The world has turned upside down in 2020. In the turmoil, our home became our centre, our haven.

It’s necessary for our mental health to feel good in our own home, to make it personal and inviting. In addition, the need for multifunctional spaces has increased – pre-covid times we only needed space for sleeping and dining, now we live almost every moment of our lives between those walls – from home office to gym or school. Conscious interior design has never been more important.

What can help you navigate between the trends in 2021?

Efficient space planning is the first step – multifunctional furniture can save the day! Think creatively and focus on the usability of your objects.

In 2021, the question of environmental impact will be unavoidable, as it is becoming common for consumers to make more informed decisions. Aspects of sustainability are also reflected in the interior design: timeless design, the use of natural and recycled materials, and the transparent communication of the manufacturer are enhanced. In line with the customers’ wishes, the European brands promise premium materials and high quality in 2021.

 

STYLES

We can choose from so many styles in 2021 and combine them as we like. The important part is to express our personality and to make our home a stable point in this changing world. Nature continues to serve as inspiration – biophilia was already a leading trend in interior design in 2020, and probably gonna stay for a while. 2021 will be a tactile year – the sensation of different textures comes forward. – Dare to play with with the styles, textures and shapes!

Scandinavian

The Scandinavian style has been one of the most popular home design trends for years and for a good reason. It combines aesthetics with practicality in a balanced way, yet the most important thing with this style is its closeness to nature, the tranquillity and harmony – the hygge. The Nordic style in 2021 will be more sophisticated and atmospheric than ever.

Biophilic design is closely linked to Scandinavian style, as the essence of the trend is to consciously incorporate nature into interiors, creating harmony between man and his environment. Beyond the serenity, this style also encourages creativity and can reduce the stress level. An essential part of it is the presence of live or dried plants and the use of natural materials. Invite nature to your home!

Minimalism

Minimalism also remains popular. The motto ‘Less is more’ has become essential in 2020 as we spend more time at home. Minimalist style is especially practical in small apartments, as the clutter-free environment doesn’t seem stark due to the size; and if one or two pieces stand out, it only makes the space more personal. In 2021, the clean, simple living space will be filled with colour, warming the former monochrome coolness – it’s the revived minimalism.

Grandmillenial

The grandmillenial style takes us back to the safe childhood by evoking a sense of nostalgia and the details of our grandmothers’ home with its elegant decor and floral patterns. In times of crisis, we like to return to the classics, which now means ‘granny style’ in interior design.

 

Whichever interior design trend you choose, don’t forget to personalize the space by mixing colours, textures and styles.

 

COLOURS OF THE YEAR

In 2021, earth tones will clearly dominate. After the turmoil of 2020, we all long for a little comfort and security – and the soft, warm tones radiate harmony and serenity.

Such an earthly colour is Urban Bronze from Sherwin-Williams.

“The home is now the ultimate retreat from the world, and color is an easy and effective way to create a personal haven,” as Sue Wadden, director of colour marketing at Shwerwin-Williams stated in a press realease. “Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal.”

Dulux colour experts also named a warm tone as the colour of the year. BraveGround creates a sense of security while also providing an opportunity for growth and development – it gives a solid foundation for change and creativity in your home.

If you haven’t been at the ocean this year, you can smuggle its colours and ambience into your home with Benjamin Moore‘s Aegean Teal.

Naturally, Pantone also came up with new colours. In 2021 the chosen ones are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. According to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone colour agency, this combination combines the resilience and optimism we need now.

 

MATERIALS

In addition to visuality, there is a strong emphasis on the tactile-kinesthetic perception of fabrics in the new year, so let’s be bold with the use of different textures!

The influence of nature is also reflected when choosing materials, thus it’s popular to use natural linen, wool, jute or rattan, which creates a beautiful contrast with metal surfaces.

Velvet, a forever classic, is the perfect blend of luxury and comfort – just what we need after 2020.

Marble is synonymous with elegance and luxury. It is a timeless design, but in 2021 it might take a backseat. The rival terrazzo, the ‘new marble pattern’, is softer, warmer in appearance, so everyone who has considered marble too cold for all its beauty so far should feel free to experiment with terrazzo. It has traditionally appeared as a floor pattern but has now spread to ornaments, wallpaper and furniture.

Apart from wicker and rattan, solid wood furniture and Scandinavian-style light wood will also be present in 2021’s home decor trends. Among the metals, warm metals such as bronze or copper remain popular.

 

LIVING ROOM

The living room is one of the central elements of the house. Now that we stay at home a lot more, it is especially important that everyone and everything has a comfortable place. The concept of ‘lived-in luxury’ seeks to create spaces that radiate both cosiness and elegance.

Among our conscious customers, the use of natural fabrics, sustainable leather or even recycled materials will become more prominent in 2021. In terms of colours, grey and its various shades enjoy the spotlight as it can be combined well with other elements, but green, cream and blue are also popular.

Speaking of living rooms, the trends may change, but the sofa remains – it is worth choosing a timeless piece as it can be updated at any time with the help of throws and pillows, adjusting to the current trends.

Modular sofas provide a good start when designing a living room – they can be well adapted to individual needs and also play an important role in optimal space planning.

Soft lines come into view – although precise geometric forms of upholstered furniture are still noticeable present. The main inspiration for 2021 is the combination of cosiness and comfort with functionality. Thus, the former strict lines will soften as the new year comes, giving room for rounder shapes and a more inviting look. Maximum comfort is provided by modern technology; the electric relax function continues to play an important role in sofas. The ergonomically designed relax armchairs feature a swivel foot and a footrest for maximum comfort.

