Trend: Inner Retreat

A moment for yourself
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The pressure of modern life can feel relentless. We must all have a successful career, shine as a parent or partner (or both), maintain a social life, keep fit and eat healthily, without even mentioning the demands of social media. The list is endless, and our performance-obsessed society has set the bar for achievement high. As a result, we often feel overstimulated, but however much we complain about the pressure, we can’t tune it out completely. How do we restore balance? The answer goes to the heart of the Inner Retreat trend, which is all about self-care and destimulation.

Trend 2020 inner retreat Thejoyofplants.co.uk

IN THE INTERIOR 

The focus of Inner Retreat is on calm and serenity, and creating an environment in which we can recharge. Flowers and plants with recognised relaxing properties are central to the theme, as are traditional gestures that we find familiar, and a monochromatic palette that creates a space for deflecting outside stressors.

OUTDOORS

In the garden this trend creates an environment that feels private and personal. Soft, airy planting serves as a buffer that separates you from the chaos of modern life, and extra attention is paid to herbal remedies. The sense of protection is emphasised by soft grasses, bee-friendly biodiversity and round shapes.

TREND COMPONENTS

Everything associated with Inner Retreat has passed through a soft filter. We see mainly rounded, delicate forms in pastel and natural shades, with an accent of pink here and there. White frequently occurs in the colour palette, patterns only appear if they are soothing, and natural structures such as waffle and honeycomb are ever-present. Materials are mainly natural, and there’s a proliferation of semi-transparent substances like matt glass, resin and breathable fabric which create space and calm.

APPLY IT TO PLANTS

A few simple additions and adjustments will inject your home with the serenity of Inner Retreat. You can nestle an attractive fern or aloe vera in a transparent container to instantly create a feeling of seclusion. Herbs such as echinacea, sage and lavender emphasise the peaceful environment. 

TAKE A LOOK AT TWO MORE TRENDS

Read about Inclusive Culture and City Language, our other two trends for 2020.

We’d love to see your creations inspired by the Inner Retreat trend. Share your planting arrangements with us using the hashtag #thejoyofplants.