2021 Trends and Interior Eye Candy //
Raise your hand if you’re still unemployed or working from home. Wow, that’s a lot of you. OK, put your hands down. It’s fair to say that whatever our circumstances are, the majority of us are still spending large amounts of time at home. Despite the vaccine roll out and the collective hope that a return to ‘normal’ is within reach, the future is still uncertain. Let’s move past the gloom and talk about how we can raise our spirits, elevate out abodes and take refuge in created spaces that comfort and inspire. If money is tight, don’t fret, small changes can make a difference. For example, paint your walls in a new shade or pick up a few throw pillows. Do what works for you.
My intention is to share a ‘lil buzz from the industry and shed light on interior design trends for the year(s) ahead knowing that many of us don’t redecorate our homes annually in keeping with what’s ‘hot’. Right? Like, it’s great to get ideas but there is zero pressure to make drastic changes within your home especially when you may be working less (if at all) and priorities have shifted. I get it. Just sit back, take in some info, look at pretty pictures and decide what you’ve got the bandwidth and budget to tackle. A little room refresh can go a long way.
WARNING, SWOON-WORTHY AND INSPIRING PICS FORTHCOMING
After living in the midst of a Pandemic for the past year, it’s time to revisit what’s working or not and maybe make a few changes to the overall feel of your living space. For 2021, there are several distinct concepts for the coming year but they all point in one direction; creating a well-loved, warm and inviting space. It’s about finding refuge and comfort from a multitude of styles and updating or integrating them into your existing space. Read on to see if some of these trends resonate and perhaps have a place in your life. You may be surprised.
- Vintage / antique furniture – You may already have some vintage pieces. Awesome, you’re on trend! It doesn’t have to be a complete and perfectly recreated setting from the past. Just a piece or two will do. You can score second-hand pieces and used items at thrift shops, furniture consignment stors, estate sales or craigslist to save money. #sustainability. Get creative and blend eras.
2. Traditional prints – Get them and mix them. Curtains, pillows, blankets, a rug. Whatever your bank account and eyes can handle.
3. Warm comforting colors and earth tones – not much more to say here. They are neutral and grounding. Something we can all benefit from.
4. Global style – We may not be able to travel far and wide but we can bring the world home through our design choices. Highlight treasures from past travels. Consider enlarging your vacation photographs in black and white and framing them and create a gallery wall. Think about layering textiles, mixing materials and adding pops of color. Pillow are a great option for this trend.
5. Shabby chic – It’s baaack. People tend to love or hate this look but truthfully there is something comforting and welcoming about it. Think skirted seating, checks and florals, weathered woods and flea market finds. Even CB2, purveyors of minimal modern design have a ruffle-skirted bench available now. Scroll down to shop.
6. Natural Elements – Ok, so the plant thing has been around for awhile but think beyond plants. Marble, stone, wood, anything that brings elements of nature indoors. It doesn’t need to be furniture either, small decorative object work here too. Consider an indoor tree.
7. Grand millennial style / cottage inspired design – Oh, the chintz. There is something cheery and familiar about vintage china, floral fabrics, roll-arm sofas and knick knacks. Grand millennial decor pays homage to your grandparent’s country home (or your fantasy of such). I’m going to hang a grouping of patterned plates in my kitchen and maybe get a floral toss pillow for the living room or perhaps a patterned lampshade? Just a few ideas. You’re welcome.
8. Maximalism – Not a look for everyone. I get the whole living out loud philosophy but some, like myself, may prefer a more quiet and subdued feel in their home. However, if you’re up for maxing your place out, mix color, texture and pattern and have a ball.
9. Yellow and gray – together. Pantone’s color of the year is actually two colors for 2021 because they crazy like that. Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray. You don’t have to stick with these particular shades but they demonstrate how well yellow and gray play off of each other. I mean, can we talk about this kitchen?
Ok party people. That’s a wrap. This is not an an exhaustive list of trends for the year and some of these design concepts have been around for years so you may ask, “what’s new about any of this?”. The answer is simply, not much. The novelty is achieved in how you apply the ideas today and how you modernize and personalize the trends to suit your lifestyle. Get inspired and listen to your gut. If a picture elicits a gasp or makes your heart skip a beat (this happens to other people, right?) take it as a sign that you may be ready for a little change. Also, you don’t have to settle on one trend. In fact, what makes it interesting is how you combine trends and combine features into your home. Try mixing natural elements with traditional wallpaper or adding yellow and gray to an existing color palette. Go with the components that call out to you and experiment. Have fun, good luck and be well. XO.
If you have questions or design dilemmas don’t be shy!
FIONA FINDS 