Interior Design Trends for 2021
Every January, interior design experts & influencers share their interior design trends. This year is different.
COVID-19 has dominated our lives for over a year, and the interior design industry is not immune to its influence.
After searching, studying & curating the top 50 Interior Design Trends for 2021 lists, it became obvious that COVID-19 is the #1 interior design trend for 2021. The environment & climate change is another trend maker. And of course, there are a bunch of “normal” interior design trends...colors of the year, etc.
So, without any further ado, here is the ultimate list of interior design trends for 2021.
COVID-19
THE TOP INTERIOR DESIGN TREND FOR 2021
Like in real life, COVID-19 impacted interior design trends in 2 main ways:
Health - Physical, Mental & Emotional
Working from Home
HEALTH - PHYSICAL, MENTAL & EMOTIONAL
AIR QUALITY
INDOOR PLANTS
Plants help clean the air inside our homes
Indoor herb & vegetable gardens can improve our nutrition
Looking at plants, caring for plants, talking to plants is good for our mental health
Plants = beauty
OUTDOOR SPACE
Entertaining outdoors is much safer than entertaining indoors during this Age of Covid. Expect to see outdoor spaces built for year-round entertaining
Multi-function outdoor spaces - natural spaces, entertaining, play areas, etc
Look at your garden as another room
In addition to furniture & lighting, expect to see investments in our gardens...flowers, vegetables, herbs, even Zen gardens
NATURAL & DURABLE FABRICS
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and rayon will give way to natural and recycled textiles in 2021 as a way to improve air quality in our homes
Durable fabrics that wear well, and can be washed multiple times will be more important
NATURAL LIGHT
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Vitamin D is linked to improved health & resistance to COVID-19. More sunlight leads to increased vitamin D which may lead to better COVID-19 resistance & general health.
A move away from heavy window treatments & towards lighter-weight fabrics can help.
Expect to see more focus on skylights, light wells, and balconies
MENTAL HEALTH
Fear of COVID-19 coupled with the fatigue, anxiety & depression brought on by lockdowns & working from home has hurt our mental health. Most interior design trends for 2021 seek to address those mental health needs in a variety of ways.
FEELING SAFE
Natural-looking color palettes & materials are on-trend in 2021. Simulating nature creates a feeling of nature, health & safety.
NATURE INSPIRED DESIGN
Building on the trends that bring nature indoors, we are seeing a return to earthy colors, textures & materials. Expect to see :
A move away from whites & greys and toward:
New neutral colors like millennial pink aka blush
Earthy, grounded shades like
rusts,
warm greens (olive, moss, forest green),
deep reds,
muddy browns,
burnt orange,
peacock blue
Natural furniture materials & colors
Wicker & rattan furniture will be big
Natural wood cabinets, furniture, and accent pieces are showcased
Natural fabrics like linen
Textured walls
While influencers have called for an end to shiplap siding, we are expecting a new focus on
plaster wall treatments,
wall panels,
tiles,
wallpapers,
peel & stick mural wallpapers
and living walls of plants
Rustic ceramic tile backsplashes in kitchens
COMFORT / WARMTH / COZINESS
Like a great big hug from Mom, the human need to feel comforted during times of stress is universal. This year’s interior design trends are focused on creating a house that feels like a home. Warm, comfortable, cozy, surrounded by loved ones, etc. The following design trends use different terms, but all come back to the idea of a home that is safe, welcoming, warm & cozy
OLD IS NEW AGAIN
For 2021, interior design influencers have identified a number of design styles that offer to take us back in time to a simpler, safer way of life.
GRANDMILLENIAL GRANDEUR or GRANNY CHIC
A modern revival of homey design elements that you might find in your grandparents' home. In a reversal of a sleek, minimalist, mid-century modern look, Granny Chic is defined by velvets, brass, and a mishmash of patterns
Diamond & checkerboard patterned floors fall into the “granny” design trend. Rustic yet refined.
COTTAGECORE (aka Farmcore or Countrycore)
Inspired by an idealized vision of western agricultural life. Think of a simple, back-to-basics lifestyle that is in touch with nature. Ginghams, plaids and checks vying for attention with vintage prints and motifs – all set within a muted, pastel palette.
RUSTIC VOGUE
Rustic vogue has been described as a sophisticated version of Cottagecore. It works best in homes that already have some interesting features - exposed beams, original floorboards, or paneled walls. The goal is a balance of old and new pieces working together in harmony.
