The year 2020 saw us all spending a lot more time at home. However, going into 2021, it was clear that we’ll be in this new always-at-home lifestyle for a while longer—which means it’s time to rethink your living space. Today, it’s all about plants, colors, and art.
Though home design trends are always changing, the events of 2020 have us focused on two main themes: building a functional space, and creating a sense of calm and joy despite a tumultuous outside world. That’s why the design trends of 2021 are revealing both the worst and the best for your home.
The 5 Best Trends
- Classic Blues – Incorporating lots of navy and velvet blues in particular are here to stay. The right shade of blue can be soothing and can instantly transform your space into one of relaxation. Because you’re spending a majority of time at home, you want to have a place where you can exhale, and classic blue tones are the way to go.
- Let the Light In – There’s a focus on bringing in as much natural light as possible, especially in the winter months. Opening up those windows by putting away the heavy curtains. Hang some blinds or sheers, or simply keep your windows bare, to invite in the sunlight, as it’s an easy and fast way to bring in some light and make your space feel so much more comfortable. Also, the benefits to natural light include an increase in serotonin, which makes your home space that much more important to your well-being.
- Plant Power – Now that you have plenty of light in your home, why not turn it into a plant paradise? Natural plants are more front and center than ever. Instead of going for the fake stuff, having the real deal of beautiful succulents or seasonal flowers positively impacts your health and improves your mood — which is something everyone could use after the year 2020. Caring for plants brings joy, not to mention spruces up your home design and purifies the air.
- Rethink formal rooms – It’s time to focus on functionality, which might mean saying goodbye to those formal dining rooms or living rooms you use once every six months. Instead, turn that dining room into a work from home office, a place where your kids can do schoolwork or even just a lounge where you can chill. The whole idea of formal spaces in general is going by the wayside, and in 2021, here’s your chance to make a space that reflects your personality and makes you feel more joyful.
- Keep it natural and cozy – When it comes to styling, the go-to accessories lately are all about natural elements. Stick to earthy tones, terracotta vases, marble coffee tables, wicker baskets and wooden furniture pieces. These all work together to add texture and warmth to a room, creating a more organic look that can produce a relaxed, calm vibe. Giving your space a sense of texture shows simplicity, especially if you go heavy on fabrics. Create a homey vibe and your interior dwelling will flow.
The 4 Worst Trends
Whether you are moving to a new home or renovating your current one, it’s important to choose an aesthetic that’s as current as possible to help boost resale value. While there’s been an “anything goes,” approach to interior design in recent years and especially in 2020, these are the trends that have been going away in 2021.
- The Modern Farmhouse – While it’s been a source of culture for many, the modern farmhouse look is finally on its way out to pasture. Part of the reason this type of aesthetic is rather tiresome is that the farmhouse has been overdone, particularly in places like apartments where the style isn’t at all organic. Barn doors and other hallmarks of the modern farmhouse in suburban homes and city apartments are completely out of place, therefore expect to say goodbye to this look.
- White Kitchens – The high end of the market is moving away from the staid whites and man-made agglomerates that dominated design for the last decade. It is time to embrace the exotic, rare stones, and detailed patterns that have historically defined luxurious spaces. Choose materials that have an incredible backstory and are once again becoming focal points in the most sumptuous designed kitchens. It’s okay to banish white from your kitchen altogether, but in doing so, ensure that you choose items such as man-made engineered stone or quartzite for durability, while adding colored marble accents.
- The Open Floor Plan – Most real estate agents in a booming housing market will admit that an open floor plan has been one of the greatest selling points for years. This trend was starting to fade at the beginning of 2020 during the pandemic. In 2021 we learned the hard way that perhaps your kitchen, home office, great room, playroom, and living room shouldn’t all be the same space. Lack of privacy ultimately becomes lack of function — and open floor plans aren’t as attractive as they used to be — as the need for rooms with doors, windows, and some privacy will make a reappearance.
- Fake Anything – Lately we’re seeing less plastic and man-made materials, more natural and organic materials, and keeping your home all about sustainability. The interior design trend has seen a preference towards stones, wood, natural fabrics, and natural coloring methods. It also means less fake flowers and plants. As many people will continue to work remotely, multi-purpose rooms are a necessity, therefore using dark colors — however dramatic — limits the usage of adding fresh plants and flowers that need light and constant care.
In a Nutshell
The year 2021 has a simplistic and organically-toned return to choices that are your own style, albeit keeping your home or interior space comfortable and appealing to the senses. It’s time to break out of the norm and have a space that’s classy, trendy, cozy, and above all, joyful.