Preparation
Each year, we wait with bated breath to hear about the findings from Etsy’s annual home trend guide. This year, the company reported a rise in search for Travertine items and minimalist décor inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, which correlates with a growing emphasis on making the home a calming sanctuary amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “After a year of working, learning, and relaxing at home, many shoppers are eager to find new ways to spruce up their spaces, so it’s no surprise that this year’s home decor trends are a reflection of our evolved relationship with our homes. While last year’s focus was on building multi-functional rooms, this year is all about creating synergy and adding fashion back into function,” said Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert.
However, Etsy shoppers also had fun with their décor—there was a rise in search for checkered prints, wavy and curvy décor, and mushroom motifs, too. Ahead, we’re sharing the six major trends that Etsy shoppers were excited about this past year.
What’s old is new again. Travertine, a time-honored material that was especially popular in the 1980s, is considered to be the new neutral by home experts. Etsy shoppers caused a 211 percent increase in searches for travertine items in general and a 361 percent increase of travertine tables more specifically. On Etsy, you’ll find everything from table lamps to coasters to desk accessories made from the material (or designed to look just like it).
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen minimalist home décor trending, but this year’s trend report shows a rise in popularity for Japandi—a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics that blends modern minimalism and warm rustic styles. Incorporate this style into your home with Etsy’s assortment of Japandi wooden trays, bookshelves, candlesticks, and blankets.
From soap dishes to mirrors to candles, Etsy witnessed a staggering rise in the search for wavy décor—the company saw a 28,236 percent increase in search for wavy candles and a 5,296 percent rise in search for wavy mirrors. “A playful yet sophisticated addition to home décor, wavy and curvy motifs are showing up everywhere from candles to mirrors to furniture,” said Johnson.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a greater need for relaxing and rejuvenating at home. From eucalyptus-scented showers to candles and incense, finding products to create a soothing space has never been more important. Etsy reports that they saw a 212 percent increase in searches for shower caddies and a 120 percent increase in searches for waffle towels, both of which can help create an uber-cozy home. Another easy way to instantly create a serene setting in your bathroom is adding greenery, such as real and faux olive trees—two things that Etsy was in high demand for.
Bold patterns, like a checkerboard print, are seeing a resurgence and experts believe there may be a correlation between this trend and the rising popularity in game boards and puzzles during the pandemic. “With so many color combinations to choose from, checkered prints can be easily incorporated into home decor in a variety of ways, like area rugs, floor pillows, and even ceramics,” said Johnson. On Etsy, searches for checkered print items for the home and living space jumped 889 percent. Here you’ll find coasters, rugs, and trays that mimic this trend.
As more people focus on their personal health and wellness during the pandemic, it makes sense that mushrooms, which have long been touted for their health benefits, are influencing home décor, too. Etsy saw a 371 percent increase for searches in mushroom lamps and a 902 percent increase in searches for mushroom pillows and printed phone cases.
