12 Different 2021 Home Décor Trends (That You Can Afford)
A couple of weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to add some upgrades to my bedroom. There was a particular comforter that I was eyeing that y'all, when it arrived, it's like I never want to get out of my bed again! Then I added some shams and new drapes and it's like…everything changed.
That's kind of what inspired me to write this. Every year, there are décor trends that pop up. So, I figured that since we're only a few weeks away from it officially becoming spring (March 20), you might want to make some additions at your own place. Ones that won't cost you an arm and half a leg to get. Are you ready to check out 12 home décor trends that are currently all the rage?
1. Yellow and Grey Color Palette
As far as color trends go, a combo that is pretty big this year is yellow and grey which I actually think is pretty dope.
The reason why I decided to put it on this list of décor trends is because, when a color trend is happening, it's pretty easy to find it, just about anywhere. You can put a yellow blanket over a grey bed or couch. You can find grey coffee mugs to go over yellow placemats in your kitchen. The possibilities really are endless.
And personally, what I find to be cool about yellow and grey, is it's just the right blend of masculine and feminine energy if you happen to be someone who doesn't like anything that is "too girly" or you share your space with your boo thang.
2. Plush Accessories
I've got some plush pillows that I'm looking at right now in my living room, that I absolutely adore. They literally look like clouds and sometimes, when I lay on them, I feel like I am on one. Plush accessories are everywhere in 2021, so if you're looking for something that's super comfy and not that expensive, this trend totally has you covered, from Walmart to the more high-end spots.
3. Wooden Furniture
Whether it's a nightstand, a bedframe or even a footstool, wood always adds a really nice touch. Not only is it aesthetically appealing but it's durable, versatile, easy to maintain, eco-friendly and is pretty timeless too (meaning, if you get it now and take care of it, you can probably hold onto it forever). The key is to not get the cheap imitation stuff. Nah, the best woods for furniture include mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry and ash. Real lasts. Remember that.
4. Vintage Pieces
It wasn't uncommon that my mom would stop by antique malls or estate sales when I was a kid. As a direct result, I now have a flare for picking out vintage pieces. What I like about this particular décor trend is 1) you can find one-of-a-kind items that no one else will ever have in their own home and 2) oftentimes, they aren't expensive at all. If you make a day of it to go thrift store shopping, you might be surprised by the mirrors, picture frames and trinkets that are super vintage and come at a really low cost.
5. Plenty of Plants
Did you know that there are actual scientific reasons why it's a good idea to have houseplants? They reduce stress. They increase empathy. They help you to recover from illnesses faster. They increase productivity. They also can help to strengthen your immune system, thanks to the phytoncides and other airborne chemicals that they contain. While having plants in your home is something that never really goes out of style, what makes this trend stand out this year is the more you've got, the better off you'll be. I mean, plants in the kitchen, plants in your home office, plants even in your bathroom if you want. If you're down and you're wondering which ones you should add to your collection, Aralia Fabian, Burgundy Rubber Tree, Jade, Ficus Alii, Spider Plant, Ficus Bonsai Tree, Devil's Ivy, Areca Palm, Heartleaf Philodendron and Air Plants are some that can make you feel like you're in your own little oasis.
6. Canopies
Although I've never had one in my bedroom before, I've always liked canopies. To me, they look really romantic and can also give you an extra bit of privacy. The thing that I like about this particular picture is it shows that you could create a canopy with fabric or even with faux greenery. Anyway, if a canopy bed is something that you're open to and money is tight, this is something that you can take out a day on the weekend to do yourself. BuzzFeed published a DIY article on how to make several different kinds a few years back. You can check it out by clicking here.
7. Darker Hues
If you're someone who leans towards darker colors, you're in luck because that is something else that's a hot trend right now. Navy, brown, aubergine (which is kinda sorta like an eggplant), sunset (which is a really dark orange) and hunter greens are all popular and would look great as an accent wall, a sofa cover or the accent for the bathroom accessories that you've got in mind. Since they are all trending, they are currently in abundance. Have a ball.
8. Indoor Gardens
Have you been saying to yourself for years that you should start a garden, but either you live in a space where there isn't a backyard or the mere thought of doing all of the work to start and maintain one totally wears you out? In either case, an alternative is to cultivate a garden inside of your home. All you need are some seeds, some jars, some water, and a little bit of TLC.
Indoor gardens are actually really big this year, especially when it comes to growing your own herbs. So, if this is something that you're down for at least considering, Home Hacks pushed an article that features 40 different herbs, houseplants and veggies that you can grow inside. Click here for some inspiration.
9. A Taste of Africa
Whether you've been to Africa before or it's currently on your bucket list, you can feel like you've got a little bit of it with you year-round if you add some African-inspired elements throughout your home. Afro-chic art, animal print throw rugs, wooden utensils, African-printed pillows and cushions can make your space feel more cultural and yet super modern at the same time. Etsy is one space that has many options to choose from. Just go to the site and put "African" along with whatever you're specifically looking for in the search field for some affordable items that you'll absolutely adore.
10. Ocean Blue
Let's touch on one more color that is a big décor trend this year. I don't know about you, but to me, blue is a very soothing hue. And ocean blue it definitely brings a calming effect like no other. It actually makes sense when you think about the fact that blue represents things like relaxation, tranquility and even dependability. Ocean blue bedding. Ocean blue dinner plates. Ocean blue towels in your bathroom. Ocean blue chairs for your deck. Ocean blue picture frames for your office. I can't think of anywhere this color wouldn't fit in beautifully. I really can't.
11. Upgrades to Your Backyard
If you're blessed to have a backyard, devote some time this year to sprucing it up a bit. An outdoor rug. Stringing some lights. Making your own stone path. Planting some flowers. Adding a comfy seat. Painting a mural on your wooden fence. Creating a space for outdoor dining. These are just a few things that you can do that will make it so much easier to spend hours out in your backyard this coming spring, summer and even autumn without you looking at your watch one time.
12. Drink Trolleys
Drink trolleys. Bar carts. Whatever you wanna call them, they're going to round out this installment of 2021 décor trends. I like them because they offer up a classy way to store your alcohol, plus they're convenient if you're hosting a dinner party (you know, whenever we get out of this pandemic) because all you've gotta do is roll 'em out.
As far as where to find one, home improvement stores have them. So do Target and Etsy. Just go to your favorite search engine, put "drink trolley" (or "bar cart") in the search field and you're all set to have one of the best décor trends this year has to offer. Enjoy!
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How To Tell If You're Disciplining Your Child Or Seeking Revenge
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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