2020 Was the Year We Dressed as Our Home Decor

In Puerto Rico, we have a saying that goes like this: “Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres”, which translates to the old English adage, “You will be judged by the company you keep.” Now, in 2020, what has been keeping most of us company has been the walls of our apartments or our childhood homes. Instead of being related to those around us, we’ve taken a liking to the objects and trinkets that decor each nook and cranny of our spaces.

Of course, we’ve also shifted gears in countless ways. For example, we’ve been wearing face masks more than we’ve worn bras (at least I have!); we’ve collectively lost track of time, but mostly, we’ve immersed ourselves in recreating our individual realities. For some that meant finding new hobbies but for others that meant becoming one with their home decor (sort of).

I bet you’ve seen it too, all over your Instagram feed. Prints like checkers and cow print have not only been dominating the world of fashion but the world of interior design, too. From checkered phone cases from KJP x Lisa Says Gah! (which are part of our WFH gift guide), checkered rugs that are on our holiday wishlists to cow print mugs that we want to match with our cow print manis, the line of “what came first the fashion trend or the home decor item?” is blurring, and we’re here for it.

This phenomenon is not necessarily a newfound trend, though. We’ve all been obsessed with checkered Vans and cow print bathing suits for a couple of years now. But the resurgence of all things old school and retro besides checkers, like mushroom lamps and fungi inspired apparel, ti-dye, and even flower power, isn’t a coincidence either.

As told to The Strategist, according to Emma Mulholland, founder and designer of the Gigi Hadid-approved brand, Holiday The Label, thinks checkers have had such a moment because the print “represents something even more relaxed and carefree.”  

Care-free isn’t synonymous though to opting for a “more is more” lifestyle, due to the limitations we’re experiencing in the middle of the pandemic, it’s actually the contrary. Fashion and interior design enthusiasts alike are being more intentional with what they purchase. That’s why just as vintage shopping and thrifting for clothing are gaining traction so is shopping for vintage home decor. And not only the maximalists are spearheading this movement but minimalists and even plant moms are leaning towards more conscious shopping to obtain that chameleon look between outfit and decor. 

But don’t take our word for it, below we’ve spoken to five stylish people who further prove that 2020 was the year we dressed like our interiors. 

Reese Blutstein, @double3xposure, Content Creator