Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

HOME GOODBYE
2020,
story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
Hello Fresh Start
Not even the clearest crystal ball could have predicted how chaotic 2020 would be. It has been
a soul-searching kind of year that left most of
us spending more time at home trying to stay
safe and calm. A lot of us got busy tackling long overdue home chores. DIY home projects kept hardware stores in business and while this year wasn’t anything close to normal, there were
some home and lifestyle trends that we believe are worth talking about, even if it isn’t your traditionally glamorous year-in-review discussion!
Connect with Nature
While this idea is not new, in 2020 it was stronger than ever in home design and decorating. Many DIY projects included painting the house, and neutral interior colors continued to be dominant with fresh accents in earthy tones of browns, blushes, and moss greens. Cloudy gray is still a favorite but softer, warmer color will continue to gain popularity.
The use of natural materials in nishes and furnishings is another nod to nature that is not going away. Shiplap and other wall paneling options highlight many South Mississippi homes. Carpeting is still a no-no and wood oors continue to reign. Some laminates constructed of recycled materials are emerging as nice options for ooring. They contribute to a more sustainable environment while requiring less e ort for homeowners to maintain.
Rattan and woven materials are hotter than ever and available on furnishings for every room. A natural or painted woven side table continues to be a
must-have. Everyone can picture a Southern porch with wicker or rattan chairs, a cocktail table, and a lamp for reading in the early evening. The laid- back elegance of a Southern porch will never go out of style. And houseplants are a must. They are not just for folks with a green thumb. There are plenty of houseplants available that are easy to grow and indoor trees have emerged as the ultimate nishing touch to any room.
Keep it Simple
Life got real complicated this year and most of us responded by simplifying our lives where we could. While clutter has been out and neat has been in for
a while, this year we had time to clean our closets and drawers and get rid of furnishings we were tired of.
Minimalism has been the buzz
for some time. From simple lines in furnishings to replacing several small accessories with one larger statement piece, we think simple but bold will be the way to go for the foreseeable future.
122 | December 2020
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