2021 Design Trends : What’s In & Out
Last week, I asked everyone to submit blog post requests via Instagram, and I received an overwhelming amount of “2021 trend” requests. To be honest, I’m not big on trends. I try to stick to what I like, keep longevity in mind, and design our home to our personal preferences. However, trends are ubiquitous and sometimes unavoidable… they’re a tell tale sign of the times. Whether we like it or not, trends influence our aesthetic, style, and home. I think it’s more important to be aware of current trends, balance them with timeless and classic options, and understand how we can avoid the ones that fade fast. Click through for my opinion on what will be “in” and “out” for the year ahead… consider these my official predictions!
Out with the old, in with the new… so the saying goes. First I’ll share the trends I’m ready to see left behind in 2020. I’ll preface this by saying OF COURSE there are exceptions, as it’s mostly about the way something is installed, what it’s paired alongside, and the overall treatment & design of a space, but for the most part… I feel like these are pretty accurate and agreed upon by designers as of lately.
As much as I love and appreciate a crisp, white, and textural space, I’m ready to see more interior personality inserted in the year ahead. I’m predicting we’ll notice more dark, bold, and colorful design plans as we move throughout 2021. I’’m also hoping for more pattern and interesting textures, whether that’s found in textiles, wall coverings, or furnishings.
OUT…
- All White Everything // I’m very bored with bright white spaces… there, I said it. That basic, white palette can feel clinical, uninspired, and easy (in a bad way). I’m ready to see more interior personality in the year ahead, and I’m predicting we’ll begin to notice more dark, bold, and colorful design plans in the coming months. I’m looking forward to seeing spaces that really push past a boring white palette- and apparently I’m not alone. Sarah from MyDomaine interviewed me for an article and many fellow designers agreed… apparently it’s a popular notion.
- Iterations of the Same Space Over and Over Again // Let’s be real… in the past year, I’m sure many of us have experienced mindless scrolling on social media, where everything seems to look the same. It appears as though people are reiterating the same space or look over and over again. There’s no ingenuity or creativity in that, and it’s a sure way to achieve a look that will soon go out of style. As a designer, the last thing I want my home to look like is someone else’s. I’m hoping 2021 brings more personality, self expression, creativity, and the courage to design in a way that makes you happy and feel at home in your home.
- Open Floor Plans // Even pre-pandemic, I’ve never been a fan of open floor plans. I think extra large rooms that bleed together can feel cold, uninviting, and the negative space can look overwhelming. I’d much rather prefer multiple, cozy spaces with designated purposes. I think they give us an opportunity to be more creative, intentional, and always provide an inviting backdrop. I think 2020 helped to show us that these timeless floorpans are both functional and beautiful. I’m guessing we’ll see far less open concept homes in 2021.
- Barn Doors // Unless you live in an actual farmhouse (on a farm) or in a very industrial space, I think barn doors are a design miss. I struggle with them because there are so many better alternatives. I’d be happy to see those left behind in 2020.
- Fast Furniture // Perhaps it’s my age or this stage in life, but gone are the days of fast furniture. I think most of us are looking for well-made, durable pieces that will withstand the test of time- in terms of style and physically holding up. I think many of us are more eco conscious than ever before, and dislike the idea of having to replace large items, like furniture all the time. Here’s to quality pieces, good craftsmanship, and more thrifting for vintage in the year ahead! I think the new standard is built-to-last as opposed to flat-packed IKEA products.
To wrap things up, I’ve been seeing a lot of suggested things that are “out” for 2021 (there are lots of these trend articles floating around right now) and I disagree with many of them: subway tile, cool paint tones, marble, etc… to which I say, NEVER! Some things will always remain in style, no matter how often they are used. Again, think about how to insert those materials in a way that will withstand the test of time. Ready to move onto new trends I’m expecting to see more of in the year ahead?
IN…
- Multifunctional Rooms // 2020 definitely showed us that rooms are more valuable if they serve multiple purposes. When spending so much time at home, we learned that our homes have to work hard for us. I think we’ll begin to see more of this in the year ahead…. guest rooms that double as the home office or provide a work space, etc.
- Color and Pattern // As I previously mentioned, I’m predicting we’ll begin to see more bold patterns, colors, and personality inserted into home design and interiors. Color is back in a big way!
- Dimensional Materials // I’m assuming we’ll also see a continued focus on dimensional building materials, like millwork, tile trim pieces, and finishing materials.
- Textural Wall Treatments // Have you been noticing more grasscloth, roman clay, venetian plaster wall treatments recently? I’m predicting textural and tactile wall treatments will be big in 2021.
- Homes That Reflect Its Inhabitants // If there is anything 2020 has taught us, it’s to embrace the things that make us happy and are functional for our families at home. Throw the design “rules” out the window and do what is best for YOU. Customize your home based on your needs, insert your individual personality, and enjoy creating a space that you love living in.
- Natural Materials // Per usual, I’m pushing for the use of natural materials. I still think cotton, linen, jute, sisal, leather, mohair, and natural fibers will be popular in the year ahead. Whether you’re shopping for window treatments or rugs, you can’t go wrong with a classic natural material. Healthy textiles and furnishings might also be a big topic this year. Gone are the days of synthetic, unnatural materials that shed harmful fibers.
Are these even trends? In my book, the aforementioned topics are always in style… what do you think? Is there a trend you’re looking forward to leaving behind in 2020? What trends are you predicting to see in home design in the year ahead? It’s always fun and tricky to make predictions! Hopefully I haven’t offended anyone. Apologies to those of you who love barn doors and open concept floor plans- like I said… there is a way to do them well, but the majority are meh. Happy Tuesday!