2020 affected almost every aspect of our lives, but it also helped many of us reconnect with our homes. This time spent inside has allowed us to begin the process of transforming our homes into more functional, peaceful places that reflect our own interests, experiences, and design preferences.
If you’re hoping to continue that process this year, you may be searching for some inspiration. Look no further. We had some of the top interior designers weigh in on the most popular colors, decor styles, and materials you can expect to see in 2021. So if you’re looking for some interior design ideas to update your home in the new year, here are the home trends experts predict are going to be huge.
1. Natural textures
Natural textures such as cane, wood, rattan, leather, ceramics, matte metals, aged brass, bamboo, etc. are all on the rise in the interior design world and will continue to be throughout 2021. Employing natural textures (both in decor and furnishings) will bring immediate warmth and timeless interest allowing a natural cohesion of the elements throughout your space. – Porche & Co
2. Cozy corners
For a while, the trend was to have everything open and sightlines clear. Many newly built spec homes are designed this way but more and more custom builders are trying to create cozy corners in their builds. The pandemic is teaching us that we all need our own little space and adding in these creative little nooks helps achieve that. We expect to see many more homeowners seeking cozy, private spaces within their homes in 2021. – AMR Design
3. An individual look that reflects your personal design aesthetic
Collect special pieces, quality heirlooms, artworks, antiques, or architectural elements that command attention, and make you happy. This will create a rich and textured vibe in your space. – Melissa Hardwick
4. Darker ceiling colors
I expect to see more risks and creativity with paint colors this year. A simple (and inexpensive) way to give a room a quick facelift is with paint. A really bold ceiling color can completely transform a space while adding lots of interest. – Alluring Designs Chicago
5. Big, bold artwork
If you want to create a well-designed home that reflects your unique personality, the artwork is key, specifically artwork that you truly love. I recommend hanging at least one work of art in every room. Bringing in the right art selection can truly transform your space and it’s a great way to show your personal style. – Interiors by Jacquin
6. Dusty saturated tones for walls or cabinets
Think smaller rooms like dining rooms, bedrooms, or dens. – De Lavenne Design
7. More durable fabric and furniture
We’ve never squeezed so much out of our spaces; we are expecting a gym, a conference room, an office, an art studio, a preschool classroom, and a trendy bar without growing the footage. Of course, the multitasking of rooms is on-trend but I think the next real trend is going to be intensely durable fabrics indoors and furniture that wears better; more quality items but also just less delicate, hardworking pieces. – Allie Wood Design Studio
8. Bringing the vacation vibe inside your home
For 2021 I expect a continuation of the “nesting” we saw from the previous year and that includes the layers of a life well-lived. Pull out your vacation photos and pieces you picked up while traveling and make them a part of your home. Have a favorite scenic photo blown up and framed to evoke the experience of travel and to encourage you to make plans for the future. – Greige Design
9. More colors
Since people have been stuck at home they are moving away from white and neutrals and wanting more color. Color is a fun way to inject joy and happiness into a space. A way people can do this successfully is to just go for it and use color everywhere – on walls, furnishings, rugs, pillows, even your ceilings, and trim. Avoid using white since it creates contrast and takes away from the drama. Your eye moves toward white so by removing it the color acts as the neutral. – Sarah Stacey Interior Design
10. Practical, comfortable design, coupled with contemporary aesthetics
People will remember 2020, literally, as a view from their own windows. We worked, slept, ate, and socialized from home (and often from our desks) last year, and this year will continue on that trend, even as we venture out a bit more. We will see practical, comfortable design, coupled with contemporary aesthetics that foster both creativity, calm, and a sense of space. – Brooke Moorhead Design
11. Bringing color and texture inside with house plants
While everyone is scrambling to follow the latest trend, remember that house plants will never go out of style. They are an easy and inexpensive way to bring color and texture to a space. Add a few different plant variations of differing height and fullness to a room and watch it come alive. Mix and match container styles as well for extra visual interest. – Interior Design Alchemy
12. Darker, moodier paint colors
I’m loving the darker, moodier paint color trend that started in 2020 and is continuing strong into 2021. Try Sherwin Williams’ 2021 paint color of the year, Urbane Bronze, on a custom paneled wall behind your bed for instant drama in the room. Be sure to balance everything out with lighter bedding and accessorize with small pops of fresh color like blush or a soft, muted teal. – Interior Redoux
13. Sustainable, high-quality pieces
As our commitment to conscious and intentional consumerism continues into 2021, I foresee a focus on adding well-made, sustainable, and high-quality pieces to our home. Pieces that will last for years to come, and create long-lasting memories. – Jessica of Oh, I Design Studio & Blog
14. Metallic inlay cabinetry
We think that metallic inlay in cabinetry is going to be big this year, but remember to use trends sparingly because they will always come and go. The ultimate goal is to create a space that makes you happy, comfortable, and shows your personality. – Lyrd Interiors
15. Statement offices
Up until recently, many home offices were just a pretty mini-library or an afterthought. With the current number of people working from home, a statement office has become a necessity rather than a trend. Pamela O’Brien of Pamela Hope Designs expects there to be more focus on ambiance and efficiency in home offices this year. Not only do they need to be functional, they often must be video-friendly which may create additional needs for lighting, acoustics, and attractive backdrops. – Pamela Hope Designs
16. Earth tones and warm colors
Designers are moving away from cooler colors and are looking for more warmth and comfort in their color palettes. Earth tones are becoming very popular which we can see from the Sherwin Williams 2021 color of the year. I think we will see a rise in warm grays, creams, earthy greens, and muted blues. This will be present not only in wall paint but also in fabric selections for furniture and cabinetry colors in kitchens and bathrooms. – Sheer Interiors
Gone are the days of all-white everything. We’re especially loving the use of hunter green as a new neutral. It makes your space feel like it’s the very embodiment of ‘hygge‘ while being classic enough to look great for years to come. – House Sprucing
17. Making our spaces a reflection of who we are
2020 gave us the gift of reminding us how fragile and unique we are. Happiness is a choice that we create within our surroundings. 2021 will bring a deeper intention to how we remodel our spaces so they are true to the soul of the people that inhabit them. This new year will bring the trend of choosing a style that rings true to ourselves making our spaces a reflection of who we are. – 2112 Design Studio
18. Deep rich colored cabinetry
Embracing deep hues of blues or greens in kitchen and bath cabinetry is something we expect to see throughout 2021. Our firm has embraced using these deep rich colors in our designs and we expect to use this as a feature throughout the year. Pairing rich colors in cabinetry with stained warm oak flooring and bold hardware is something we are working on right now. – Ponton Interiors
19. Embracing biophilic design
For many people, spending time outdoors, immersed in nature, is often a great way to feel more at peace, refreshed and zen, especially now, during Covid-19, where our time outdoors is limited. Certain decor touches and elements can help to recreate that feeling, bringing nature and the outdoors into our spaces. A simple way to incorporate the outdoors into the design of your home (biophilic design) is by adding plants, natural fibers or textures, colors inspired by nature, and elements such as rocks, sand, and wood to your decor. – Anastasios Interiors
20. Beautiful rooms that maximize space and functionality
Reimagine your home by redesigning rooms in order to maximize space and functionality, especially for an office and home study area. Transform outdoor spaces to create the feeling of being on vacation. – Susan Corvo Redesign
21. Spaces that reflect fewer trends
In 2021, we will see far fewer trends used in interior design; rather, designs that align with our clients’ very own personal interpretations and uses for their spaces. We see more personal ownership in the final project design as clients are naturally spending more time exploring their own living spaces – a renaissance of “home.” – Scottsdale Interior Design Group
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