10 Interior Trends To Look Out For In 2021

1. CLASSIC TRADITIONALISM 

A timeless trend taking inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries, incorporating classic art, antiques and pieces with history. Classic traditionalism brings a sense of harmony and order to any living space, with a décor scheme that works together perfectly.

‘It also favors symmetry, which can be seen in soft furnishings embracing ornate scrolls, courtly stripes and classic damasks. In a move on from bold, graphic geometrics, traditional and classic designs have developed into key trends for the season,’ continues Prestigious Textiles' Head of Design Marie Parry

2. SHABBY CHIC

This timeless trend epitomizes faded elegance and an unrefined sense of luxury. To create the feel of timeworn opulence from scratch try mixing new buys with vintage market finds. 

Look for decorative accessories such as chandeliers and mirrors that haven’t been perfectly restored, but have aged with character, and opt for furniture and textiles that feel lived-in. Chipped paintwork, faded fabrics and blemishes all add to the charm.

3. ECO CHIC

Engage your senses with meaningful design and calming fabrics. This popular trend plays to our desire for spiritual connection and well-being balanced by a commitment to sustainability.

Colors and textures have a hint of craft with warm tones coming to the fore. The new colour palette includes golden beige, moss green, soft olive and earthy orange. Further, tactile fabrics serve to comfort and cocoon such as matt velvet, boucle and linen. In addition, these soft and resilient fabrics are suitable for intensive use seating.

We will also see a renewed focus on craft and multifunctional furniture. In sync with the rise of the conscious consumerism comes the desire for furniture that offers longevity, quality and durability. Our need to feel grounded, calm and connected to nature is expressed through understated furniture, textile fabrics, sustainable materials and multifunctional, warm minimalism.

Carpet trends have really evolved alongside other interior design trends for 2021, with eco-focused materials featuring heavily. As such, natural fiber carpet will become more and more prevalent.

Lorna Haigh, from Alternative Flooring, says: 'Climate change is more than a trend. Our natural fibre flooring are all monsoon-grown grasses that are sustainably sourced – coir, seagrass, sisal and jute. For style and substance, our Sisal Herringbone makes a classic wall-to-wall carpet. Deep pile carpets in undyed Wool Barefoot, meanwhile, are popular in bedrooms as they’re super soft underfoot and satisfy the sustainable and wellness trend. '

4. THE HOME OFFICE AS FOCAL POINT

'A home office must be designed as a space to induce thought,' says Andrew Martin's Martin Waller. 'It wants to have crisp, clear lines, comfort and creative inspiration by way of artwork or patterned wallpaper. A desk light is a good way to add style and design-led angles to an office as well as being imperative for spot lighting.'

'A chair has to be comfortable, but it is important to get the level of comfort right. A leather armchair for example would fit in a library feel, acting as a sanctuary to read and reflect, where an upright swivel chair suits written desk work. And do not be condemned to a black foam seat, go for a chair in mid-century velvet upholstery or a cantilever with interesting lines.'

5. A SNUG SPACE

Adding soft and comfortable elements to your space, with a mixture of textures – linen and wool on sofas and armchairs and warm wood tables – combine to make a comfortable place to relax.

This adds texture and warmth, whilst also making the space feel lived in, a feeling that we crave in the colder months.

6. STATEMENT HEADBOARDS AND CANOPIES

'With the rise of the boutique hotel and its trending look in residential design, the headboard has become a brilliant focal point in bedroom decor,' continues Martin Waller. 

'Look to the Firmdale Hotels for inspiration on using brave colour and pattern and have fun coordinating your headboard with a wallpaper or throw. Don’t be afraid to choose a more outlandish style as this only adds more character. See it as art above your bed.'

7. LUXURIOUS INTERIORS TO RETREAT TO

It stands to reason that in 2021, we want to elevate our homes with dramatic touches of luxury. The ultra-glamorous trend brings a luxurious jolt to the home. Consider how playful opulence and patterns lift an interior's mood and why this has become so important for this new decade. It's a feeling of sumptuous that redefines the home with all the comforts and refinements of boutique hotels.

A major trend in 2021, the glamorous revival was first signposted when Pantone declared its Color of The Year as Classic Blue in 2020. The trend depicts a return to premiumization with inspiration from hotel design, art deco style and Viennese Modernism. With the growing desire to host elegant gatherings comes a love for geometric shapes, luxury velvets, monochrome prints and cashmere throws.

8. MAXIMALISM

Curate your own interior identity by adding personal touches to your room. Maximalism is having a major moment as we seek to curate our homes.

After a decade of minimalism we love the inventive return of highly decorative and personal interiors. We are evolving our homes as spaces to be fulfilling, memorable and cabinets of curiosities. 

Homeowners are styling their interiors to tell a story, layering old with new to create exciting interior stories. Every piece in their home makes a statement either through the silhouette, fabric choice, colour or unique backstory. It also reflects a growing interest in furniture and objects acting as souvenirs of our lives. People are regaining a sense of individualism by using historical references, dark floral patterns and stained woods in their homes.

9. HOUSEPLANTS

You only need to peep at Pinterest and Instagram to see that houseplants have never been more fashionable. From retro 1970s-style hanging creepers to blowsy, beautiful blooms there’s sure to be a plant to suit your style and space. 

Indoor plants fell out of fashion briefly in the 1990s, but we’re happy to report that they’re back – not only are they beautiful, bringing vibrancy and color to our homes, but they also freshen the air, filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen.

10. STEPPING OUTSIDE – GO MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

This year's garden trends are reflecting interior design trends – and are impacted by the pandemic as you would expect. Just as today’s homes now have to have multi functions, so are our gardens are being similarly used.

‘With people relying on their homes as an office, then an outdoor space for connecting with nature and entertaining friends and family safely is essential,’ says Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener. 

Investing time and money into cultivating our outdoor spaces  – large or small – into functional and beautiful enhancements of our homes makes good sense. For those that have the space, swimming pools are high on the agenda for summer, as are fully equipped garden buildings.