At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, even the most social of butterflies were forced to hunker down and become “homebodies” for a while.
And with all that time spent inside the home, people were inspired to change up their surroundings in the one way that they could: by revamping their space.
“The home improvement industry certainly has not been hurt during the pandemic,” says Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile, open in the Alexandria area since 2007.
From creating new home offices for remote work to adding on a patio for gathering around the fire, people got to work.
Here, Rutherford touches on some of the current style trends going on in NOVA homes.
Courtesy Red Barn Mercantile
Maximalist
Maximalist is a décor style with a strong personality. With this, you’re going to be seeing a lot of mixing happening, whether that be pattern on pattern or bold colored stripes with plaids.
“When it comes to maximalist style, people are saying, ‘more is more,’ and enjoying it,” says Rutherford.
It’s having six colors all going on in one place and artwork all over the walls.
“You end up having very little room to rest your eyes, but somehow it works,” Rutherford adds.
Try this at home: You could incorporate this style into your own home design by starting small. Try mixing a patterned pillow with a striped pillow in fun colors like this Paharia saffron pillow or mariner stripe indigo pillow.
Courtesy Red Barn Mercantile
Eco Chic
On the flip side of maximalist style is Eco Chic. This décor style is more about looking for ways to help the environment with your home furnishings. Think incorporating vintage pieces or repurposing hand-me-downs in creative ways.
“This style is maybe taking mom’s dining room table and chairs and recovering or painting them instead of going to IKEA and buying a new one,” says Rutherford.
It’s a way to reduce your ecological footprint.
“And keep in mind, eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean neutrals. There are low VOC or zero-VOC paints that are bright and bold,” adds Rutherford.
Try this at home: Try incorporating a ‘new to you’ or environmentally-safe piece of furniture or item into your home. Rutherford stocks eco-friendly brand Cisco Home, which creates homey pieces like this leather acacia chair. Just looking for an accessory? Check out this recycled wool waterproof picnic blanket.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore is a throwback kind of style with a whimsical nature at its very heart. It’s quite relaxed and serene in the feel.
Think Taylor Swift’s, Folklore.
It’s a tiny farmhouse in the countryside with linens hanging on the line. It’s a tea kettle on the stove and home baked bread. Sweet, long, flowy skirts. Billowy fabrics and pretty florals.
“This style’s aesthetic is the revisiting of simpler times,” says Rutherford, who adds that a lot of plants and greenery are typically incorporated as well.
Try this at home: Do you crave a style with a timeless, calming feel? Try getting some linens for your home or something to carry your belongings for a picnic under the sun. Red Barn Mercantile offers a beautiful woven bucket bag for carrying anything from flowers to treasures from the farmer’s market. Or try one of the quick-drying linen kitchen towels in a muted floral print.
Botanical
Plants are huge in home design right now.
“It’s what everyone is talking about and collecting,” says Rutherford.
Whether you opt for fresh flowers, a leafy indoor plant or just a simple succulent, adding plants is a quick way to add a fun, refreshing pop of something different to a room.
“I think with everyone being stuck inside during the pandemic, everyone just sort of became inspired to bring a bit of that nature into their homes,” Rutherford adds.
Try this at home: Are you looking to incorporate some fun, over-the-top flowers into your maximalist living room? Or maybe you want a more subtle floral arrangement for your Cottagecore style dining room. Either way, Helen Olivia Flowers in Alexandria can get you set up.
Outdoor Living
Being cooped up inside and spending a lot more time in the home inspired many people to go outside and clean up their patios.
Many have chosen to expand their living space by creating cozy little areas in the outdoor space that they may not have been previously maximizing.
There are so many ways to create or spruce up existing outdoor living areas through changing up or adding outdoor dining pieces, a fun little bar, or even just some lounge furniture.
“Firepits were also huge this past year,” notes Rutherford.
Try this at home: Do you have an outdoor patio or deck that you want to revamp into your own little oasis? It’s all about the décor and feel of the space. Rutherford;s shop offers rugs with fun prints that will set the mood for your outdoor area.
Feature image courtesy Red Barn Mercantile
For an inside look at your favorite local shops, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter.
