Five home decor pieces interior designer Carlene Duffy is loving right now

The home design industry is changing. Home style is becoming increasingly universal as we have access to inspiring design imagery from around the world. I think this is a good thing, though.

I like that we are exposed to design influences from around the globe. I love Australian design; we’ve got our own thing going on, but I also love the idea of European, American, Japanese and Swedish design trickling in and stirring the pot. It makes for a more eclectic and diverse outcome for our homes, and that’s always a good thing. 

Here are a few of my favourite homeware pieces that I’m loving right now.

1. Anything vintage

As a long-time lover of vintage items and antiques, it’s refreshing to see wider use of those unique, one-off pieces being enjoyed as is, and not always subject to restoration.

I frequently find the most amazing art, ceramics, mirrors, and dining chairs that always have me thinking, “Why would anyone buy new?” I love that I won’t see my pre-loved or vintage pieces in anyone else’s home, and I also love that I’m recycling and reusing instead of contributing to the world’s waste by buying new. 

And the cherry on top is, unless you’ve found a very rare and precious antique from an antique dealer, the price is usually hard to beat.

2. Organic shapes

You might have noticed that not much is straight in home decor these days. I’m not referring to the arched doorways and curved sofas that are popular now, but rather the organic shapes prevalent in things like mirrors, vessels, bowls and even rugs. 

These asymmetrical pieces are excellent at breaking up clean lines and help to soften a space. We’ve been designing custom rugs with just one curved corner, which might make sense for the shape of the particular room and the furniture layout.

3. Bed skirts

Bed skirts were replaced with bed wraps in the ’90s, and it’s so fun to see the skirt having a resurgence. Think full pleated and gathered fabric skimming the floor to cover the ugly mattress base. 

I call it “granny chic”, but the industry calls it “grandmillenial.” It’s associated with traditional interior styles and has an English influence. Think frivolity, whimsy, and highly decorated spaces that layer colour and pattern without bounds. It’s the antithesis of the minimal monolithic interiors style that has taken hold in recent years (let’s blame Kim Kardashian for that one).

I like the idea of seeing bed skirts appear in more contemporary style interiors to help soften a space and add a sense of femininity and decoration.

4. Wrought iron

For my 16th birthday, I received a new bedroom suite with an ornate wrought-iron mirror and console table. Despite being technically vintage now (yeah, I’m old), nothing about it is cool, but stay with me here. 

We’re seeing a new spin on wrought-iron objects, and it’s far more edgy and architectural. In the proper context, these pieces add depth and sophistication to a space. Too much can feel heavy, but pops of it are anchoring and interesting. Think dining chairs, mirrors and candle holders.

5. Burl wood

Burl wood is the knobbly, irregular timber typically used as veneer for furniture and homewares. As a material, it gives off strong ’70s vibes and, 10 years ago, it would have been wildly unpopular as a timber choice. Consumers would have deemed it too “busy” for 2000s minimalism, but like fashion, home interior trends happen in cycles and baby, it’s back! 

I’m loving the celebration of the ’70s, but then again, I’m loving all things ’70s. We’re seeing it used on large furniture items like dressers and consoles but also in accessories such as mirrors, jewellery boxes, photo frames and even lamps.

Led by a passion for interior design, Carlene runs Cedar and Suede, a full-service interior design studio based on the Gold Coast.