The world needs positivity and joy to counter the lingering effects of global lockdown. We’re all spending more time at home, so one of the easier ways to increase positive feelings is through the trend
The world needs positivity and joy to counter the lingering effects of global
lockdown. We’re all spending more time at home, so one of the easier ways to
increase positive feelings is through the trend known as Optimistic interior
design. Home is where the heart is, but the concept of home in 2021 needs to
ensure “heart” for the home is enhanced with positive interior design choices.
Read on to learn more about Optimistic style, plus our perhaps surprising
nomination for the most optimistic of all the traditional Oriental rug designs.
Colour is the first path to Optimistic style. Anyone who’s scrolled the gram in the
last 18 months has noticed an ever-increasing number of posts featuring colorful
rooms. Pattern is the second path to optimism, and it too is popular on
Instagram. But an overdose of color or pattern – or both – can create too much
visual “noise”. Less is often more, so we recommend restrained pops of color and
pattern allied to the conscious consumer choice of natural, sustainable materials
that are safe for your home allied to products made by hand where possible.
Confidence is another form of optimism. Knowing you’ve bought a product that is
healthy for people and the planet will make you feel good and feeling good will
lead you toward an optimistic outlook.
The increased complexity of life means stress has become an important public
health issue, and stress decreases optimism. Japanese researchers looked at
psychological stress associated with the home element we come into contact with
most often – our floors. The researchers investigated whether rugs and carpets
reduce stress more than hardwood floors. The test group wasn’t large, but
nevertheless the results showed that alpha wave activity in the brain was
significantly higher – indicating less stress – when subjects walked on rugs and
carpets rather than hard floors.
And finally as promised, what rug do we think captures optimism through its
design, colors, natural fibers and hand made quality? Our overwhelming answer is
Oushaks! Oushaks are one of the most optimistic of traditional Oriental rug
designs. Originating in Ushak, Anatolia (present-day Turkey), Oushaks were one
of the first Oriental rugs to become popular in the west as early as the
15 th century. They are known for a variety of patterns, but the most beloved
patterns feature optimistic large fantastical flower heads that have a joyous “Dr
Seuss” look to them. Unsurprisingly, Oushaks were once described as “textile
nourishment for the soul”. Highly decorative floral Oushaks come in a wide range
of floral patterns and colours making them the main destination for seekers of
Optimistic Style.