Part One: The Return of Wicker
I am not a trend follower. I am more of what I like to call a relaxed classicist. I tend to decorate rooms with the end goal for comfort and elegance, versus making a grand statement. But, I do see trends creep into my rooms, sometimes by accident. I think we are all subtly influenced by movies, magazines and fashion. These influences take hold in our subconscious and suddenly we find ourselves obsessed with a new fad. My current obsession is wicker.
I love it so much as it has a vintage and historic feel, but it also injects a casual nature to a room. Because of the surge in Bohemian chic style, wicker has emerged as a youthful trend for sure. Macrame wall hangings, with their woven texture, are riding a big wave right now. But, to me, macrame feels very Mrs. Roper, as I’ve written about before. Wicker in a room can give that same youthful mood and texture as macrame, but with a more timeless appeal. Long after the macramé becomes passe, wicker will be timeless.
![White wicker chair and painted chest, Nashville interior designers, Eric Ross Interiors offers interior design services in Nashville, TN and surrounding cities.](https://ericrossinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/crossway_drive-0045-200x300.jpg)
Wicker pairs well with other painted furniture Photo Credit: Evin Photography
Wicker also gives the same appearance as painted wooden furniture and maintains a more traditional aesthetic. In formal rooms, a finely woven basket to hold a plant or magazines would inject a more relaxed, casual feel, playing into the current trend. At Boxwood Hill in Nashville, we have put Dixie’s dog bed into a wicker tray intended for a table top and voila, custom dog bed!
![Wicker dog bed, interior designers in Nashville, TN, Eric Ross Interiors offers interior design and decorating services in Nashville.](https://ericrossinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Enduring_Home-Eric_Ross_Interiors-1464-200x300.jpg)
Dixie’s Dog Bed at Boxwood Hill photo credit: Evin Photography
I have used wicker chairs as a counterpoint to other formal furniture in my rooms for years. This helps bring down a formal tone and turns up a more welcoming mood in an otherwise stuffy décor. I find when I am decorating for clients with great collections of porcelain, the texture of wicker softens all of the dishware, making it more approachable for guests who may find such collections stuffy.
![Wicker chair with table setting, top interior designer in Nashville, TN, Eric Ross Interiors shares interior design and décor photo.](https://ericrossinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Enduring_Home-Eric_Ross_Interiors-1394-200x300.jpg)
Wicker keeps things casual and relaxed when paired with Porcelain. Boxwood Hill Photo Credit: Evin Photography
Wicker is also relatively inexpensive. Baskets are an affordable accessory for sure. Just run to the home store and pick up something to hold magazines, a caddy for napkins for the kitchen and a large tub style to store shoes by the back door. These are all inexpensive ways to add a trendy touch to your interior rooms.
![Wicker and rush storage baskets, interior design in Nashville, TN by Eric Ross, picture of his Nashville interior design studio.](https://ericrossinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_8791-225x300.jpg)
Wicker and Rush Baskets serve as storage in our studio at Eric Ross Interiors
Don’t forget to use wicker outdoor, even if it’s not all weather. Baskets will last a season or two as decorative containers for annuals or huge boxwoods also are beautiful when paired with wicker. The waxy texture of the boxwood leaf gives a nice shine contrasted to the matte finish of a wicker container. And of course, wicker furniture is a natural for patios. I use it on most of my exterior projects as they harken to a more relaxed time and provide a nostalgic touch to an outdoor tableaux.
Take a chance on the new, old trend by adding a touch of wicker to each of your rooms. I think you’ll enjoy the youthful and relaxed energy it will bring, providing another layer to create more depth and texture to your rooms.
![Basket on a sunporch, interior design in Nashville, TN by Eric Ross interiors, call our interior designers today to start your next design project!](https://ericrossinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/kinnard-drive-image-06-200x300.jpg)
Baskets make a great storage spot for Magazines, Books, pet toys and throw blankets