CONNECTICUT – Interior designer and stylist Jonny Carmack features a "fruit room" in his residence in Danbury, Connecticut.
Vibrant fake fruits adorn each space, from the chandelier shaped like cherries to a side table designed as strawberries and various other colorful accents in playful designs.
He’s following a popular pattern: affection for fresh fruits and veggies isn’t limited to kitchens anymore; it’s also appearing in decorative elements around the house.
Carmack views it as enjoyable escapism, and "an opportunity for discussion and festivity." According to design professionals, this trend also signifies a cultural acceptance of sustainability along with a positive engagement with the natural world.
"There's a particular charm to the farm stand—it reflects the rural way of life that many people desire nowadays," explains Rachel Hardage Barrett, who serves as the editor-in-chief at Country Living magazine.
Mediterranean vibe
This pull towards produce themes coincides with peaks in curiosity about gardening, well-being, and antique items.
Barrett observes this pattern across all sorts of items, from home decorations to clothing. She points out the recently popular Tomato Girl Summer trend; alongside the shade of red and different versions of tomato imagery, the overall feel evokes images of Mediterranean coffee shops, leisurely strolls on beaches, and carefree summertime afternoons.
Vegetable-themed decor and salad-inspired designs made a comeback among the Palm Beach elite during the 1960s, attracting enthusiasts such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Bunny Mellon, and Frank Sinatra. Today, these styles have discovered a fresh following.
Barrett mentioned that this connects with the grandmillennial design trend, which promotes cherished family treasures. She also pointed out "a line inspired by cabbage patch aesthetics that attracted over 15 million posts on TikTok."
In 2023, TikTok creators were obsessed with a lemon-inspired ceramic stool available at HomeGoods. Despite selling out quickly, the trend for tables designed like slices of fruit kept expanding.
Recently, interior design, decor, and lifestyle programs from cities like Paris and Frankfurt showcased innovative pieces such as planter boxes adorned with 3D grapes and watermelons, mirrors framed within pea pods or pineapples, and dinnerware featuring tomatoes like cups and glasses. —AP