As change accelerates around the world, we are noticing a return to the real. The Year of the Fire Horse marks a transformative shift toward freedom and independence, challenging the status quo. We’re seeing designers from our neck of the woods embrace spaces with emotional depth: objects with soul, materials with weight, and a renewed focus on craft and character.
“We believe that material culture meaningfully impacts the creation of home. Amid the current AI-filtered overwhelm, we can always come back to what’s real. PAGODA RED lives in the heartland. We trust in integrity—from source, selection and delivery of objects to continued care and communication of stories carried forward. For us, the future is grounded in the real connections we create between people, objects and cultures.”
– Betsy Nathan, Collector-in-Chief
– Storied Spaces –
Interiors become personal travelogues—eclectic rooms that blend eras, cultures, and references without looking “themed” or overly curated. Think: hand-carved wooden panels with a 1970s sofa, a sculptural coffee table with a tufted rug, and layered textiles that feel collected over time.
– Natural Materials –
As digital life becomes more synthetic, the sensory world is an antidote. Collect pieces you can feel: scholar’s stones, ancient & vintage ceramic vases, and woven fibers. Natural surfaces are the emotional anchor of the home. Texture over gloss, touch over trend.
– Lacquered Finishes –
A balance to rustic textures, lacquer is a statement surface with depth. Rich, reflective, and saturated, it adds dimension and a hint of glamour without being precious. Pair it with leather, stone or reclaimed wood and use it as an accent in celadon, oxblood, and warm neutral tones.
– Personal Altars –
When the world around us feels disorienting, home is a place to ground ourselves. Personal rituals provide steadiness. A meditation corner, objects placed on a mantel or hearth, or any place to pause can be profoundly meaningful when it’s organized with intention.
– Organic & Natural Accents –
Nature helps to relax a room. A vase of flowers, a hand-thrown vessel, or a sculpted table work beautifully in eclectic spaces because they bridge styles. Organic shapes can also feel calm, grounding, and human.
– Handcrafted Objects –
Handmade objects are a counterpoint to sameness—they communicate care, attention, and individuality. To feel the hand behind the object, collect pieces with “imperfect” details: tool marks, variation in a glaze, wood knots, aged patina.
– Canopy Beds –
Canopy beds are back—from traditional Chinese styles to modern four-posters. They create instant architecture and a sense of retreat, especially in open-plan spaces. We love an antique silhouette paired with rich, modern cushions to create a sense of sanctuary.
– Wabi Sabi –
In an era of disruption, Wabi Sabi offers lessons in the art of repair. It gives permission to try things, experiment, and make mistakes. Wabi describes the quirks that bring a unique spirit to an object. Sabi is the grace that comes with age. It’s one way of being more human in our homes.
In 2026, we’re welcoming a more grounded approach to design. One that feels personal, not perfect, where we can build a world that’s human and hopeful.
See all this and more in our Chicago gallery.
773.235.1188
1740 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL
