As we move into 2021, there is a sense of optimism. In an effort to escape the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, friends and clients have been telling us that they want their homes to be calming and serene environments. This extends to backyards and front porches, as we all try to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery from the safety of our own homes. The outdoors offers opportunities to bask in the beauty and tranquility of plants and wildlife. There’s nothing more perfect than the bloom of a flower, the unfurling spiral of a fern shoot, or a pinecone that has fallen from a tree. All are part of nature’s perfect code known as ‘the Golden Ratio’ – Fibonacci’s sequence of numbers that are behind the pleasing spiral that we see nature as well as art, architecture, and design. The Greeks used this same golden ratio in their architecture. I anticipate seeing more designs that incorporate the Greek orders and classical architectural motifs this year.As we move into 2021, there is a sense of optimism. In an effort to escape the stress and uncertainty of 2020, many friends and clients say they want their homes to be a calming and serene environment. Which extends to the yards, as people want to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery from their patio or balcony. The outdoors offers opportunities to bask in the beauty and tranquility of plants and wildlife. There’s nothing more perfect than the bloom of a flower, the unfurling spiral of a fern shoot, or a pinecone that has fallen from a tree. All are part of nature’s perfect code known as ‘the Golden Ratio’ – Fibonacci’s sequence of numbers that are behind the pleasing spiral that can be seen in nature as well as art, architecture, and design. The Greeks used this same golden ratio in their architecture, so I hope we will see more designs that incorporate the Greek orders and classical architectural motifs.

We’ve been looking ahead at what’s in store for us in 2021. I just love Baker’s Huxley Table and I’m excited to use it in our design work. It’s perfect for spaces in which you want to blend more modern, sleek furnishings with classically-inspired antiques. The table’s base is reminiscent of fluted columns – it reminds me of great Greek architecture like the Parthenon, and so many beautiful historic buildings in Atlanta and New Orleans.

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We recently put together a mood board for ADAC’s 2021 Product Showcase. As we checked out all of the new products being released this season, the ones that really grabbed me were the new fabrics from Cowtan & Tout.  I especially like the Uppark pattern with nature scenes embroidered into it. Color is one of the calling cards of my design, and what excites me about this fabric is how it subtly introduces a variety of colors. The blues and greens are uplifting, and even fans of more neutral interiors will enjoy how well they work with a variety of neutrals, from lighter tans and taupes to medium grays and bronze finishes. The patterns themselves aren’t very modern but I think they make a brilliant pair with sleeker profiles, adding a layer of warmth and comfort atop the clean lines.

As I looked at the new products being introduced by showrooms at ADAC this year, I was drawn to sculpted, curvilinear shapes that give a soft feel to interiors. These softer furnishings, like Janis et Cie’s Senja Low Arm Recamier and Minotti’s Mattia chair are great places to land after a challenging day. 

I’m also excited about the growing popularity of natural materials; cotton, ramie, stone, metal and wood.  Product designers are creating furnishings and accessories with natural materials that highlight the materials’ unique qualities, like the gorgeous marble Vespera Lamp from Currey & Company that UpCountry Home offers.

Julian Chichester used vellum on their Alfred Chest, creating natural undulating patterns that lead the eye to wander off to imaginary places. 

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As I worked on the mood board for ADAC, I also felt that rectilinear shapes, like those of Baker’s Encore Etagere and Made Goods’ Rowen mirror, added nice contrast to these softer, more sculpted pieces. And, as always, we need texture! Texture is abundant in nature, and I think it’s a big part of what we will see in 2021 design trends.

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And, as always, we need texture! Texture is abundant in nature, and I think it’s a big part of what we will see in 2021 design trends. Like these window treatments from Hartman & Forbes represented by Ernest Gaspard & Associates at ADAC.

Advice from Susan:

My advice to anyone looking to revamp their home is don’t let too much time pass without an update. Keeping your home décor fresh will not only increase your enjoyment of the space, but will also help maintain your home’s value.  Don’t wait until you are planning to sell your home to tackle home improvement projects or to renovate a kitchen or bath.

Simple changes like new paint, wallpaper, a sofa, or perhaps replacing an old faucet can make the world of difference in the feel of your home.  

For more info or to schedule a consultation, email us at susan@susancurriedesign.com or call 504-862-5800.