In Design Trends

Top Design Trends in 2021

October 20, 2021

by Stephanie Mader

A very modern open living room with a huge window wall

In today’s post, we’re going to review the top 12 interior design trends for 2021.

A trend, when defined with regards to fashion, refers to the styling, colors, materials, and shapes that are popular in a particular season and that might have a long-term influence on the market. Interior design trends are similar to fashion trends, as both are inspired by the culture and current events. Trying to discern the direction that the latest trends will be taking and which styles, materials, and colors will be most appealing to consumers in the coming season is a real challenge for designers and architects, and requires a great deal of detailed research and observation.

Before we review these top trends of 2021, let’s dive further into an essential question.

What is an Interior Design Trend?

An interior design trend is a central idea around which all the elements of a project are designed; it is the thread which binds together all the design elements and gives central character to the whole project. Hence, interior design trends are much discussed and demoed with interior designing tools and apps. Interior design trends have greatly changed in the last decade and it seems like instead of trends coming from grassroots design movements, the latest trends are now being dictated by magazines and popular fashion channels.

Now, as promised….

Top Interior Design Trends in 2021

Warm, Earthy Tones are Making a Comeback

A Modern dining room with a warm gold color theme

Colors play a crucial role in interior design and are always important to the current interior design trends. They can make or break your designs, as colors evoke emotions from the people who will exist in your space. In order to design in accordance with the latest trends, colors should match the look, design, and feel of the house. In earlier seasons, warm colors had been traded in for cooler colors like purple.

However, in 2021, warm colors are making a huge comeback. While red is being considered the color of the season, all shades of reds, orange and tangerine will be taking over the trends of 2021. Browns and beiges are more common for the earthy tones in homes this year. Although last year, grey was mostly used as a neutral color, beige and the warm color palette are replacing the cool hues this season.

Curves & Smooth Edges Give a Comfortable & Casual Vibe

A nice modern living room with many cushions and soft edges

These organic, attractive shapes are replacing boxy edges and clear lines that were previously staples in the latest interior design trends. Puffy sofas and comfy chairs are defining the trends in 2021, as well as circular furniture, mirrors, artwork, and more.

Bold Wallpaper is Hitting the Walls all Around Us

A very modern artistic living room that is mainly red, and has very unique patterned wallpaper

Whether it be in the living room, a bedroom, or even a conference room, bold wallpaper is in. Earlier, this element was used only as an interesting twist, but now it’s bolder and more decorative. The latest interior design trends are seeing wallpaper as a type of art for your surroundings. Geometric patterns, landscape scenery, abstract shapes, human and animal figures – many types of wallpaper prints will help you embrace the interior design trends of 2021.

See also – Small Space Interior Design Trends

Statement Ceilings have made an Eye Catching Entrance

A shared office space with futuristic colorful circles on the ceiling

Bold colors and patterns, mirror fixtures and painted art on ceilings can change the feel of both residential and commercial spaces. Though eccentric, this latest interior design trend provides an interesting look and add a fun and quirky angle to the room.

An Eco-Friendly Centered Approach

A kitchen/dining area that is mostly wood and feels very warm

Interior design trends seem to be taking a more eco-friendly approach as people are moving towards warm tones and natural elements. Decor elements made either from real or faux natural materials are in high demand, as they add a natural and authentic look to your space.

The latest trends incorporate natural wood everywhere, from flooring, to countertops, to accent decor, to cabinets. Stones like marble, granite, and pebble – as well as materials resembling these stones – also address this current interior design trend. Both consumers and designers are embracing recycled and handcrafted goods not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also as a sign of their eco-friendly design approach. Whether you use a sustainable bamboo floor or a garden of indoor plants, bringing nature indoors is one of the hottest interior design trends for 2021.

See also – Latest Home Design Trends

A Classic Black & White Finish

A living room with a black wall, white marble accent wall, and all furniture either black or white

The latest interior design trends are embracing the classic elegance of black and white finishes. Black lighting fixtures, window frames, furniture details, and finishes are all in line with this season’s trends. Black and white patterns, prints, decorative objects, and accessories may have first been introduced through the Scandinavian design styles, but they remain here to stay.

For example, painting walls black has become a current interior design trend, and offsetting the dark color with bright white furnishings can create a chic design style. With their bold and minimalistic vibe, these monochrome elements can be used in any type of decor.

Multi-Functional Spaces Makes Interior Flexibility a New Trend

A bedroom that doubles as an office space

In the past, spaces were often designated for the purpose they served – sitting areas, dining areas, meeting rooms, etc. However, people now want more multi-functional spaces, allowing them to make the most out of their space. Especially for people living in smaller spaces, utility and functionality are essential, making flexibility a current interior design trend.

For example, fold-out tables and chairs make it possible to transition a space between a living room and a dining room depending on the occasion. Additionally, using furniture with subtle wheels makes it easier to shift the space around.

An Antique, Modern Futuristic Twist

A dining room decorated in a modern antique style

Mid-century modern design has been replaced by the eclectic current interior design trend of traditional nouveau design, which is inspired by older interior design trends like neoclassicism. This latest interior design trend incorporates antique pieces of furniture, but with a futuristic twist. Imagine an ornamental, regal piece of furniture, but with the incorporations of current interior design trends, like warm colored accents and monochromatic color palettes.

See also – Japanese Interior Design

Innovations in Concrete Decorating

A very modern high end living room with concrete floors

While concrete has always been commonly used for floors and counter tops, this versatile, accessible material is now being used in more interesting and unexpected ways, including home decorations such as pendant lighting and furniture. 2021 interior design trends encourage the use of concrete in more innovative ways than just material for surfaces.

When decorating with concrete, however, make sure that your space doesn’t become too grey – match concrete accents with bright, warm colors like reds or yellows to make sure your space is on par with the latest interior design trends.

Goodbye Minimalism, Hello Maximalism

A bedroom with a huge mural of flowers behind a dark green and pink bed

Maximalist interiors are splashing into 2021 interior design trends with clashing prints, bright colours, and alluring articles adorning the rooms of homes all over. What began as a style statement to counter minimalism is now becoming one of the latest interior design trends. To work with maximalism, first, start with something like an array of cushions in various tones before moving on to the furniture fixtures, wallpapers and paints.

Eco-conscious Sustainability 

An office area with plants growing on a privacy wall

As the world becomes eco-conscious, it’s only logical that a current interior design trend would be based around sustainability. Sustainability refers to minimizing environmental impact – for example, it is more impactful to cut down a tree to fashion a brand new bookcase, as opposed to finding a second hand item. With this current interior design trend in mind, check local thrift stores for something that fits your design aesthetic before committing to purchasing a new item.

You might find something that perfectly fits in with current interior design trends having even considered it in the first place! Additionally, certain materials are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, bamboo floors are less burdensome to produce than hardwood floors, making bamboo a more stylish choice with the latest interior design trends.

See also – The Principles of Interior Design

Smart Technology Meets Interior Design

A modern business room with many screens on the walls

Technology and interior design have historically influenced one another, so of course, the latest interior design trends for 2021 will reflect progressions in technology. Now, we can turn on the TV without even reaching for the remote. As a result, current trends encourage sleek electronics that easily accommodate the new wave of home assistant technologies.

See also – Best Interior Design Tips

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