The fruit and vegetable decor trend color-lovers need to know about

Over the last year, people have embraced all kinds of cottagecore ideas, incorporating traditional, grandma-style interiors into their homes. But lately, there's also been a rise in fun and colorful fruit and vegetable decor.

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We're not just talking about those fancy Fortnum & Mason cabbage leaf bowls (although we wouldn't say no) or those quirky pineapple table lamps. 

We're talking bold and beautiful orange and lemon patterned fabrics and wallpaper, mushroom pillows, and framed anatomical fruit prints that reflect confident, no-holds-barred design choices.

Our zest for the bright colors and natural forms of fruit and veg must come down to the newfound lighthearted approach to interiors that we've developed over the last year.

We asked Etsy trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson for her take on the popularity of fruit and vegetable decor. 'Shoppers are increasingly embracing the Friluftsliv trend, which offers them a connection to nature and its calming, grounding effects,' says Dayna. 

Friluftstliv (pronounced "free-loofts-liv") is closely related to hygge and roughly translates as 'open-air living' in Norwegian. Rather than getting cozy by the fire with candles and blankets, Frilufstliv embraces the outdoors.

'Additionally, Etsy has seen a 34% increase in searches for citrus decor*, as consumers look to brighten up their homes in time for summer,' Dayna says. 'This trend is sure to add bold brights by bringing the fresh and vibrant colors of citrus fruits indoors.'

There has also been a staggering 1028% increase in searches on Etsy for mushroom pillows and pillowcases in the last three months (compared to the same time in 2020).

And, speaking to our obsession with Murano glass lamps, the online retailer saw a 176% increase in searches on Etsy for mushroom lamps in the last three months.

We also spoke to Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at ILIV. 'Florals have long been a popular component of interior design, but we are now seeing elements such as fruit and veg being incorporated too,' says Debbie.

'Fruity designs can bring vibrancy to your home with citrus fruit symbolizing hope,' she says.

Speaking of color, our living room color ideas piece will inspire you to give your space a refresh.

• See also: Instagram decor trends that make interior designers cringe

Love the trend but not sure how to incorporate it without making your space feel like a playroom? Pick up citrus-patterned glassware for your next outdoor get-together. 

Or perhaps you could bring character to a blank wall in the kitchen with stacked vintage prints of dissected oranges that reminds us of posters in our biology classrooms. 

A lemon or lime-shaped candle will always be a fun addition to your collection, or you could give a subtle nod to the trend by covering an old cushion in a monochrome artichoke-patterned print.

*In the last three complete months (compared to the same time last year).