You’re probably tired of hearing about the coronavirus pandemic at this point. However, it’s hard to deny its influence on all aspects of life, interior design included. We are now forced to spend most of our time in our homes, carrying out all of our day-to-day activities in one place. 

Unsurprisingly, that has changed how we see interior design in 2021, as well as lead to the emergence of the following trends:

1. Warmer Colors

All-white and all-grey designs are undoubtedly timeless and classic. Still, as time goes by, more and more people are starting to find them dull and uninteresting. Therefore, this year we’ll most likely see the rise of warm colors, such as orange, peach, sienna, and umber. 

Unlike white, which can be overwhelming, especially when in abundance, warm and earthy colors are pleasing to the eye. They create a much more welcoming atmosphere in the room, which is crucial these days. Grey, however, could still be a smart neutral choice. Just make sure to break it up with some vivid colors and fabrics.

2. Grandmillennial Style

The Grandmillennial style, also known as “granny chic” is all the rage nowadays. This borderline kitschy style includes mixing unmixable patterns and fabrics, floral wallpapers and upholstery, lace lampshades, and other things you’d typically see at your grandma’s place. 

It comes as no surprise that this particular trend emerged at this particular time. After all, 2021 is all about making your home feel more “homey.” And what better way to do that than by invoking nostalgia of more innocent times and channeling your childhood memories of your grandparents’ house? 

3. Fun Wall Patterns

As we mentioned, floral wallpapers are making a comeback. In the same spirit, people are starting to realize the creative potential of their walls. For one, more people are experimenting with wall colors, opting for bright and intense shades like orange or black, instead of plain old white.

In addition, wallpaper with interesting patterns and designs is a great way to add dimension to the room, even if it’s only in the form of an accent wall. Also, we’ve recently seen an upsurge of graphic wallpaper art with high contrasts, geometric or odd shapes. 

Another way to add visual interest to your walls is through textures. As an example, you can add panel molding or vertical slat walls. Finally, a wall mural is a great way to personalize the space and truly make it your own. Why not make a fun DIY quarantine project out of it?

4. Sustainability

It’s high time we started paying attention to how we’re treating our planet, as it’s the only one we have. After all, it has a tendency to fight back, which we’ve learned the hard way over the past year. Thankfully, people are finally ditching the VOC, plastic, and polyester, and turning to recycled and more eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, hemp, wool, and organic cotton. 

For example, instead of synthetic upholstery, your chairs could be woven with rattan (vine-like species of palm). Besides that, terrazzo (a composite material featuring concrete and bits of marble, glass, and brass) is a great sustainable option for kitchen countertops, walls, and flooring. Of course, let’s not forget about plants. They not only make for excellent decorations but also purify the air in the room.

5. Japandi Style

The Japandi mixes the best of both worlds — the minimalism of the traditional Japanese style and the functionality of the Scandinavian style. It’s all about decluttering the space and making it breathe by carefully choosing each element in the room, making sure that it adds value and has a clear purpose. 

Although Japandi typically involves a more neutral color palette, that doesn’t mean you can’t include a pop of color here and there. Here’s an idea: break up the room with Japanese shibori fabric pillows or vividly colored wall decor. 

Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2021

2021 will also most likely see the downfall of superfluous cheap furniture and decor, such as we see in Farmhouse Kitsch. That comes as no surprise, given that all that gaudiness can get old quickly, especially after spending so much time around it. Instead, people are opting for quality, purposefulness, and sustainability, even if it means spending a bit more money. 

Besides that, open concept homes are proving to be impractical during COVID-19 times. For one, they are energy-inefficient and tougher to maintain. What’s more, now that we have to carry out most of our everyday activities at home, open concept could actually have the opposite effect and make us feel confined. For ultimate comfort and efficiency, it’s better to have a dedicated private area for each of the activities. 

In the End…

Over-the-top glam was fun while it lasted. However, it’s time to put functionality and comfort over appearance and think about the future. Today, it’s more important than ever to make an effort to create an oasis out of your home. 

Still, don’t just blindly follow the trends you see online. The whole point of 2021 interior design is to make your home a place where you feel comfortable spending your days at, optimizing it to suit your particular lifestyle and personality. And if that means installing a barn door or borrowing a tablecloth from your grandma, so be it!

Photo by Carlos Montelara from Pexels