Home Design Trends for 2021

As the year starts to wind down, our design team has been reflecting on the new trends we’ve seen this year and where we think they will be going in the coming months. With 2020 being the strange year that it has, we’re seeing many new or adjusted wants and needs from homeowners. In some areas, we’ve seen more practicality and utility; in others, bolder and brighter style choices. We put together a list of 10 big trends we’re expecting to see grow in the near future – which is by no means exhaustive!

Overall Styles

“Rustic Vogue” or “Cottagecore”

If you follow a lot of design pages, you’ve probably already seen this one cropping up in your instagram feed. This style is typically a modern look, but with vintage and rustic details. The “less is more” philosophy falls by the wayside with this look, but it’s definitely not cluttered. You’ll see more contemporary fixtures like lights and appliances, with things like exposed beams and knotty wood floors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This look is also often characterized by lots of live greenery and textiles, often with varying textures but contemporary prints. It places heavy emphasis on the feelings evoked when you enter a space, going for warm, whimsical, and inviting. The base colors are usually white, cream, or soft warm greys and taupes.

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts period was a design movement that followed the Industrial Revolution and is making a comeback. After industrialization in America, there was a switch of machine made goods becoming less expensive and handmade goods drastically increasing in price. The last couple of years have seen very contemporary designs, but it seems the rich woodwork and handmade adornments are coming back.

This style typically includes wallpapers or rich, dark, and earth-toned paint colors. It focuses on things looking handmade and ornamental but still functional and practical.

Types of Spaces

Dedicated House Plant Areas

The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. More and more people are opting for display spaces for their plant friends, and even entire sunrooms and indoor gardens dedicated to growing greenery. Creeping plants on open shelves (like you see in the above photos) have 1970’s vibes, while bright colored blooms add color in a lively and non-committal way.

Home Offices

It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that we are seeing an increased need for dedicated work-from-home spaces. Even if COVID leaves us soon (fingers crossed), people will likely continue working out of their homes to some extent. Times are changing!

Tip: Have multi-function pieces, like murphy beds for an office to double as a guest bedroom, or a fold-up table that is also a desk or shelf.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

This has been on the scene for a while, but is getting even bigger with COVID and with people looking for ways to be socially distant but still spend time with friends and family. This can be as big as a new covered patio or as simple as just some nice chairs and pillows on blacony or porch.

The “Spa” Bathroom

Another look that’s been in the limelight for some time is the idea of a bathroom doubling as a “home spa”. This is also another one that is on the rise as people are spending more and more time in their homes. Everyone wants a little extra luxury and pampering from time to time!

Colors and Materials

“Muted” Jewel Tones

Jewel tones were on the rise in 2020, and now their more muted siblings are making their way onto the scene. Check out Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Aegan Teal:

Or one of their other 2021 color trends, a deep dusty purple, Amazon Soil:

Light Wood Tones

“Oak” is something people hear and think of the 80’s, but it doesn’t have to be! Scandanavian inspired light wood tones like white oak, birch, and poplar are making waves, especially in cabinetry and flooring.

Whether your style is traditional or modern, light wood tones can go with just about anything. In the above photo, the birch contrasts starkly with the dark blue lower cabinets. In the below photo, you see more of a farmhouse style where the light wood is the focal point.

Warm Grays

Gray has been popular for a while and is here to stay. While all grays have a place in our designs, we’re starting to see more taupe tones and warm, earthy grays. Paint companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams really set the tone for what paint colors will be popular upcoming. Check out these kitchen cabinets, painted Anew Gray by Sherwin Williams:

Or Sherwin Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year, a dark warm gray called Urbane Bronze:

Warm grays are popular because they’re a great mix of warm and cool tones. They’re very contemporary, but still warm and cozy.

Metals

More and more, metal hardware and fixtures are less of an after thought and more of a statement. You have probably noticed brass making its way back into the scene, with black becoming increasingly popular as well.

Mixing finishes is also here to stay. You don’t have to match every metal in your home! In the picture below, you’ll see brass light fixtures and barstools with polished nickel faucets and cabinet hardware.

Which upcoming or continuing trend is your favorite? What do you think is coming in the next year? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure – we are excited!