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There are some trends that seem to move so quickly, they’re over before we’re even aware they started. Then there are others that start slowly and quietly, gaining steady momentum over the course of months and even years. Biophilic design—design that incorporates elements of nature—and nature-themed products fall into the latter category. Last June, Country & Town House declared, “Biophilia isn’t a trend: It’s a movement.” Now, halfway through 2023, we have to agree.
Biophilic design has been around for decades, but in the past few years, we’ve seen a notable increase in demand for products incorporating the natural world. In 2022, Pinterest predicted biophilic design as one of its main trends for the year ahead. The trend picked up steam on Faire throughout 2022 and showed no signs of slowing, leading us to predict that nature-inspired decor would be big in 2023 as well. The allure of nature-themed products has proved its staying power, and we predict that in the coming months, interest in botanical decor and accessories will only continue to grow.
But what, exactly, do shoppers want when hunting for nature-themed products? We took a look at Faire search and purchase data to find out.
Term to know: Biophilic design
Simply put, biophilic design seeks to connect us with nature by bringing the outside in. Think floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of natural light, an oasis of houseplants, and rooms that make you feel like you’re in a forest.
Plants, pots, and more plants
For most, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of nature-themed decor is plants. On TikTok, videos with the hashtag #planttiktok have over 6.3 billion views. Instagram accounts solely dedicated to discussing plants and how to decorate with them, like Urban Jungle Bloggers and Hilton Carter, boast follower counts from 500,000 to one million.
“Bringing greenery into your home has so many positive benefits,” Carter writes in his book Wild at Home. “Not only are you creating a space that can artfully blur the line between interior and exterior, but also one that has great depth. You are literally giving your space life and turning what was just a house into a home.”
On Faire, this love of plants is plainly evident. Searches for “plants” have totaled over 3,500 per month in 2023, hitting their highest yet in May. Searches for “succulent” also hit their highest monthly volume ever this year. In-demand brands for stocking up on houseplants include House Plant Wholesale, MINIMUM DESIGN, Home Botanicals, and Thorsen’s Greenhouse.
This enthusiasm for plants shows no signs of slowing. In a survey by 1st Dibs at the beginning of the year, 91% of participating interior designers said they expect demand for interior plants to continue to trend throughout 2023.
“The demand for plants and botanical decor has been on a steady rise for the last decade and especially since we launched Tula House in 2016,” says Christan Summers, co-owner of Brooklyn-based plant shop Tula House. “We’ve attributed much of the increase to the rise of social media and a behavioral shift in how people want to spend their time. People want to work with their hands, they want to share and exchange information and ideas—and the plant world gives us that opportunity. Within a world that is increasingly digital, having a place where we still get our hands dirty is pretty awesome.”
Hand in hand with plants is the large and growing interest in flowers and planter pots. In the past year on Faire, “dried flowers”—like those from Idlewild Floral Co.—has been one of the top five search terms in the Home Accents category each month. Searches for “planters” have remained in the thousands each month of 2023, and searches for “pots”—which largely yield results for planter pots—have eclipsed 3,000 a month for every month of the year. Unique pots and planters from Chive, Carter & Rose, and Resting Plant Face have all grabbed shoppers’ attention this year on Faire.
Shop plants, pots, and more on Faire
Wall art, wood accents, and more
Biophilic design is about more than just plants themselves. In addition to lush greenery, wall decor featuring nature-themed art prints and moon garlands, as well as furnishings and home accents using natural materials like wood and rattan, are popular choices to bring the essence of the outdoors inside.
“Our attachment to the great outdoors has increased in the post-pandemic era, and we’re seeing this translate into the world of interior design,” architectural designer Chris Pask told Homes and Gardens. “Clients are increasingly looking for a great connection to the outdoors, whether it’s a literal connection via beautifully landscaped gardens or more subtle nods to greenery and nature throughout the home.”
On Faire, these subtle nods include nature-centric wall prints, posters, and art. In 2023 thus far, four of the top ten most popular products in the Wall Decor category have featured elements of the natural world like mushrooms, birds, and flowers—like those from Curious Prints, Pink Lemon Decor, and Studio Wald.
Shoppers are also turning their attention toward moon-themed wall decor. Etsy recently cited a 63% year-over-year increase in searches for “moon phase wall decor,” and moon phase garlands, sun catchers, and wind chimes—like those from Vida + Luz and Mira Fair Trade—have been steadily gaining traction on Faire.
Biophilic design can also come in a less literal form. “As we continue to see the positive effects of being closer to nature, we look to the rising trend in biophilic design to help us bring some of the natural world into the comfort of our homes,” interior designer Gil Walsh told Good Housekeeping. “The use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, sisal, and wood can add texture and character to a space.”
This year, Faire retailers have expressed interest in these types of wooden accents, from small wood tables by Andaluca to wood trays and bowls from Forever Green Art to wooden table decor and stools from Rustic Farm. Half of the top ten products in 2023 thus far in the Furniture category include wood elements.
Materials like rattan and bamboo that give a nature-type feel to decor have also been sought after on Faire. Handwoven lampshades and mirrors from Coucou Bamboo, wall hangings and baskets from Village Thrive, and wall shelves from Chickidee Homeware Ltd have been rising in popularity this year.
Floral jewelry and plant-lover totes
Floral apparel and accessories are common in warmer months, but the past year in particular has seen consumers leaning more and more into this trend. Etsy recently predicted that flower chokers would be one of 2023’s biggest jewelry trends, citing a 91% increase in searches. Flower jewelry in general—which InStyle recently called “summer’s hottest accessory trend”—has seen increasing consumer interest this year.
On Faire, interest in floral jewelry has exhibited steady growth since January, with searches for “flower earrings” steadily rising and hitting their highest ever in May 2023. A particular favorite among Faire shoppers has been earrings and necklaces with dried flowers, like those from Lisa Angel and The Pretty Pickle. Vibrant and colorful rings, necklaces, and earrings featuring flowers, leaves, plants, and mushrooms—like those from Lucky Feather, ZAD, and Covet—have gained significant traction.
It’s not just floral jewelry that has piqued consumers’ interest. Tote bags and pins have also become a common way to work the natural world into attire. Tote bags adorned with leafy illustrations and “plant lady” slogans from Plant Scouts and Paper Anchor Co. are trending, as have potted plant pins and stickers from brands like Occasionalish.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for this industry,” says Summers. “I have no doubt that people will always want plants, indoor or outdoor. I don’t see us turning back now.”
Shop floral jewelry and totes on Faire
Shop these trends and more at our upcoming Faire Market, taking place July 18 to 20, plus Insider early access.