CLASSIC TRADITIONALISM
Inspired by the 18th and 19th centuries, classic traditionalism aims to create an elegant & comfortable design with a focus on classic art, antiques, symmetry & historical elements.
SHABBY CHIC
This timeless trend epitomizes faded elegance and an unrefined sense of luxury
OLD WORLD EUROPEAN DESIGNS
Picture darker, moodier rooms with old oil paintings combined with modern light fixtures. Mixing & matching eras to the point where it’s impossible to place what era the room is from.
NEW MINIMALISM - A minimal but warm and welcoming home
Total white is replaced by a palette of warm neutral colors, ranging from off-white to sand, from beige to brown.
The use of natural materials like wood, natural leather, ceramics, marble, and natural fabrics
The presence of fewer furnishings and few decorations. Every item is carefully chosen to be “forever”, like timeless design, handmade pieces, and fine pieces of art.
Polished surfaces are replaced by textures and raw materials
Sculptural shapes and references to primitive and ancestral shapes are also a big part of this trend.
LAYERED MODERN
In 2021, our existing minimalist homes will serve as a blank canvas for additional design elements, furnishings, and decor. Expect to see modern spaces layered with mid-century, traditional, bohemian, Scandinavian, vintage, or farmhouse elements.
CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY
A wander through warm amber tones, mellow meadow prints, and beautiful embroidery. Mix and match natural textures for a cozy and inviting look that lift both home and spirit. Mix muted colors with folksy and characterful prints for a more modern country kind-of-vibe.
FAMILY FOCUSED DESIGN
A space that’s designed with big groups and family in mind. A space that feels welcoming and warm, stable, and prepared for everyone. Since 2020 made us feel all so apart, we now feel the need to be closer to our loved ones. A great way to feel like you are still with them, even when you can’t still be physical with them, is by incorporating family pieces. Embrace those vintage pieces, bring something that will make you feel nostalgic, and use them in your home decoration.
HAND-CRAFTED FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
The shift towards “old-fashioned” design styles means that skilled craftsmen and makers will be busy in 2021. Their work dovetails with the “granny” trends as well as the environmental trend of keeping it local.
Handmade Studio Ceramics
people are taking more and more notice of hand-made studio ceramics, both for decoration and investment.
KNICK KNACKS
Cozy up with knick-knacks, art, sculptures, objets
COUNTERTOP LIGHTING
Lamps on kitchen and bathroom countertops take us back to older, simpler times and creates an inviting and homey feeling.
AN EVEN GREATER FOCUS ON ENTERTAINMENT SPACES
COVID-19 has made home entertainment spaces an even bigger interior design trend. Expect bigger TV’s, better sound systems, and more comfortable seating.
MENTAL HEALTH - ESCAPE / JOY / PLAYFULNESS
In addition to feeling safe and protected, feeling joy is something we all need after this year of Covid insanity. Designers will help by bringing a sense of joy, escape & playfulness into our homes.
STRONG COLORS MIXED WITH NEUTRALS
NEUTRALs
All-white interiors may be over.
Blush (millennial pink) has been the hot color for a while. Now, it’s becoming the hot neutral color...bye-bye greige
Earthy-toned paint colors are going to be popular. Expect to see lots of:
rusts
warm greens (olive, moss, forest green)
deep reds
muddy browns
burnt orange
peacock blue
BOLD COLORS
Expect to see an emphasis on bright palettes and rich colors
Pantone's 2021 Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating
A meeting of old & new...grey has been popular for a few years +bright yellow embodies the new trend of adding a pop of color
Rich, luxurious, dark hues
Go big with Blue - ocean hued aquas and inky blues will be big in 2021
The bold color trend isn’t limited to paint. Wallpaper, murals & furniture are places where we will see bold color choices. A bright red couch combined with neutral walls straddles the line between last year’s minimalism & 2021 maximalism.
Statement-Making Walls
bold paint colors,
floral-patterned wallpaper,
peel and stick wallpaper,
murals painted in countryside scenes,
living walls,
textured walls,
wall fabrics, etc.
