7 design ideas for your spring refresh

In preparation for the spring, we are all cleaning and refreshing our spaces. Our Creative Director, Jami Brames, drew inspiration from international design trends—and we thought maybe you would too! 

Now, let’s dive in to see what Jami discovered:

During times of uncertainty, we naturally gravitate toward the familiar, bringing the resurgence of inspiration from previous decades (60s, 70s, 80s). Our VP of Industrial Design calls this the movement of Recycled Memories, and the reinvention of past products like Nintendo, Swatch watches, vinyl records, and even film-inspired social media filters.

Images from: Archique Home Living, Fujifilm, Behance, Nike, Shinola, Yanko Design

This trend embraces the imperfections, personalization, and homemade feel of handcrafted products. Best described as raw, unpolished, and authentic, this can be seen in physical or digital creations through the use of mixed mediums, artistic effects like Brush, Sketch, collages, or layering. 

In these times of uncertainty, we are all searching for a greater sense of connection, community, and humanness.

One great example of DIY Design is the canned wine brand, Nomadica. Nomadica combed through creations they gathered and then worked with their sommelier to help identify the artwork to be used on each can that they felt strongly connected to each of the wines it represents. “Wrapping the wine in a piece of art is a way for us to amplify the wine’s tasting notes by creating a link between seeing and tasting.”

Images from: Envato, Bernardo Henning, and Nomadica

Otherwise known as "Japandi" style, this trend combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism or “hygge” to create a feeling of art, nature, and simplicity. The aesthetic focuses on clean lines, natural materials, simple beauty, and muted natural colors. 

Reducing clutter is also key to achieving Japandi style, both by concealing items in natural containers or embracing minimalism to keep your space feeling light and clutter-free. This movement also naturally supports sustainability through well-designed products built to last.

In graphics and illustrations, this style is showing up in the form of sleek lines, neutral color schemes, and calming textures. Shapes that are arranged to display balance, harmony, and delicate movement.

Images by: Anthology Creative Studio, George + Willy, Block Shop Textiles, The Audo Hotel

Brands new and old are looking for ways to repurpose and incorporate sustainability into design. This means stocking vintage items into their collection of goods, reselling antiques or collectibles, and incorporating each product’s one-of-a-kind story. 

There are many examples of reselling and sustainability integration, but here are a few of our favorites: 

• 1st Dibs
• Chairish
• Apt Deco
• Madewell’s “thread up” program
• Urban Outfitters’ Renewal program

Images from: Apt Deco, Urban Outfitters, Chairish

Unlike minimalism, the Grand Millennial trend rejects the impersonal aesthetic that dominates many influencer feeds, instead embracing ornate patterns, contrasting colors, and intricate storytelling through elaborate design. This trend plays off of nostalgic design by incorporating elements of the 30s, 40s, and 50s, but adds contemporary pieces to create a timeless look. 

Graphic design also reflects an appreciation for timeless design by bringing back serif fonts that have more character and a longer history. Overall, this reflects consumer desire for trusted imagery and branding and will influence marketing and design going forward.

Images from: Landed Interiors, John Lewis + partners, Impeccable Nest Design

 A "cloffice" is a home office in the closet (with a lot more flair and function than it sounds). In the work from anywhere era, we are all looking for ways to create innovative workspaces. So even when doors aren’t available, we can find new ways to create some personal space through the use of dividers or free-standing storage pieces.

Images from: Novero Homes, A Beautiful Mess, Lulus, Nesting with Grace

iPhone decor is the new home decor. People are putting as much time and attention into customizing their digital experiences as they do with their homes. Especially the younger generation, who are searching for personal space and identity. As the digital age continues to evolve and integrate devices like the Oculus, 360-degree digital walkthroughs, and more, the importance of personalization in the digital world will only grow. 

Images from: Google Pixel