Design Trends for 2021: Great Expectations
‘Tis the season for trend predictions and from what we can discern, designers’ expectations for 2021 share one thing: wildly different ideas on what people will want. Perhaps that’s because how we coped through the insanity of last year varies greatly across individuals. And design, after all, is an individual expression.
For our list, we looked for commonalities across last year’s wild ride and how that may influence what we want moving forward.
Celebration
We’re all ready to bring levity back into our lives. Expect brighter colors, unusual forms, and surprising combinations that express a sense of joy and fun – feel-good emotions that were sorely missed in 2020. Look for chirpy mustards, grassy greens, retro orange and sky blues – colors that delight with the unexpected.
Kathleen Walsh of Kathleen Walsh Interiors masterfully creates a celebration vibe to a living room of an NYC townhouse using her client’s colorful art collection. “While many of the pieces seem disparate individually, we tied the room together through a careful edit of form, fabrics, and color. For example, the antique hot pink and tangerine rug contrasts with the artwork but lets us bring an unexpected mix of colors together in the furniture upholstery. The entire composition creates a room that is warm, optimistic, and genuinely fun,” Walsh says.
Responsible Consumerism
Financial hardships and social concerns returned a healthy respect for reducing and reusing. Environmental consciousness and diversity are on the forefront. Creative new uses for tried-and-true favorites will pop up in unexpected places.
“Don’t be afraid to shop your house and move furniture from room to room,” Amie Frieling, Interior Designer/Blogger of Meme Hill says.
When something new is needed, we want to support artisans and ethical companies willing to share their stories and be transparent about labor, sourcing, and product longevity.
Shared Experiences
One thing is absolute, 2020 redefined the relationship we had with our homes. We sought calming comfort, shelter, and security. Now we’re eager to share our homes and want spaces that invite togetherness. Think in terms of cozy corners for conversations and visiting (indoors and out), home bars, and outdoor screens.
Embracing the Outdoors
From outside dining to recreating, in 2020 people sought refuge in the outdoors. Nature inspired patterns and furniture with organic forms, botanic patterns and textures are coming to the home for 2021. Don’t forget the indoor home garden with potted plants and succulents for authentic accents (for more on creating must-have outdoor nooks and spaces check out the 2021 DesignNY issue coming out in April)!
Hello 2021! We have been waiting for you.