The design trends to watch out for in 2021

Interior designers predict how home decor will respond to the confines forced on us by the pandemic.

This beachside Noosa home redefines open plan living. Picture: Caitlin Mills

For reasons we probably don’t need to explain, 2020 was not the year for embracing ground-breaking design trends. Sure, we spent more time indoors than any other year on record, but this insularity was borne out of survival, and often tinged with emotions many of us would care to leave behind.

But, as our calendars have now switched to 2021, it gives many of us hope for a renewed sense of purpose and greater clarity on how we’d like to live at home.

Admittedly, “turning over a new leaf” is typical new year speak. But resolutions aside, after the 2020 we had, surely we’ve earned the right to kick some new home habits into gear? From incorporating soothing natural colours (beige no longer reads as boring) to diving head first into vintage, here’s what some of the world’s leading designers have to say about design in 2021.

1 Natural does it better

Blame COVID-19. Or being stuck inside for days at a time, but the natural, earthy tones that have permeated our wardrobes for the past few seasons have also hit our homes.

“In terms of 2021 trends, we’ll see heavy textures, beiges and browns, and vintage and antique pieces gaining more popularity,” says Kiel Wuellner, vice-president of design at US-based design, furniture and staging firm Vesta.

“Designers and owners are gravitating towards rugs and pillows that embrace flaws, natural movement, and subtle moments of rough textures to add character to spaces. For the past decade, greys used to rule the design world, but beiges and browns are now gaining popularity.”

2 Hold the whites

Calm may be the vibe we’re all gunning for in 2021, but that doesn’t necessarily mean stark white has to reign supreme.

“With more focus on creating a productive home environment while maintaining elements of play, homes are moving away from white walls,” says Sara Ianniciello, director of design at Whitehall Interiors.

“We are amidst a colourful revolution in the design industry. We at Whitehall Interiors take inspiration from fashion among many things, and trends are already showing that 2021 will be a colourful year. We will be looking to infuse more colour and boldness in our projects in 2021.”

3 Make it calm

Unsurprisingly, the desire for tranquillity within the home is high. According to Scandinavian furniture giant Great Dane, this is set to continue in 2021.

Calming spaces will get a reboot. Picture: Great Dane

“With design being a response to human needs, the new year will place value on instilling balance and calm in the living spaces, making it a place where one can switch off from work, technology and endless notifications.

“Design trends will seek to achieve calmness and serenity through natural textures, forms, colours and aesthetics.”

It’s a move London-based interior designer and architect Laura Hammett also supports.

“Living spaces are starting to reflect the current situation, and people are embracing calming colour palettes that create a sanctuary in their home,” she says. “We will see soft, warm and comforting tones and textures.”

And if you were slow to get on board with last year’s tablescaping obsession, it’s time to get acquainted now.

“Soft lighting and curated tablescapes will also be on trend, with more people entertaining at home,” adds Hammett.

4 Vintage is in

“Vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces will add a layered look to a home and make it feel liveable and not overly designed,” Wuellner says.

The lived-in look is a sentiment Highlyann Krasnow, founder and creative director of The Design High, is also calling for, albeit via pared-back design pieces.

“Less is more with furniture – think simple lines and not over-designed,” she says.

5 Multi-functional matters

“This year has made us rethink our homes as never before,” says Hammett.

“The need for multifunctional spaces and separate areas that allow each family member to have their own space has resulted in a return to separate rooms and zoning, leaving the open plan living behind. There is a growing trend for spaces that are connected but can also be closed with sliding and pocket doors to provide privacy and flexibility.”

Adam Meshberg, founder and chief executive of architecture and interior design firm Meshberg Group, agrees, stating that residential floor plans will start to incorporate breakout fitness rooms and office spaces.

“While many multi-family (homes) have always touted work spaces, there will be a wave of large spaces with breakout rooms and phone rooms, all with social distance in mind to cater to this new remote trend that will extend beyond the current pandemic,” he says. “And instead of expansive fitness centres, we’ll see custom designed individual breakout fitness rooms with VR components and fitness-on-demand equipment like Peloton rooms and Mirror rooms with self-disinfectant technology.”

“The pandemic has forced people to spend more time at home so every room needs to have more than just one use,” agrees Wuellner. “An increasing number of clients are requesting their spaces serve multiple purposes, and living spaces now function as relaxation spaces and work and home-schooling spaces too.”

6 Mindful design

With the world slowing down last year, there’s been an uptick in reflection and a natural tendency towards more conscious consumerism. “At Vesta, we’ve seen an increase in informed clients wanting to know more about the pieces they’re investing in, where they’re made, and how it shapes their home,” shares Wuellner.

There will also be a focus on local, says Hammett. “2021 will be the year to support local businesses. People are now buying more mindfully, supporting independent shops and small suppliers, especially when it comes to home accessories and artworks.”

7 Go bold, or go home

Feeling a little underwhelmed by all this calm? On the flip side, now has never been a better time to make a statement, whether it’s through bold wallpaper or large-scale art.

“I’m thrilled to say that there is more interest in wall-covering,” says Carolynne Kollar, interior designer at Mojo Stumer. “It’s not about innocuous durability, but more about adventurous personal choices that might have seemed extreme just a couple of years ago.”

8 Attention to detail

“I think the biggest trend going for 2021 is attention to detail,” adds Kollar. “Now that we all spend more time at home, renovations are becoming more personal, individualised, and truly thought out.”

That’s not to say design has to be fussy. Again, for Krasnow, less is more.

“I think the minimal design aesthetic we are seeing comes somewhat as a result of COVID-19. Less clutter, less to clean,” she explains.

“In the kitchen, think fewer materials, using the countertop as the backsplash for a more seamless design, and hidden or no hardware altogether.”

If you ask us, anything that makes cleaning easier is a win-win.