Design Trends 2021
2020 made us all spend more time in our homes than ever before, which cued the fixer upper in all of us. We found inspiration in these spaces we usually just pass through. Quarantine allowed us to see the potential in these spaces, which ignited creativity in many of us. As we enter a new year, many of us are still working from home and doing our best to create a new normal. Improving our living spaces is one way many have entertained and enjoyed themselves in this time.
Each year, I identify a few trends that I believe to excel in the new year as do many other designers. These trends can also serve as goals or visions of what a designer aspires their work to look like. After thoughtfully thinking through the endless elements of design I admire and enjoy, I’ve come to three trends I see emerging in this new year, as well as trends I plan to utilize in my design.
1. TRUE VINTAGE STYLE
When I say vintage, I don’t just mean items that were mass manufactured and distressed to achieve a vintage look. I mean items from other worlds and other times. Items that have history and meaning. Items that tell a story. The process of designing and decorating your home is like writing your own beautiful lines of poetry. Each detail should be inspired and strike curiosity. Vintage design is romantic and elegant, yet simple and charming. Don’t fall victim to the masses of getting everything everyone else has and try to find unique one of kind pieces that speak to your soul. Did you see that vintage blue metal baby high chair I got from my mom the other day? Not only is it the cutest little thing ever, it’s also one of a kind and it makes me think of my mom every time.
2. TEXTURES
There are endless ways to use texture in design. From wallpaper, to mixing textiles, wood accents, tile, faux brick walls, lighting… the ways to incorporate texture are truly limitless. I think adding textures in your home is a way to push something past ordinary and make it something truly spectacular.
It’s no secret that wallpaper is making a glimmering come back. Style and design are constantly evolving and trends of the past always re-emerge (praying carpet in bathrooms never makes its way back though… YUCK) and among those items is wallpaper. Adding a wallpaper pattern that makes you excited is a great way to elevate your space.
Wall and ceiling treatments are also a wonderful way to incorporate texture into your home. You can choose to make a bold statement or choose something more subtle. Either way, applied molding and paint can take your space to the next level. I recently purchased a ceiling medallion for my dining room. I can’t wait to paint it black and get it hung!
3. EARTHY TONES
Out with the gray and white, in with the warmth! I can’t be the only one who is excited to see these warmer earthy tones making a comeback. We aren’t going all taupe everything, but we’re trading in the stark white for more muted tones that bring effortless comfort. I can’t help but think 2020 may be the reason we’ve found ourselves drawn to these soothing tones as we’ve all been working towards creating our own homey oasis in the face of a pandemic.
There is a right way to use these moody and cozy tones. You can easily bring too much darkness to a space so your use of darker pallets must be strategic, especially if you’re using them in a smaller space. It’s all about balance and contrast.
I see the earth tones being used with travertine (yes, I said travertine) and stone, wood accents and warm layers of earth tones with your home accents. Mixing those timeless and dare I say traditional elements to make a home feel warm are the cats meow! ;)
Vintage styles, textures and earthy tones are on my 2021 design trend forecast and you’ll certainly be seeing a lot of it on my feed! What trends do you see emerging in the new year? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Designer with a purpose,
Micah Abbananto
