Decor redux: polka dots, coloured glass
There is nothing quite like the start of a new chapter to reflect on days — and styles — past.
Each year brings such breathtaking trends that it seems a shame to leave them all behind. Now don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few things I would like to leave behind in 2021. But I can’t help reflect on a few favourite things I hope to highlight again this year.
Spots and polka dots I loved the revival of polka dots and all things spotted in 2021. There was no shortage of this beloved pattern and its variations to play with.
From the sweet and delicate dotted Swiss to the bold and graphic oversized polka dots and everything in between, there is a dot for you. Whether perfectly spaced and proper, or organically tossed around, spots and polka dots have a light and cheery disposition.
We loved them on everything from upholstery to lamps to tabletop accessories for a much-needed spot of fun for our homes. Menswear-inspired decor As a lover of textiles, when I think of menswear I immediately picture fabrics I would find in a refined haberdashery.
Inspired by men’s classic suit styles, any material from pinstripes to plaid, herringbone to houndstooth can be used to bring masculine charm to a space. Tweed, plaid, leather and argyle are another few styles and fabrics I can’t seem to get enough of for everything from upholstery to window treatments to accent pillows.
My absolute favourite touch? A leather welt or cording — whenever we can sneak one in.
When it comes to rich and elegantly manly colours, I am drawn to dreamy green, lush navy, luxurious camel, deep grey, tobacco brown and oxblood red. I picture a posh, suave suit with all the trimmings and then bring those hues into my home (and office) spaces.
Complementary materials to add can range, from faux bone and horn and tortoiseshell or, really, anything you could find in a cuff link.
Adding impeccably tailored touches such as metal studs, pintucks and velvet trimming to your upholstery gives the sharp and polished look.
Coloured glassware The 1950s an ’60s were the heyday for coloured glass when it was introduced into home decor in a big way. However, I would classify coloured glass as a newly returned trend.
The colours have been revamped to include softer pastel shades, beautiful jewel tones and modern shapes that are as exciting to look at as they are to use.
As a new traditionalist — and someone who believes in the “more is more” decor mantra — I am all for another way of bringing pops of colour and excitement to my home. Coloured glass is a jewel on your table and in your cabinet. When you are done elevating your tabletops, colourful glassware is the perfect addition to a glass or open-door cabinet display.
Don’t worry if you can’t decide on one colour for your home; mixing and matching is not only accepted, but strongly encouraged.
I hope to explore these renewed trends in more depth in this coming year, and add a few new ones into the mix. I’m sensing 2022 will have its own share of exciting home fashions for us to enjoy and with which to experiment.