Interior Design Trend Forecast for 2021
Goodbye, 2020. Hello, New Year!
What designs can we expect to see in 2021?
Many of us are looking at our homes with a much more critical eye, since we’ve been spending so much more time than normal in them (thanks, 2020). Now that we’re a few weeks into the new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to look forward at new ways we can change things up. Who doesn’t want to make their home cozier and more comforting? I think this years’ trends will definitely help with that.
Now, I am no trend forecaster, but I do have my hand in the design world honey pot and can speak to what I am seeing happen. From colours and materials, to décor and design styles at the forefront, here’s what you can expect to see more of in 2021.
When it comes to overarching design styles that will be at the forefront in 2021, here are my predictions:
Rustic Vogue
This is a sophisticated take on the popular ‘modern cottage’, also known as ‘cottage-core’, which can best be described as a romanticized interpretation of cottage living (sourdough starters and grandma-inspired crafts, anyone?)
Style elements include wall paneling, small pattern wallpaper, fresh and dried florals, and natural colour palettes and warm tones. This style has been bubbling up over recent years and will continue to go strong.
Postmodern design
This means we’ll see a stepping away from the strict linearity of modern and embracing ornament, history, and new materials and shapes. We’re going to see more 80s-inspired home décor and design elements, such as bubble furniture, fluted accents, and playful colour palettes. Don’t think hairspray and neon, but a blending of fun shapes and colours with chic lines.
More colours
Yes, I think white will still be a staple in design (it holds an important place in design), but I see people leaning into using more colour in their homes. Shades and tones of green, blue, and red are the colourful neutrals we’ll see more of, with a tendency toward earthy, saturated tones.
To keep things clean and uncomplicated, tone-on-tone brings a sophisticated use of colour to any room. That means using several tones of a colour in different areas of a room – the walls, investment furniture pieces, and curated décor items.
Using tiles to make simple patterns
Shifting away from patterned tiles and using simple tile shapes and colours to create unique patterns, designs will be inspired by decades past, embracing colour blocking, irregular handmade forms, and patterned layouts.
We’ll be seeing finishes like marble/limestone checkerboard floors, vertical and horizontal kit-kat wall tiles, and zellige tile colour blocking. Patterns and variations will be done with colour, texture, and finish.
Deeper veining in countertops and wall slabs
It’s been happening slowly, but we are continuing to transition away from the white-on-white kitchen. Homeowners are getting more daring with countertops, bringing in more dramatic details to their kitchens and bathrooms, like deeper and more contrasted veining in their material choices.The higher contrast in veining adds a layer of interest to a simple surface and pairs well with light or dark cabinetry above and below.
Carrying the slab up the wall as a backsplash is happening more, too - this displays the beauty of the material on both a horizontal and vertical surface, really creating a more intriguing and elevated look in any room. This is also great for maintenance, as it makes cleaning easier without grout lines – win-win!
Bringing the indoors outside and expanding our living spaces
This became extra evident this past summer, with everyone spending as much time as possible in their outdoor living spaces. Since vacation travel has been taken off the calendar for a while, homeowners are investing in expanding their living spaces outdoors. It’s not just limited to bringing the outdoors inside anymore. We are investing in bring the indoors outside, and it doesn’t have to be limited to just furniture.
This year, we’ll see more indoor elements being brought to the exterior to make it feel like more of an extension of the interior, like indoor style lighting, architectural details, finishes, etc.
If these design elements are already a part of your personal home décor or style, you’re ahead of the game! That’s not to say these are ‘trendy’ and you need to avoid them. I just think we’ll be seeing them pop up on style boards and wish lists more often in the coming year. I personally think styles can be both timeless and on trend, so do what feels right for you in your space.
Here’s to a brighter and more colourful 2021!
All the things,
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Hello! Catherine here. :)
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