Nothing reflects the desire for multifunctional use of space better than a sofa bed, as we can magick a bedroom from the living room with one swift movement.

 

The living room will reach the maximum cosiness with smaller pieces of furniture and accessories – every detail counts. Scandinavian-style hand-woven wool rugs, handcrafted ceramics and vases warm up the room. In addition to their stylish appearance, the coffee and side tables are also really functional. Cabinets and sideboards are part of the tradition, today with modern features so everything can be stored and displayed properly.

BEDROOM

The bedroom is the most intimate part of our home, the ultimate retreat if we need solitude – this is our personal oasis. It is therefore essential that the room radiate serenity and harmony and that it reflects our personality.

For a long time, the use of pure white or beige was the leading trend in the bedroom, but in recent years, colors have come back. 2021 pushes white off the stage for sure. So feel free to choose a tone that suits your personal style, be it a darker, peaceful green or even the bright yellow of ‘Illuminating’. Nicole Sullivan, the founder of CULTIVER, says that in addition to having a calming effect, green reflects our closeness to nature.

The inspiration of nature is present in the bedroom not only in terms of colour use but also in terms of material choice. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, the use of quality materials and a bit of luxury.

We spend so much of our time sleeping, it’s only logical to choose our bed wisely. Boxspring beds are still big favourites as all of the components fit together perfectly, creating a synergic system that brings out the best of every module. However, instead of the wooden headboards of previous years, the upholstered headboard emerges again, frame wraps around and encloses the mattress for a new feeling of total comfort and adding a little luxury to the bedroom.

Get the most out of both style and functionality – that’s best to keep in mind.

So that our nick-nacks do not distract us and to have enough space and tranquillity for self-reflection, it is worth choosing a practical, at the same time stylish chest of drawers or bedside table.

DINING ROOM

The dining room is not just a place to eat. It can be also a meeting point, so, in addition to design, it is important to choose functional and quality pieces. A well-chosen expandable table is particularly practical in terms of space utilisation. And with a comfortable swivel chair, the dining room can turn into either a home-office or a place to study.

The pursuit of sustainability also appears in this room in choosing materials and creating an atmosphere. A leather chair or a ceramic table could be an excellent choice. If you recall the iconic movie, nobody puts Baby in the corner –  choose an oval table without corners.

Rustic solid wood tables also have their golden age. Besides giving a more natural look to our home, they are also unique, as the apparent veins tell the whole life of a tree.

We can also display our beautiful set of antique porcelain, our handcrafted ceramics – a glass sideboard creates space for our objects without hiding them.

 

HOME OFFICE

In 2021, it is definitely worth turning a corner in our home into a workplace if we haven’t already done so. The emphasis is on functionality and comfort. A well-chosen dining chair can be moved into the study, and a dresser or bookshelf can even be a stylish part of our Zoom background. Lighting is especially important here: on one hand, to give a little rest to our poor eyes focusing on the monitor 8 or more hours per day, and on the other hand, to helps us shine in the best possible light at workplace meetings. The use of warm colors in 2021 will smuggle more joy and calmness into our long working hours.

 

LIGHTING

In 2021, lamps can be the jewellery of the rooms – we should let them be!

As the focus shifts to the home as a result of the pandemic, it is essential that our apartment is beautiful, not just functional – including lights. The pendants, chandeliers, table lamps, etc radiate warmth, create a pleasant atmosphere and illuminate even the darkest spots – making every corner usable. It is no coincidence that light is one of the central elements of the Danish hygge – it fundamentally affects the atmosphere of our home and thus our well-being.

Apart from LED bulbs, classic warm-light and dimmer switch lamps are also emerging.

In 2021, ceiling lights will be at the centre of the room – literally and figuratively. Valentina Gori, an expert at Smart Lighting Industries, says in the new year, everyone can find the right design for them, be it elegant or extravagant, modern or rustic. “Thoughtfully placed, cleverly designed and carefully crafted ceiling lights will transform rooms. Lighting will become a starting point for design rather than being left until last.”

 

STORAGE

We place more and more emphasis on the functionality of our furniture and space planning. This is greatly aided by dressers, sideboards and console tables, which stylishly hide things we don’t want to keep in mind – from the hallway through the dining room to the bedroom.

OUTDOORS

Let’s not forget about the garden or, in its absence, the plants. In early 2020, the popularity of gardening or starting a balcony garden soared. The restrictions, lockdown and the lack of programs are all tempting us to make gardening our latest hobby and to keep family gatherings outdoors. Or maybe you just want to read outside with a glass of wine in the evening. Well-chosen outdoor furniture is not only practical, as it can withstand the weather, it is also comfortable and inviting. However, before you redesign your garden, it’s worth thinking about what you want to emphasize – furniture or nature.

The lines between indoor and outdoor may blur in 2021 to give us more room – in harmony with nature. An option for projecting interiors outdoors can be placing a soft carpet, pillows outside, but lighting also plays an important part.

Although currently, we do not have many opportunities to travel, discover new places, communities, we still have control over our home. If we have no effect on anything else, we can still form our place to our liking, even with the slightest changes. Home renovation is a long-term investment, and a cosy, welcoming environment also has a positive effect on our mental health.