- Take a Less Literal Approach
“I think what’s driving the return of ivy decor now is a desire to integrate it differently and uniquely,” says Carlucci. “People aren’t recreating the chintz version of the ’90s; they’re reimagining it entirely,” Snow says. This iteration of ivy decor is less like a realistic watercolor and more like a freer, more abstract one.
With that, designers are creating unexpected pairings, such as marrying it to a graphic abstract, adding a splash of leopard, or even swathing an entire space in a single ivy-forward pattern. “What’s changed is the confidence with which people are using [ivy decor]—that to me is what makes this moment interesting.”
- Pare Down Your Pairings
The beauty of the modern ivy motif lies in the softness and movement it can bring to a space, says Carlucci. But in order to really make it sing, striking the right balance matters. For that, the designer, who’s based in both New York and Wyoming, suggests incorporating more straightforward elements, such as natural wood and neutral rugs, to ensure the room feels composed rather than overly decorated.
- Bring in Patterns
To keep ivy from feeling too precious, consider how you can juggle a variety of patterns using various textiles and furnishings. This can serve to break up the botanical shapes, says Snow. “Adding in stripes, checks, and solids will keep everything from feeling like you’re actually in the garden—unless that’s the goal,” she says.
- Seek Out Whimsical Spaces
Snow says the ivy wallpaper options she’s loving now lend themselves to smaller spaces like a bath or children’s room, but don’t count out the kitchen. “In the ’90s, [ivy decor] was often in a kitchen, which would be cute again, too—just keep the plastic ivy plants draping over your kitchen cabinets far, far away.”
Another direction is to look for spaces where you want to create a sense of enclosure and whimsy, such as powder rooms, breakfast rooms, libraries, and bedrooms, says Carlucci. This can mimic the immersive, calming feeling of a lush garden.
- Pair with Contemporary Elements
We’ve entered an interesting time in the design sphere, where there aren’t many rules and the best spaces feel like a collection of eras, genres, and aesthetics, says Snow. Finding the right mix is where the room will come together. “Ivy naturally swings feminine and traditional, so it would be great to balance it out with a solid-color rug and some more masculine, unexpected furnishings,” she says.
For Carlucci, looking to sculptural lighting, the clean lines of modern furnishings, and contemporary artwork lend restraint to the romance of the botanical pattern. “It’s this tension between history and modernity that makes interiors feel layered and timeless,” she says.
- Look to Linens
“For those who prefer a quieter approach, I love introducing ivy through decorative textiles like cushions, curtains, or upholstered accent chairs,” says Carlucci. “These smaller applications allow you to bring in the motif without committing to an entire room.” Table linens are another category where this print feels perfectly at home.
For Snow, a collector of table linens, hunting down vintage table clothes that feature this motif or purchasing a more modern iteration can be a great way to “test drive” the trend before committing to a more permanent application like wallpaper.
