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What’s Trending in Home Decor This Season, According to My Interior Designer Mom

trending-home-decor
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Hawkins New York, Anthropologie
January 16, 2024

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If you’re new here, I moved into my first solo apartment this year and finally took an interest in decorating — as my interior designer mom hoped I would after years spent reluctantly trailing her into lighting stores and sifting through fabric samples. When I called to get the download on the current home decor trends, she was unsurprisingly in a design store at that very moment and filled me in on everything she’s been noticing and liking in the home space. From boxwood wreaths to vintage barware, here’s what you need to give your space an upgrade, according to this season’s trends.

boxwood
Etsy

A faux boxwood wreath to keep out all year…

According to my mom, boxwoods will always be in, so though this faux wreath is an investment, it’s seasonless and stands the test of time. Each stem is placed on the straw base by hand to create an incredibly realistic and lush look. Select from six widths and hang it on your front door, over your fireplace, or on a screened-in porch. ($119.99+, WreathDesignsByCarla via Etsy)

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pillow
Etsy

A tapestry throw pillow for a bit of whimsy…

Tapestry pillows are a yes, and this one gives me Alice in Wonderland vibes in the best way. The almost-animated looking forest with deep shades of blue and green will liven up any sofa or chair. Typically tapestry pillow covers are made of cotton on a tapestry loom, and often feature animals, like this rabbit one I also love. ($68.95+, PillowDecorLtd via Etsy)

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candle-holder
Horchow

A glass candle holder that’s a work of art…

You’ll never need another candle holder. This one has a handmade glass cover with a beautiful ripple effect and sits on a copper base. It’ll cast a cozy glow year-round when you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet night in. It also makes a lovely wedding gift, as does any of the handmade glassware from the brand. ($180, Horchow)

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planter
Houzz

A silver planter for a traditional touch…

My mom’s design style is definitely eclectic; she mixes more traditional pieces with vintage finds to make her house feel personal. This silver planter has a coat-of-arms-style etching and claw feet. When you add orchids, it’ll add an upscale touch to any room. ($98, Houzz)

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blanket
Big Blanket Co.

A giant blanket great for sharing…

This blanket is practically made for family movie nights and kids’ sleepovers. It’s 10 feet by 10 feet, so it’s sure to cover everyone (even the dog). It’s made with stretchy spandex that’s also temperature-regulating, so no one’s overheating. When you’re done with the couch, take it with you to the bedroom for an added layer of comfort on your bed. ($159, Big Blanket Co.)

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tapered-candles
Etsy

Chinoiserie tapered candles that hit on two trends…

Chinoiserie is the European imitation of Chinese design that became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. My mom has noticed a resurgence of the style, likely due to the demand for vintage home decor. Chinoiserie furniture is rising in popularity, but for less of an investment, opt for these pretty hand-painted taper candles. My mom says blue and white home decor is trending as well, so it’s a small update that will make a big impact. ($20+, PreetyTeaPartee via Etsy)

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diffuser
Below 60°

An actually chic fragrance diffuser…

You have Hilary Duff to thank for this one. I like when my home smells good as much as the next person, but I do not like the look of a plug-in diffuser, and predictably, neither does my mom. This one from Duff’s brand Below 60° looks sophisticated and lies flush to the wall, so it isn’t your usual eyesore. It comes with three nuanced fragrances that never feel overpowering in even the smallest of rooms. ($29.97, Below 60°)

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candle
Bloomingdale's

A ceramic candle you’ll definitely want to save…

Burning a candle has always been one of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of the day, and L'or de Seraphine candles have become my new obsession. My mom and I have always shared a love of toile, which she says will never not be popular. This candle features a design that pays homage to both classic French toile and the Harlem Renaissance, smells like cedarwood and zesty fruits, and would be the cutest catchall jar once the wax is completely gone. ($34, Bloomingdale’s)

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table-lamp
Hawkins New York

A table lamp for a modern addition…

Mixing in modern elements with more traditional ones is a surefire way to achieve an eclectic style. This table lamp with its orb-like bulb and simple design is decidedly modern, but also softens a room with its adjustable glow. It’s inspired by old-fashioned oil lamps and looks great on a desk or bedside table. ($270+, Hawkins New York)

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bitters-bottles
Amazon

A set of bitters bottles that look vintage…

Vintage barware is in, but you don’t always have time to scour your local secondhand store to stock your bar cart. I can hardly believe how pretty these bitters bottles are. They’re also functional, since they come with leakproof glass stoppers, plus a tray to rest them on. At your next party, people will be asking which relative passed them down to you. No need to tell them they’re actually from Amazon. ($47.96, Amazon)

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leaf-tray
Anthropologie

A leaf tray that’s almost too pretty to use…

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my mom, it’s the decorative power of a tray. It makes an ottoman more functional, provides a base for the centerpiece on your kitchen island, and can also be used as, well, a tray to serve drinks at your next gathering. This one is already in my cart; between the gold leaf rim and wallpaper-like floral bottom, I'm truly enamored. ($198, Anthropologie)

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fur-blanket
Cozy Earth

A faux fur blanket that’s worth the wait…

Trust me on this one, you need this blanket. It’s made of ultra-plush faux fur and is one of the softest things I’ve ever felt. It’s definitely pricey, but the weight of it soothes almost like a weighted blanket, plus it looks pretty draped over the sofa or rolled up in a basket. It comes in two sizes, so preorder it now to get it when it comes back in stock. ($360+, Cozy Earth)

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cookbook
Etsy

A vintage cookbook to put on display…

Vintage cookbooks are in high demand right now, according to my mom. This is Martha Stewart’s first-ever cookbook and would look nice on a stand in the kitchen or on a bookshelf. It’s a rare find, so snap it up before it’s gone. If you’re looking for a true collector’s item, this Julia Child one is signed. ($45, eandcvintage via Etsy)

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portrait
Etsy

A Renaissance-style dog portrait…

No, I’m not kidding. When my mom told me old-fashioned portraits, specifically dog portraits, are having a resurgence, I thought of this Etsy seller we’ve talked about before. Just choose your backdrop — from Shakespeare to guard outside Buckingham Palace — and see your dog transformed into the Renaissance version of itself. Don’t have a pet of your own? This little oil painting of a dog will give you a similar effect. ($32.94+, VanWoof via Etsy)

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lamp
Amazon

A more affordable table lamp…

This one looks vintage (are you seeing a trend here?) and runs on a rechargeable battery, so you’re not limited by an outlet. The shade is made of acrylic but looks so much like glass it’s hard to believe. It comes in several finishes and looks just as good on the kitchen island as it does in an office. Put a few on the table for an outdoor dinner party to create a magical ambiance. ($26.98+, Amazon)

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chair
Wayfair

A blush armchair that looks way more expensive than it is…

The last bit of design wisdom my mom imparted on me before we hung up? Blush furniture is all the rage. As a staunch supporter of "Barbie," that was music to my ears. This chair would look great in a bedroom or as a pop of color in the living room. Plus, the velvet fabric and gold legs make it look luxurious. If you’re ready to go all in on blush, I immediately sent this Anthropologie sofa to my mom to gush over. Two girls can dream. ($199.99, Wayfair)

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