BOLD ART
Graphic art
Abstract art
Expect a revival of art deco & the Memphis art movement
BOLD SHAPES
Geometric Shapes - Postmodern and 1980s Memphis-inspired pieces are here to stay! We’re wild for hard-edge geometry that adds dramatic tension to a space
ENTERTAINMENT SPACES
During COVID, Netflix has been a lifesaver for many families. Expect bigger TV’s, better sound systems, and more comfortable seating to become a priority
INDULGENCE / LUXURY
Interior designers will boost our self-esteem with a return to indulgence & luxury in 2021. With the physical, mental & emotional hardships that we have all endured this year, a touch of indulgence & luxury is a welcome gift to please the eye & soothe the soul.
LUXURIOUS DESIGN STYLES
MAXIMALISM
After a decade of minimalism, it’s time for a return of highly decorative and personal interiors. Look forward to:
Fabric-covered rooms feel indulgent and cozy
Luxe fabrics and materials offer a greater sense of comfort
A mix of bright and nature-inspired hues boost our moods
Homeowners style their interiors to tell a story…
Layering old with new
Making a statement through silhouette, fabric choice, color, or unique backstory
Furniture and objects act as souvenirs of our lives
We seek a sense of individualism by using historical references, dark floral patterns, and stained woods in our homes
A 1920s return to ART DECO
Like the Roaring 20s that followed the Spanish Flu pandemic, a lot of people are predicting a similar response post-COVID-19. For interior design, this may mean a big comeback for the elegant luxury of 1920s art deco. Expect to see the symmetrical organization of space, gilded details, noble colors, and plenty of mirrors.
LUXE MINIMALISM
A half-step for those not ready to dive deep into maximalism. Bringing in natural materials like marble, wood, and caning can create a sense of calmness in our personal spaces. Design as a whole will be focused on creating luxury minimal sanctuaries that help invite, relax and unwind.
GLAMOUROUS TECHNOLOGY
Across the entire home furnishings industry, high-tech features are being integrated into high-style furniture, light fixtures, etc. No longer will high tech make your home look “high tech”.
STATEMENT HEADBOARDS AND CANOPIES
With the rise of the boutique hotel and its trending look in residential design, the headboard has become a brilliant focal point in bedroom decor,'
HIGH-STYLE ACCESSORIES
We see accessorizing becoming bolder, more artful, and more personal in 2021
Accessories that bring joy
Creative Table Lamps
ARCHWAY ENTRANCES
Stylish archway designs bring a heightened sense of character and architectural interest to 2021
WORKING FROM HOME
COVID-19 lockdowns forced many of us to work or attend school from home. Our homes weren’t designed for this. In 2021, bedrooms, living rooms & dining rooms will be transformed into hybrid, multi-function rooms. Here are the “Working From Home” interior design trends for 2021:
HOME OFFICE AS FOCAL POINT
A home office must be designed as a space to induce thought.
Look for crisp, clear lines, comfort, and creative inspiration by way of artwork or patterned wallpaper
To make sure we’re getting work done at home, we need a clean (work) slate. Even with a global shift to granny-chic & maximalist interiors, our home offices should reflect more of a minimalist vibe.
MULTIPURPOSE SPACES
We all made our living spaces work for us last year, and many of our rooms served multiple purposes. We added workspaces to our living rooms, classrooms into our kitchens, and gyms to our bedrooms. This year, people will hire designers to take their DIY efforts to a higher level.
Expect a move away from open concept floor plans. Work from home types should consider dedicated zones for office work. Thanks to Covid, we are home more & an open space doesn’t work for kids doing virtual school while parents work from home.
Rethink formal rooms - dining room at night, office in the day
Multipurpose furniture
It’s not just floor plans & furniture. Next year will be all about durable fabrics, comfortable upholstery, and furniture pieces that are versatile and chic
Less is more. Ask yourself what can be removed, what elements are not essential, and then organize according to priorities.
Prioritize Storage
BIDETS
While this trend may seem a little ridiculous, we all remember how people hoarded toilet paper at the start of COVID. Many trend lists highlighted an increase in requests for bidets to be included in bathroom renos. Who knew?
ENVIRONMENTAL / GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2021
Climate change & the environment have taken a back seat to COVID-19. But, that doesn’t mean environmental concerns have disappeared from society or the interior design industry. Here are the environmental/green interior design trends for 2021…
ECO CHIC
Engage your senses with meaningful design and calming fabrics. Eco chic plays to our desire for spiritual connection, sustainability and well-being.
