Since the majority of the world is (hopefully) spending more time inside their homes than ever before, we will surely see home design trends and styles be influenced by the world’s current situation. Thankfully, if we can’t go outside, then we can bring the outdoors inside through proper design and decor. Here are some home styles and design trends we can watch out for this 2021.
A more sophisticated take on cottage core.
Image by GregoryButler
The- cottagecoreaesthetic is marked by nostalgia and the overwhelming need for comfort and coziness, an aesthetic made mainstream by Taylor Swift’s 2020 albums folklore, and evermore. Think English countryside cottages, vintage tea sets, small houseplants in brown pots, warm and fuzzy blankets, and a stone fireplace. This year, we will see an upgraded version of this aesthetic, with home designers injecting some luxurious details into their cottage core spaces, creating a stunning balance between old and new pieces. It may involve original wooden floorboards, exposed beams, and reclaimed wood, with a touch of unique pieces that showcase plenty of texture and grain, as opposed to pieces that have perfect finishes.
Upgraded front yards and back yards
Since many of us won’t be able to leave our homes especially with intermittent lockdowns in place, there will be a push towards turning front yards and back yards into one’s own park or nature retreat. There will be a focus on landscaping and gardening, turning the wide spaces outside our homes into walkways and places where children and pets can play and run around. Consider investing in projects like cozy garden dens that can keep you warm while you and your family spend time outside, and outdoor bollard lights to elevate your outdoor lighting scheme.
Colors of the year
Pantone announced that the 2021 colors of the year were illuminating, a type of zingy yellow, and Ultimate Gray, a pale shade of gray. The Pantone Color Institute’s executive director said that these two colors were chosen because while they may be incredibly different, they come together to convey a message of hope and strength-exactly the kind of encouragement the world needs right now. Expect to see homeowners incorporate these two colors into style elements and pieces like throws and wall frames.
Tropical style and ocean hues
Since many of us are yearning to see more of the stunning outdoors-like a faraway beach that offers a sense of calm and tranquility-an inviting living space that incorporates this desire will be front and center for many owners who love to travel. There will be a spike in ocean blues and furniture that reflect beach getaways and relaxing by the poolside, which can provide a calm and contemporary look for any living space. Ocean blues and seafoam green will be a key color trend for 2021, which will speak to the desire of many to find some sense of calm and peace for this year.
A focus on the home office
Since many will still be working from home this year, the home office will take center stage, designed in a way that induces thought, motivation, and productivity. Offices will have clear, crisp lines, with patterned wallpaper or pieces of artwork to provide creative inspiration. There will also be a focus on providing comfort, which is why home office chairs will be more comfortable so the user also sees it as a place of sanctuary to reflect and read.
Snug and cozy area
Speaking of having spaces for reflection, another home trend that will see a rise in 2021 is a space that’s solely dedicated to some peace and quiet. With the right pillows, rugs, and blankets made of soft materials like wool and linen on armchairs, sofas, and warm wood tables, this space can serve as a place for parents to have a glass of wine while reading a book. It’s the room or space that provides warmth and texture while giving off the vibe of being very lived in, and a snug place we can retreat to during colder seasons.
Luxurious retreat
In the same manner, there will be a shift towards turning master bedrooms into a luxurious getaway, making use of patterns and materials used in comforting boutique hotels. There will be a focus on playful opulence, luxury velvet fabrics, geometric shapes, cashmere throws, and monochrome prints.
The bottom line is that homes will be a place for comfort and leisure just as much as work and productivity, while at the same time providing their occupants with the whims of traveling off to faraway places while in quarantine. With the right design elements, the home doesn’t need to feel like a prison while lockdowns are in place.