The Best Interior Design Trend Predictions for 2021
The dumpster fire of 2020 has finally passed us by! While it was an extremely difficult year for most of us it is arguably one of the most impactful. The pandemic has made the world stop and question, well, everything; interior design trends included. Here we have compiled what’s trending in interior design for 2021:
Home Office
We saw this trend start in the spring of 2020 as lock down orders forced jobs and schools to go remote. We expect this interior design trend to continue through 2021 as we (hopefully) start to get a handle on COVID-19.
Some have converted guest rooms or basements but many of our clients don’t have the extra space and come to us looking for more creative solutions like converted closets or creating functional multi-use spaces.
As Andrew Martin's Martin Waller says a home office must be designed as a space to generate creativity and thoughts. It is important to include sources for inspiration through paint, artwork or wallpaper and to balance aesthetics with comfort especially when selecting items like a home office desk and home office chair. For more on how to create a healthy and product home workspace check out our Workspace Design Tips blog post.
2. Biophilic Design
What is Biophilic Design? Simply put, biophilic design is designing with a focus on a connection to nature and bringing the outside in. This trend has been on a continuous uptick as more and more research is released proving the many benefits of biophilic elements such as fresh air, improved cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being. If you are wondering is biophilic design sustainable design, the answer is not really (although there can be overlap between the two). Biophilia upholds that humans inherently need nature in order to thrive while Sustainability aims to reduce resource consumption to find balance within our ecological systems, and ensure the longevity of resources for future use.
From live walls to indoor gardens, elements in biophilic interior design and biophilic architecture have continued to increase with folks being holed up indoors in quarantine lock downs and we don’t expect to see it slow in the next year. Some easy tips to quickly implement biophilic interior design elements into your space include potted plants or flowers, art or wallpaper depicting natural elements, or even creating an edible garden right in your kitchen.
Are you a plant slayer? Check out dried flowers or paper plants like our DIY Sun Palms.
3. Dark Colored Kitchens
Although all white and gray kitchens have been the go-to kitchen design color scheme for what seems like eternity, we are seeing more and more kitchens lean into contrasting concepts, using green, blue, or even black as the focal color schemes for kitchens with dark cabinets.
We aren’t the only designers seeing this shift away from the classic white kitchen. According to Alyssa Clough the director of content and growth at Semihandmade, they’ve been seeing increased demand for black cabinetry.
There are a few design benefits that can be achieved by going with dark cabinets including a pop for increased visual interest and creating distinction between kitchen and other spaces in open-plan spaces without using walls.
You don’t need to take on a kitchen renovation to execute this interior design trend- simply repainting your cabinets and updating the hardware can make it feel like a brand new space. (Nervous about going too dark? Try starting with just a dark color on just the lower cabinets for extra contrast.)
4. Emphasis on Quality
If nothing else, millennials have refocused the consumer trends on bespoke and artisanal pieces. The rise of home good companies like Parachute and Fireclay Tile (two of our faves!) prove that the younger generations are willing to pay more for higher quality, sustainably produced items in their homes. As we spend more time at home there will be an emphasis on fabrics and materials that are durable, washable, and age well. We hope to see this interest in acquiring higher quality home items will continue to increase and help reignite opportunities for small businesses, artists and makers who have been impacted by the rise of big business and the economic turbulence of the last year.
Not sure where to start? Consider investing in high quality bed linens to experience hotel-like luxury every night!
5. Wallpaper
Gone are the days of hard to install and impossible to remove wallpaper. removable wallpaper has given new life to interiors nationwide. From powder rooms to offices wallpaper is a fun and affordable way to add character and a unique aesthetic to any space. We expect this interior design trend will continue throughout 2021 as a perfect option for renters or those looking for low commitment updates.
Wary of covering an entire room in wallpaper or on a budget? Try adding it above the chair rail in dining rooms, above the molding in bathrooms, or even in closets for instant wow factor.
Courtesy of The Jungalow
6. Boho Chic Interior Design Style
We’ve seen the bohemian style blow up in the interior design industry over the last year and predict this will only increase in 2021. How to achieve a Boho Chic Interior Design Style? Think rattan, wicker and bamboo which are all natural materials that bring warmth and texture to any space. Rattan and wicker are lightweight, timeless, and can be used indoors or outdoors. Oh, don’t forget plants- and lots of em’!
7. Statement Headboards
We’ve seen more and more clients interested in bringing in an element of luxury to their homes, especially bedrooms. Influenced by boutique hotels, the headboard has become a fabulous feature in bedroom decor. It's all about establishing a focal point and making a statement- an upholstered headboard is comfortable, practical and serves as an expression of your personal style.
A painted headboard is a great quick and easy way to explore this interior design trend. Need painted headboard ideas? We love the clean lines of a simple painted headboard arch like this one from DreamGreenDIY. For more on how to paint a headboard check out the full post.
8. Eco Chic
Sustainability trends in interior design have slowly picked up momentum and much to our joy we anticipate this to continue in 2021. This prominent interior design trend plays to the human desire for spiritual connection and well-being balanced by a commitment to sustainability. Be mindful about where you spend your money- is the company committed to sustainable products and practices? If not consider purchasing elsewhere. This is a great directory of certified B-corp businesses that includes multiple locations and industries.
An easy way to implement this trend is through repurposed decor. Whether you recycle a wine bottle as a vase or thrift a vintage sofa from Facebook Marketplace these are all excellent ways to achieve Eco Chic vibes. California designer Patricia Nogueira uses second hand pieces to create the space of her dreams (pictured on right.) Click the image to learn more.
We are excited to see these trends continue to thrive in 2021. If you are looking for more ideas to update your space in 2021 checkout our 6 Easy Quarantips for an Instant Refresh. Looking for more personalized advice? We can help! Schedule your free intro call now and let’s get to work!
