Interior Decor Trends 2021
The last 12 months have been a time like no other. For most of us, this has been the first time we have lived through a pandemic and the resulting world-wide lock-downs have lead to both significant changes in the way we interact with others, and the way in which we interact with our homes.
Home has never been as important as it has been these last 12 months. From a place to sleep and eat, home has been turned into our offices, media centres and places of safety and comfort. Our expectations and needs have changed and these are being reflected in home decor trends for 2021.
After years of an emphasis on sleek, simple and minimalistic design, with a focus on whites and greys, we are now seeing colours and styles that represent warmth and happy memories making a return to favour.
From bright colours that make us smile; to glimpses of the past and simpler times; to wooden and rattan furniture and finishes that make us think of tropical holidays past - this year’s trends are all about creating a sense of warmth and happiness.
Bright colours
A contrast to endless palettes of white and grey, 2021 sees the return of bright colours, particularly yellows, oranges and greens. From bed covers to bright walls and sofas, these colours are everywhere. Linked to them are motifs of lemons and mandarines which are making a return via home accessories, wallpapers and furnishings. I am actually wearing a t-shirt with lemons on it as I type!
Anthropology - Lemon Wallpaper, Happy Walls - Mandarin
For most of us, these bright pops are likely to only feature as accent colours - brightening up a more neutral palette rather than dominating the room. However, if you are feeling a bit braver, then apply these colours more liberally. Using the 60/30/10 rule, flip the dial and turn 60% of your room into a haven of yellow, orange or even green, while applying whites, creams and other neutrals to the remainder of the room.
Credit to This Old House (www.thisoldhouse.com)
Credit to Ideal Home UK (www.idealhomeuk.co.uk)
Retro
Related to a return to bright colours, we are seeing a clear re-birth of 1970s styles and decor. No, not brown! There is more to the 1970s than brown corduroy I promise!
Beautiful retro 1970s wallpapers with bold prints, velvet-looking sofas in bold bright colours, and an abundance of greenery within the house are all nods to a decade that some say “fashion forgot”.
Creating a sense of nostalgia, this style can be partnered with a neutral background to tone the look down, or alternatively featured more prominently for the brave at heart!
Check out 70s House Manchester (www.70shousemanchester.com) or Little Greene (www.littlegreene.eu) to shop these wallpapers.
Moodboards designed by Interiorology
Modern Victorian
An update of sorts on the recent CottageCore trend, Vintage Interiors is really taking off in 2021.
Think beautiful textiles and accessories (such as those from famous Victorian textiler William Morris), this style employs layering and colour to create a sense of warmth and old world luxe.
The antithesis to mass-produced neutral decor, this style embraces detailed patterns that look and feel bespoke (even if they are not) and takes us to a slower time, when decor items were individualised and made by hand.
A perfect excuse to hit flea markets, this style encourages an eclectic feel.
To add a modern touch, team with ultra-modern furniture such as an occasional chair or create a feature wall painted in a shade of beautiful ruby, emerald or sapphire.
William Morris, Bird and Pomegranate
Moodboard designed by Interiorology
Yellow and Grey
One half of Pantone’s Colour of the year, Lemon Yellow is definitely having a ‘moment’. Lemon yellow is one of those colours that suits both a masculine and feminine room, and can be used as both a dominant or accent colour. Because it is paired back compared to brighter yellows, it does not overwhelm the eye, but still provides a real pop of optimism and happiness to any room.
Grey on the other hand speaks to strength and stability and works well with homes that still retain large swathes of grey from previous decors.
Paired together, and we have a timeless (if not slightly 1980s) palette that somehow looks both cool and warm at the same time. The two colours can be combined in equal measure or with one acting as an accent with the other taking on the dominant role.
Credit to Ideal Home UK (www.idealhomeuk.com)
Natural textures
Natural textures such as cane, rattan and jute provide warmth and strength to any decor.
As this trend continues to take off, we are seeing more and more home furnishings in these materials.
Resilient and textured to the touch, they can be used to create a more relaxed feel (think beach house) or a more formal feel (think British Colonial Style). The possibilities are endless.
Chain store or bespoke, there is no limit to the way in which you can apply this trend. Think a beautiful rattan bedside table or buffet, coupled with jute or sisal rugs and fresh flowers cut straight from the garden. Gorgeous!
Photos sourced from: Home 1 - Housefiz.com; Home 2 - www.avintagesplendor.com; Home 3 - www.freshdesignpedia.com; Home 4 - www.homestolove.com.au
Ocean vibes
Influenced by Benjamin Moore’s 2021 Color of the Year, Aegean Teal, this timeless colour reminds us of tropical holidays past (and hopefully holidays that we will enjoy again before too long!).
More muted than other teals, but fuller in colour than some of the muted greens we have seen in recent years, this colour group warms us at the same time as sending our thoughts to cool waters, Coupled with a neutral or natural palette (think Scandi) this colour provides a perfect tranquil pop to any room.
Benjamin Moore, Aegean Teal
Over to you!
What do you think about this year’s big trends? Yay or Nay? Have you tried any yourself? Let me know if you have. As always, if you have any questions, or need some help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Ax