Rising Interior Design Trends for 2021

What a year it has been for all of us as individuals, for the world, and even for the design industry. It’s incredible to look back and see how significantly the events of 2020 transformed the way we view design and how we utilize our homes. As we head into a new year, I always enjoy sharing rising trends and predictions with you, and this year has certainly given me, along with the rest of the design industry, a lot to think about. 

My number one design takeaway from 2020: the home has become more important than ever, and comfort, health, and livability will become some of the most significant design considerations for 2021.

Now, let’s dive into the details.

Cozy and Comforting Spaces 

When the world is full of uncertainty, having a space that feels like an escape from the outside world is so important, and a warm, layered space filled with elevated yet approachable design can give you a sense of much-needed comfort. 

We certainly have recognized the value of our homes this past year and I anticipate this feeling of strong connection to our spaces is here for the long run. It’s important that you feel at peace in your home and that your design exudes comfort and personalized livability through cozy and thoughtful design.

Warm Tones and Textural Elements 

Going hand-in-hand with our increased desire for a cozy and comforting home, warm-toned colors and rich, textural pieces have definitely been on the rise. Taking over the cooler greys we had been seeing for years, these earth color palettes add a rich and warm essence to the home, mimicking nature, which can bring tremendous peace to days spent largely indoors. 

I love to incorporate textural wood throughout interior spaces to bring in warmth and richness. Also consider sunlight as a design element; it can truly make a room come alive, adding brightness to the design and our mindsets. 

Reimagined Room Utilization 

Now more than ever, we’ve seen how important it is to design a home around our personal way of living, rather than traditional room formalities. As we work with clients on new floor plans and designs, it is incredibly important to prioritize how they live day-to-day, as opposed to how a room is designated to function. 

For example, while kitchens traditionally might not have a desk in them, if you’re balancing work-from-home with e-learning and the classroom has become the kitchen island, having a desk nearby might be incredibly useful. 

Prioritizing your way of living might mean there are more multi-functional spaces. For example, maybe a home gym and a children’s play space fit into the same room, allowing you to get your workout in while watching your kids. 

Less is More for Liveability

With more time spent at home staring at that shelf filled with things you haven’t touched in years (everyone has one), you’re probably realizing the adverse effects clutter can have on the liveability of our homes. Decluttering our spaces goes hand-in-hand with decluttering our lives and minds, reducing stress and making our surroundings more livable. Both design and lifestyle trends are now leaning towards “less is more.” Buy fewer, but better items, streamline your designs, and consider what you really need, versus what you’re just hanging on to.

Design-Forward Home Offices

Home offices are certainly not going anywhere, and just like the rest of the home, it’s important that the design of your office is practical, liveable, and inspiring. 

We now have seen the value of having quiet, comfortable and private spaces to put our heads down and work. Even if we do start to return to our offices in the near future, the opportunity for more remote work is rising, and having a home office is so important, whether it’s for your permanently remote position, the occasional work-from-home day or a late night of crossing things off your to-do list.

Main Bedroom Suites with Secluded Sitting Areas

More and more, we’re seeing requests for sitting spaces within a main bedroom, giving parents a place to sequester, relax, and work if needed. While kids are e-learning, adults are working from home, and the whole family is always around, it’s nice to have a private space. Heading into a year where we will most likely be looking to savor a little privacy after the lack thereof during quarantine, I don’t see this rising trend halting any time soon.

Extension of the Home to the Outdoors

2020 has certainly taught us the value of fresh air and escaping into the outdoors, even if it’s just a few feet out the door. Backyards, patios, and courtyards are becoming more used than ever as we all dream of just getting out. This year has taught us to rethink how we utilize our outdoor spaces and encouraged us to think about outdoor design as a true extension of the home, creating a seamless flow from indoors to out. 

Multifunctional, High-Seating Living Rooms

Living rooms are back to being the central hub of the home. Whether it’s gathering the family for a movie night, serving as the new classroom for e-learning, becoming another office, or all of the above, the living room deserves more multifunctional seating arrangements for 2021. 

Increase of Home Gyms

As the focus on mental and physical health continues to grow, we are seeing a rise in home gyms — and we are here for it. These spaces are a wonderful way to escape within your own home, and they don’t have to be incredibly complex. Consider the ways in which you like to be active and how you imagine using the room, as this will heavily influence the design. 

Hotel-Inspired, Spa-Like Bathrooms

With travel largely still on hold, many people are longing for the feel of a retreat within their own homes. Spa-like bathrooms with elevated design and increased amenities are key for unwinding and relaxing — so if renovation is on your mind, definitely consider the bath.