in sunny aspects, work nooks inside spare closets, alfresco ‘happy hour’ spots for that ‘after work escape’.

Photo credit: 'Flow' collection, photography by Rebecca Newman, styling by Ray The Tall One, for Nathan + Jac 2022

Whatever your design M.O. we hope you embrace a sense of escapism in your homes. Give yourself a break. You deserve one. 

Much love,

Team NJ x

As we approach the second anniversary of not-so-new ‘new normal’ pandemic life, rife with COVID-variants, conflict, and uncertainty, it’s no surprise that interior design trends continue to focus on bringing us a sense of inner and emotional peace and stability within our most sacred space… our home.

 The over-arching narrative of these design trends, is that we’re creating calming environments that make us feel safe, cosy, welcoming and warm, or we’re cultivating spaces that serve as an outlet for self-expression, personality and creativity.

 Our top five design trends for 2022 are…

1. Curves
2. Brown
3. Biophilia
4. Grand Millennial
5. Quirky Maximalism

 

1. Curves

 

Arguably the most influential trend that speaks directly to this desire for comfort and cosiness can be seen in the soft curves of furniture and objects. This rounded form, almost as impactful, and as much needed as the literal hugs we’ve missed, is a welcome relief at home. Curved lines and edges give us a sense of refuge and escape from the emotionally-charged chaos, division and anxiety of the outside world.

Arched and chubby shaped furniture in soft, textural materials, mushroom or balloon-shaped lamps, wavy mirrors and cut out shapes, and rounded or spherical ceramics and objects are all champions of this curve trend.

 

2. Fifty Shades of Brown

 

 

The all white minimalism of 2021 is on the way out, to make way for its next of kin… brown!

This ‘new neutral’ comes with more than a double-whiskey dose of 70’s inspiration, and favours a subtle but bold experimentation of colour and texture. Leather, terracotta, stone, rattan, jute and rich woods are layered for depth and an inviting warmth, while hues of mustard, burnt orange, rust, mahogany and tobacco give a strong sense of character, nostalgia and spirit.

This earthen, nature-inspired palette of browns also harmonises well with our next trend; biophilia (our propensity towards bringing the outdoors in) with an abundance of greenery and natural light complementing this brown palette. 

 

3. Biophilia

Biophilia can be defined as an innate human desire to connect with nature. A biophilic design has been proven not just to support our emotional and psychological wellbeing, but also has a profound and positive impact on our cognitive functioning and physical health!

With this ever growing (pun intended) need to be more connected to nature, we’re seeing a varied selection of house plants emerge, as we graduate from the staples (rubber leaf, ficus and montera) to more daring or obscure plant choices. Sustainability is at the forefront of most of our purchasing and consumption decisions now, which means we’re being more creative with upcycling, repurposing and buying second hand and vintage.

Organic, porous or imperfect (Wabi Sabi) shapes and elements add depth and soul, while materials of stone, marble, travertine, limewash, plaster, terracotta and raw timbers bring a natural aesthetic to our interiors.

 

4. Grand Millennial

Traditional is making a comeback! We’re looking for comfort in timeless classics, craving a sense of nostalgia, when life felt simpler to make sense of.

This modern take on ‘Granny chic’ is the antithesis of the mid-century modern minimalism that’s been centre-stage for many years now. It’s a return to florals, Chinoiserie, houndstooth, jacquard and tapestry styles, fringed detailing, and piped edges. Wallpapers, rich patterns, pedestals, and traditional window treatments are all making re-appearances once more.

We’re combining the ‘good’ China or crystal with everyday pieces, while antiques become the strong sentimental protagonist in a room, telling the stories of old, giving credibility and interest to a space. 

 

5. Quirky Maximalism

Quirky maximalism is about bold, bright self-expressionism. It could be a symptom of two years of restrictions on our creative outlets, or reflective of our need to bring an abundance of joy back into our lives. It’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you come across purveyors of this design style.

This ‘more is more’ trend isn’t so much a rejection of the principles of minimalism. Each item still has careful consideration, offering a purposeful curation of pieces that create joy and spark conversation, rather than just being clutter for clutter’s sake. The purpose of this ever-evolving style is to constantly excite and delight us.

Through daring colour combinations, unique artwork and the re-purposing of vintage or upcycled pieces, these spaces take on a personality all of their own. With many influences, from 20’s Art Deco, to 80’s Memphis to futuristic, and anything in between there really are no rules or limits with this style, except those that favour the element of surprise!