Colors and textures have a hint of craft with warm tones coming to the fore. The new color palette includes golden beige, moss green, soft olive, and earthy orange.
Soft & resilient fabrics like matte velvet, boucle & linen are simultaneously durable & comforting.
SUSTAINABILITY & NATURE
We will continue to see an increase in the use of natural materials and more focus on sustainability in the interiors industry
Patterns, organic materials, and conscious décor. The world is changing and people are starting to look more into long-lasting décor gems. Nowadays not only beauty is important, but sustainability and quality play a role.
NATURAL MATERIALS
Earth tones, terra cotta, wicker, rattan, wood, linen
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and rayon may lose ground to natural and recycled textiles in 2021
Accessorize with natural stone, wood, seashells, living plants, ceramics, beach sand, wood, or straw.
Pictures, wallpapers & murals of animals, birds, leaves, and flowers will continue to be popular.
DECORATIVE SMART LIGHTING
Smart lighting allows homeowners to set schedules, save energy, save money and create an ambiance that fits their needs.
NATURAL LIGHTING
Vitamin D is linked to improved health & resistance to COVID-19. More sunlight leads to increased vitamin D which may lead to better COVID-19 resistance & general health.
A move away from heavy window treatments & towards lighter-weight fabrics can help.
Expect to see more focus on skylights, light wells, and balconies
THE “NORMAL” INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2021
These are the interior design trends that have nothing to do with COVID-19 or the environment. Design trends that are based purely on aesthetics & the industry’s natural shifts between interior design styles. You know, the fun stuff.
GLOBAL INFLUENCE
Inspired by earthy color palettes and warm, natural textures, the Global Influence trend pairs perfectly with wooden, woven, and rattan home accessories. This trend declares that it’s time to explore ideas, materials, and artistry offered by people of other cultures and origin
The bold safari feel is influenced by wildlife and African plains.
The laid-back lifestyle of Hawaii has been reimagined in this next trend.
Japandi, a mash-up of Nordic & Japanese styles is also trending for 2021.
The Scandinavian and Japanese styles are already quite minimalist, simple, and functional. White dominates all environments. Natural materials and organic forms referencing the great Nordic and Japanese designers of the 50s are key.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Industrial design incorporates elements such as exposed stonework, high ceilings, wood and metal elements, and neutral colors.
PERSONALIZATION
If none of these styles work for you, a lot of design influencers are calling for personalization to be the #1 interior design trend for 2021. After the year we have all been through, it may be time to ignore all these trends, and personalize the space any darn way you want to. Our homes should not be limited to the framework of one style but should meet the needs and preferences of the owners.
eDESIGN
Technology is making interior design more affordable & expanding the client base
KITCHEN DESIGN
Sleek European influenced kitchen designs - exotic finishes, invisible latches, integrated hardware, and unusual space solutions
Gray kitchen interiors may become less popular
indigo blue may be a particularly trendy kitchen color in 2021.
Green cabinets
Expect both lighter and deeper shades will be popping up in kitchens everywhere in 2021.
Rustic ceramic tile in kitchens
"Gone are the days of smooth porcelain or glass subway tile," Street told Insider. "I'm starting to see a lot of hand-thrown ceramic tiling that shows some natural variation, like Moroccan zellige tile."
DOORS
Barn doors will be replaced with pocket doors or classic French doors
PAINT TECHNIQUES
Accent walls will be replaced with wallpaper murals & textured walls. These elements will be combined with new neutrals to create points of interest.
FURNITURE
Matching furniture sets are over
Instead of matchy-matchy furniture sets, focus on complementary colors or designs
LIGHT FIXTURES
Knotted light fixtures using braided and knotted textiles will be popular in 2021
METAL
Partially due to a return to natural & industrial design elements, metal is going to be popular in 2021. In addition to kitchen & bath applications, metal is going to be popular throughout the home.
Warm metals like brass, bronze, and copper are going to be big
Metal lamps combine perfectly with marble, glass, and concrete
Interior Design Trends for 2021
Only in 2021 could COVID-19 be the #1 interior design trend. Fingers crossed, we’re back to some sort of normal next year & the interior design trends for 2022 are way less serious & way more fun. Stay healthy everybody.
DIRECTORY
SOURCES
I used Google to search for the top 50 “interior design trends for 2021” lists. There was a LOT of overlap. If you want to dive deeper, here is a list of my favorite search results from the initial list of 50.
