2021 Interior Design Trends
The coronavirus pandemic changed the relationship we have with our homes. As we all spent more time indoors due to the pandemic and lockdowns, we have had to re-imagine how to utilise our living spaces to create classrooms, home offices, home gyms and even pubs. We have adapted and learned how to use our homes for more than we’ve ever been used to.
Whether you have taken advantage of the stamp duty holiday and have recently purchased a home that’s in serious need of redecorating or whether it’s just time to just rethink how you utilise your living space, we take a look at nine of the top interior design trends for 2021 that will transform your home and add flair and functionality to any space.
Sculpted Furniture
Image: https://www.delia-designs.com/blog-post/curved-sofas
With more people spending their time at home, room layouts are becoming increasingly informal as we look to shift away from more traditional furniture and spaces in favour of a more laid-back approach. This is where sculpted furniture works well. Sculptural furniture – like curved sofas and retro coffee tables – help to break up a tired space and improve the atmosphere of a room. Because of this more laid-back approach to living, materials and finishes are also following suit. Consumers are looking for materials that will stand the test of time rather than look pretty such as reclaimed wood, metals as well as marble and stone.
Minimalism
Image: Photo by Inside Weather on Unsplash
Minimalism has been a very popular theme and trend this year so far. Minimalist design embodies everything it means to keep a space simple and uncluttered, accentuating key features and focal points of a space. In recent times of uncertainty, we all need a space where we can feel calm, somewhere to relax and unwind when things get tough, and a minimalist space offers just that. The minimalist design isn’t for everyone however when complete they do provide such an elegant and tranquil space.
Swimming Pools
Image: Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash
Swimming pools being integrated into homes are becoming more popular each and every day throughout 2021. If there was one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that we need our homes to be fully equipped with everything we need in the situation of not being able to travel as freely. Swimming pools are a welcomed addition to homes with the space, as it perfectly sets you up for those lovely summer days or can even support your fitness regime.
Home Gyms
Image: Photo by Risen Wang on Unsplash
Home gyms have grown in popularity over the years. The opportunity to wake up and simply head downstairs has been a dream for many. 2021 has seen this dream accelerate with home gyms being installed. For those of you that love starting your day with a workout and wanting to continue that trend during the past year with gyms closed. The best solution was to bring the gym to your own homes. This enabled an opportunity to keep exercising, staying fit all from the comfort of your own homes.
Cottagecore
Image: https://www.hm.com/co/7002e-modern-romantic-interior/
Cottagecore is a trend that became hugely popular in 2020. With over one million hashtags on Instagram this is one interior trend that isn’t slowing down. Characterised by the simplicity and romanticism of country living, Cottagecore for 2021 adopts a more contemporary approach mixing a soft, muted colour palette – think creams mixed with rustic tones such as terracotta, mustard and greens - with chunky knitted soft furnishings, exposed wood and vintage inspired homewares for an interior that is familiar yet cosy. The beauty of this rural aesthetic is that it can easily be brought into any home – opt for natural furniture such as reclaimed wood and add foliage to help bring the countryside indoors.
Sleek Kitchens
Image: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
Storage is and will continue to be an important part of every kitchen space and if 2020 has taught us all anything it’s that each square inch of the kitchen needs to work harder and do more – which is where the sleek kitchen trend comes in. Think fully integrated hardware, hidden appliances and a de-cluttered worktop paired with modern colours, premium materials and carefully curated lighting to give a space that is modern as it is practical. Handless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest features of a sleek kitchen, giving a more refined and modern look.
Sustainability & Nature
Image: Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash
The pandemic forced many of us to look at interior design in a different way. As more of us focused on reducing our carbon footprint by reusing and upcycling existing furniture and accessories, others looked at the way they consumed products and used objects. Heading in to 2021 we expect much more of the same, with many of us looking at more sustainable ways of living – whether that’s upcycling furniture, shopping second-hand, being more energy efficient or opting for products that are made entirely of recycled materials such as bamboo and reclaimed wood, sustainability is here to stay.
Make the home office a focal point
Image: Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash
With working from home looking to be the new normal, the idea of the home office space has evolved. Makeshift home offices on the dining room table or dressing table in the bedroom are no longer acceptable, with many turning to solutions to carve out a dedicated home workspace that allows for productivity and creativity. For those that don’t have the luxury of a spare room to transform, expect to see many brands and designers creating inventive furniture that will allow you to turn non-functional wall space into a foldaway office.
Snug spaces
Image: Photo by Yehleen gaffney on Unsplash
The way we live and utilise our homes has changed forever. If we’ve taken one thing out of 2020, though, is that we need to surround ourselves with things that make us happy. One big interior trend for 2021 is curating spaces in the home that showcase you and your passions – whether that’s art, family photographs, ornaments, plants or soft furnishings as long as the finished article is well-curated as opposed to looking like a thrift shop it will leave you feeling cosy and happy inside.
Conclusion
The past year has been one of the most unusual years we’ve had however from an interior design standpoint, it has truly dictated our thoughts around what we need with our homes. These trends have been at the top of the list for many of us and have gained huge traction across the year so if you’re looking for inspiration, we hope this gives you food for thought.
If you’re looking for more expert advice around interior design or are looking on embarking on a professional interior design project, then contact SP3 London. We are a specialist interior design and design management house delivering high end interior design.