For millennia, trends in interior design have been used as aesthetic tools to find a sense of inner peace through popular conventions. Consider the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, where the spatial arrangement corresponds with the flow of energy, or Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing imperfection, or the ancient Romans' preference for earth tones and geometric patterns to mimic the harmony of nature.

Renowned designer Timothy Corrigan, who specializes in comfortable yet elegant interior design in both Los Angeles and Paris, explains: "There are increasingly more studies showing the direct impact our homes have on not only our mood, but also our health and well-being. Since 2020, we've been encouraged to slow down and spend more time in our homes - which sparks a desire to create a space that reflects both visually and emotionally what we feel. The desire for something unique has led to an increasing trend of mixing materials in interior design." 

Leading interior designers are commenting on the new trends in interior design of the 2020s, giving way to the new art of balance. Some predict a renaissance of natural elements, while others see an increase in surfaces and accents inspired by nature - think marble, travertine, and decorative minerals - while still others say their clients cannot get enough of light coloured furniture. Essentially, anything that feels balanced and peaceful is in demand: "Customers are looking for lightness in their decor and a connection to nature as a beautiful statement in home decoration - this seems to be a common thread in current and past projects," says Stephanie Dettmann, owner of the Kristallkontor store gallery in Lübeck.

Her life and business partner, Steffen Dettmann, confirms the interior design trend: "Essentially, it's about closing the energetic circle to ourselves and creating living or work spaces that are in balance with our emotions."

Our homes have become the most important stages of our lives: it's where we work, sleep, and socialize. Every corner and object that surrounds us must serve a specific purpose. Sometimes the purpose is functional, and sometimes it's emotional. Renowned blogger and interior designer Mark D. Sikes even believes that we will see more travel-inspired interiors in the future, which aims for a more conscious approach to the things that surround us. It doesn't have to be much, but it should be beautiful.

Stephanie Dettmann sums up the new perspective on balanced living: "Everything that we find beautiful makes us feel good. When we walk by the sea, it might be the call of a seagull that makes us feel good - at home, it's the fresh bouquet of flowers, the bright Scandinavian ambiance, and beautiful crystals that brighten up the moment like works of art from nature. We recognize harmony in design outside, and we bring that inspiration inside."

As we spend more time indoors than ever before, we all seek a stronger connection to nature. This has led to a revival of natural surfaces with a history, from floors to wall coverings, sinks, vintage furniture, and decorative objects. "The rough, often imperfect texture of these natural materials gives them depth, soul, and visual fascination, while also reflecting the calming, restorative atmosphere of the great outdoors," describes New York creative icon Athena Calderone in her latest blog posts.

People want to bring a little magic back into their lives. I see the magical wonders of the earth taking center stage in home decor: objects made of sparkling crystals and spheres, polished obelisks and raw minerals.