Interior Design Trends for 2021

From everyone at DecorMatters, Happy New Year! We are delighted that, during the uncertain and challenging Christmas period, you continued using our AR-powered app to channel your emotions creatively and express yourselves through virtual interior design. Thank you for being part of our ever-growing community of 5 million users!

📷 Aubrey

One of the major shifts in 2020 was concerning the world of work – 88% of business organizations across the world encouraged employees to work from home. For our users who were forced to stay inside, interior design became art therapy; positively affecting mental wellbeing and reinforcing productivity, among its other benefits.

We saw an increase in budget makeovers and DIY projects, and trends quickly evolved with a focus on home offices and uplifting, colorful items. We know you’ll be wanting to spruce up your home to start the new year afresh as it is probable that restrictions will continue through 2021 but, before you get stuck in, look out for these six interior design trends:

Comfort & Wellness

‘How can design make it easier to be healthy?’ – This was one of London Design Biennale’s prompts for their exhibition “Design in an Age of Crisis”. It is clear the general population desire comfort for the psyche and easier paths to wellness during these challenging times. Emulate this trend and create a space to unwind by placing a cocoon chair, woven hanging egg chair, or a large, comfortable sofa made of matt velvet or boucle in your sitting room.

📷 Ashley Elaine

Meanwhile, your bedroom should be a calm, peaceful place inviting sleep. A great way to achieve this is by channeling a cozy Scandinavian aura. “We just need to feel protected when we sleep. The headboard and foot of the bed will be lined with soft textiles”, suggests the designer Joy Moyler. Say goodbye to cold-looking, metal bed frames, unless they’re made of brass or of warm color. Instead, people will vouch for an upholstered, pure cotton headboard as the room’s focal point – a chic way to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Eco-style

With the rise of conscious consumerism comes an increased demand for furniture made of untreated wood with flaws, cracks, and imperfections. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, it is natural, renewable, and reduces your carbon footprint. Natural stone, such as sandstone and “wild stone”, will also be welcomed for fireplaces and kitchen areas. Armchairs and sofas may be supplemented with pillows made from unbleached canvas, and expect to see more natural fiber carpets made of seagrass, sisal, or jute.

📷 Anthology Creative Studio

📷 Poster Store

The fashion continues for exotic house plants too – you only have to take one look at Pinterest or Instagram to recognize that. Displays of greenery bring vibrancy and many dimensions to our homes, while also filtering out pollutants and providing oxygen. Flowerpots laden with drooping ivy and tradescantia will look enchanting on windowsills and mantelpieces, and retro 1970s handcrafted, macrame plant hangers could bring a boho element to your office space.

Granny Chic

This is a timeless trend that epitomizes elegance and charm through chipped paintwork and faded fabrics. We will particularly see the revival of homey design elements that wouldn’t look out of place in your grandparents’ home; floral wallpaper, antique paintings, fragile china, and crocheted throws evoking comfort and nostalgia during these uncertain times. More than ever, people are searching for old, rare items with a unique story, soul, and functionality, not just clones coming off a conveyor.

📷 Image @maryjomajordesign, Home @emilydavisdc1

Antique, repurposed and retro pieces can build up a vintage-style scheme but the look needs layering. Choose your favorite mismatch pieces that mean something to you, add luxe elements such as rich fabrics with strong colors, and, to embody a modern tone and cohesive aesthetic, add statement lighting. Less is more.

Say Goodbye to Minimalism

Although we encouraged a ‘medley of whites’ over Christmas, the age of minimalistic, all-white interiors may have outlived itself. After a decade of minimalism, we love the idea that people want to illustrate more ‘character’ through highly decorative and personal interiors. After spending so much time at home in 2020, many are making decisions about what kind of environment they want to live in and maximalism is taking over as it allows people to express their individuality.

📷 Sal's Daily Journal

If you do favor all-white walls and simple wooden floors, why not test out pop-art minimalism? Try coupling a framed retro cartoon and a bright-colored couch to provide visual stimuli.

Metal Mania

Gold, brass, or blackened bronze will be used this year, not only in the form of chairs, circular metal coffee tables, and open shelving units but also as completely independent decoration elements, art objects, and rounded geometric patterns on the walls. And we can’t forget to mention hanging pendant lights and lead-gold dual-ring aluminum chandeliers, which promise to add a decadent air to any room.

📷 Sabrina Tan

For a simple Scandi-Japanese style, a black metal-legged table with a light wood top provides a pleasing contrast – it is modern and eye-catching.

Color Trends

Pink and orange rosy tones will outshine others this year, blending well with neutral shades and bold accent colors: dark blue, green, and lemon yellow. Why not try burnt oranges with peacock blues? These colors mark the hues of a tropical getaway; the sun and the sea. Also, the ‘green jewel’ of the Christmas tree will carry on into the new year, captivating people’s attention by mirroring nature’s elements.

📷 Caitlin, Amy

As well as these trends, we also predict a decline in the desire for open floor plans as, with whole families at home, it is no longer as practical and desirable when it comes to working and studying. Overall, people are looking for effortless character, afforded by the mismatch of vintage objects, comfort, and an element of nature. A place that enhances their wellbeing, they can happily spend 24 hours a day, and can really call home.