2021 Interior Design Trends
Article Written By Vanessa Silvera
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, it is hardly any surprise we’re going to continue spending most of our time indoors. Therefore, it is more important than ever to inhabit a living space that combines functionality, aesthetics, and above all, comfort. This year's interior design trends reflect these needs, which include a shift towards a warmer colours, natural materials and finishes, and a continued emphasis on sustainability. If the concept of ‘trends’ makes you shudder, instead think of them as patterns or suggestions. I can guarantee that anyone, regardless of personal taste or budget, can adapt and incorporate at least one of these trends into their homes. Read on for tips on how to achieve a chic yet cozy sanctuary.
First off, we want to infuse warmth into your space. The best way to achieve this? A colour palette featuring warm neutrals and earthy tones, including camel, olive green, pinks, yellows, and burnt orange. It is a known fact that color has a significant psychological impact, affecting our moods and behaviors. Interestingly, contrary to the warmer colours trend, soft powder blues are also expected to do well in 2021. Not only are shades of blue timeless, but their associations with the sky and water are also thought to produce a calming effect. That being said, there are much simpler and less labor-intensive ways to inject a bit of color than painting an entire wall for instance. This can be achieved through buying (or painting over) accessories such as pots and vases, rugs and mats, cushions, throws, and wall hangings and prints. By incorporating warmer colours into your space, you will create an environment that is inviting and home-y, which is perfect for the cold winter days ahead of us.
Besides colour, warmth can be created through natural materials, textures, and finishes. Recently there’s been greater interest in materials like rattan, bamboo, seagrass, jute, light woods, vegan leather and furs, ceramic, and live plants. If you lack the time or a green thumb altogether, succulents are usually the way to go, but you can also get a potted mint plant from Tesco, which is both low-maintenance and edible (score!) While buying a new plant or wool cushion can certainly add new life to a space, juxtaposing various materials and finishes together can add another dimension of depth and texture.
The other major advantage of buying furniture or accessories made of natural materials is that they are much more sustainable than plastics or synthetic fabrics. Increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly goods and products, especially among millennials, has led to a shift away from mass-produced big-box store furniture and towards high-quality and durable pieces. If buying new, whether you’re shopping in-person or online, it is important to ensure materials are certified sustainable by their manufacturers. However, upcycling or sourcing vintage and thrift store pieces will always be the most sustainable option. Pinterest is filled with fancy DIY projects, but honestly changing your sofa’s slipcover or a single coat of paint can do wonders. And if that doesn’t cut it, there’s always grandparents’ house for inspiration.
This brings us to design styles. Assuming you haven’t already, a couple of terms you’re probably going to be hearing a lot of are Japandi and ‘Grandmillenial’. As the name suggests, Japandi is a hybrid style that blends Scandinavian and Japanese Zen design elements. Centered on a clean, minimalist look, Japandi incorporates lighter woods like oak, a keystone of Scandinavian design, with medium and darker colored ones typically found in Japanese interiors. Particularly experiencing a resurgence are black-painted furniture and accents alongside more natural colours and materials (think bamboo, rattan, and ceramics). Perhaps the most unexpected stylistic trend for 2021 would have to be Grandmillenial. Sometimes referred to as ‘Traditional 2.0’ or ‘granny chic’, this style offers a fresh, contemporary spin on traditional design motifs meant to evoke nostalgia, comfort, and security. It actually makes a lot of sense, considering our tendency to take comfort in the familiar, and what is more familiar and comforting than your grandparents’ house? We’re likely to see the return of wallpaper, floral and plaid patterns, antiques and delicate china, gilded finishes, vintage touches, and other ornamental details, but lighter and more whimsical.
The bottom line is that our environment, including our interiors, is inextricably linked to our mental and physical wellbeing. A well-designed space optimizes utility and aesthetics, but a home is a reflection of your unique personality, tastes, and lifestyle. While trends can serve as a jumping-off point, ultimately comfort supersedes everything else. If you can’t bear to part ways with your gray walls or mid-century coffee table, let them be. In times of uncertainty such as these, you might as well be comfortable in your own home.
Places to Shop
West Elm: modern furniture, home décor, lighting, and more
Vinterior: high-end vintage & antique furniture online marketplace
Rose & Grey: boutique store selling contemporary & vintage furniture and homeware
https://www.roseandgrey.co.uk/
Etsy: Home & Living section
https://www.etsy.com/c/home-and-living?ref=catnav-891
The Little House Shop: eclectic home décor, stylish homeware, unique gifts for all occasions
https://www.thelittlehouseshop.co.uk/
URBANARA: high-quality, natural home accessories in timeless designs