

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!
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
Featured image by Shutterstock
- Tour Multifaceted Creative McKenzie Renae's Dope ATL Abode ... ›
- 12 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Bedroom - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- 15 Best Home Decor Ideas For Fall - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Here Are The Interior Design Trends Going Away In 2021 ›
- Top Home Decor Trends for 2021 - Best 2021 Living Room Ideas ›
- Top Home Decor Trends for 2021, According to the Experts | Real ... ›
- 2021 interior-design trends: What's going out and what will be popular ›
- 15+ Home Decor Trends for 2021 - What Are the Decorating Trends ... ›
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Johnny Marlow