Top 25 Interior Design Trends 2021

I’m finally inaugurating house interiors and home décor niche of my blog. I’m beginning it with an all-inclusive year round post on top 25 interior design trends 2021, including home décor trends. After this I’ll focus on specifics. This post includes major trends preferred and pushed by the design world in 2021. Another reason I secured this niche for my blog is over my family dynamics in house interiors, so I live it. I would mention the best designs of the year, but not those I did not like at all. Other designs that I am partial to, I will certainly mention in case they fit your context. Now, let's get into the top interior decorating trends of 2021. I would also tell you the designs I personally prefer for myself.

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

1. Postmodernism Design

It is the revival of post modernism from '70s and '90s. The theoretical and theatrical rejects the masculine mid-century modernism in the face of organic shapes and curved shapes. Amorphs, spheres, cylinders and arches to name a few. Postmodern architecture is a multifaceted and multifunctional approach to style that involves juxtaposition of traditional, non-traditional, and contrasting elements. The outcome to which is the mandatory sleekness and luxe.

2. Arches

You would see traditional arches as elemental in modern interiors; the archways that connect and lead sub sections in the house. If you plan to renovate, see if you would want to incorporate arched doorways and windows. You could also go for arched home ware and artwork such as kitchenware, ceramics, and arch murals.

3. 1970s Inspired Retro Furniture Seating

Statement ‘70s sofas fused with modern sofas is the current trends. As the name goes, mid-century modern curved sofas have round shaped edges and corners. These are less formal than the standard designs, but are bulkier, soft, and comfortable. The design complements 2020 and 2021 stay at home routine. Architectural Digest quoted it as “Sofas equivalent of sweatpants”. These come close to the ground. You would see why coffee tables are low height to meet up to the sofas. But, this sofa design is expensive because they are quite cushioned, so you require more material.

4. Waves and Squiggles

Waves, soft undulating squiggles, and organic structures are among the interior décor trends of the year. This inspiration is a reference from the Art Deco movement from 1920s and 1930s, the infusion of modernism and fashion. It was reimagined and reinvented with the theatrical postmodernism. You might have seen creative and relaxed morphology in sculptural furniture i.e. accent chairs, sofas, ottoman, Wall art, textiles, mirrors, lamps, ceramics, and de-shaped sculptural artwork. The Neotenic design, a more customized approach, with inorganic shapes and a childlike quality is seen since 2019, and persists to stay. It is minimalistic, yet complements modern design.

5. Wall Interior Designs

One of the top wall trends 2021 is plaster walls. Plaster, an age old technique, is one of the many textures that made a huge comeback in 2021. It was also used in furniture, décor and accessories. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to paint, and also long lasting. However, plaster walls are expensive because it requires multiple coats to give it the depth and texture it needs.

Now that you brought in the artist’s canvas, also think of bold wallpapers for the theatrical feel. And don’t forget wall murals. Each of these elements adds to texture, the most sought in every design category of 2021. The granny cheek style floral wallpapers are rising. And yet another, the peel and stick wallpapers are being used DIY.

Another trend is wall paneling. This year, vertical as opposed to horizontal wall panels were used. It can be featured through certain ways in the house to modernize and elongate the space. Think floor to ceiling decorative wall paneling; ribbed panels, accent walls, and the wall behind the headboard. All these elements add detail and character into your space.

It is possible for monochromatic walls to be back soon. Most of the time, highly dramatic designs turn out to be only fad. And personally, I get tired of things in no time. I prefer more permanent features. I find wallpapers distracting for my eye, and the reason I choose homogenous walls to my taste. Among the trends I mentioned, I loved plaster walls the best.

6. Fluting and Reeding

Subtle luxe from fluting and reeding was added to many spaces. Ancient Greek columns made it to interior design in 2021. From furniture to feature walls, fluting was seen incorporated in head boards, side boards, side tables, kitchen islands, glass etc. Flutes can also be DIY. You can choose between the narrow gap flutes for texture and contrast, or else the more spaced out reeds for a soft feature. Personally, I love the spaced out concave reeds and would like to feature it in the wall partition. That's my type of design.

7. Flooring Designs

Floor design looks that stood out the most in 2021 were diamond patterned flooring, and herringbone wood flooring. Herringbone flooring installation is expensive because these do not install like traditional tiles. In fact, any wooden flooring brings the calm of nature. So choose sandy warm wood instead of ash wood.

8. Contemporary Pleated Lampshades

You might have seen pleated designs in spaces to add depth and texture in interiors this year. I'll be talking more of it in the following sections. Pleated designs were used in pendant lighting, hanging lamps, floor lamps, and table lamps. If you don’t like pleats, then focus on all lamps and lighting tapered from the top and wide from the bottom. Industrial pendant lighting is being used in many kitchen, living and dining spaces. And bentwood floor lamps for home office spaces and rooms. Although it is also possible that drum shaped lamps might dominate next year.

9. High Contrast Marble

Marble having stark, bold and high contrast waning is a main feature in furniture design. The high quality marbles are Calacatta Monet, Calacatta Paonazzo, and Arabescato. High quality marble is expensive because it is rare.  The more distinct and uniform waning, the more expensive a marble is. Also, the more stark and clear the white background is, the more expensive it is. In case you can't tell the difference, the standard Carrara marble is muddier, opaque, almost one toned, and not pure white. Whereas Calacatta marble has clear waning and a crisp white background that gives it a striking contrast. Because of the cost, it is mostly used for dining tables, coffee tables, kitchen islands, and bathrooms as a single feature marble slab. Single slab backsplashes and waterfall design kitchen islands are quite popular. In even more extravagant houses, this marble was also used for flooring a certain sub section of the house, stairs, bathroom sinks, and mirrors.

Keeping the cost aside, if it were me, I would use it only for dining and coffee marble tables, and kitchen island, with no backsplashes. I would not want too sharp and distinct a contrast to distract me and don’t want to run down on its design.

10. Zellige Tiles

A move from perfect shaped manufactured subway tiles to irregular imperfections were embraced in a lot of spaces. Handmade, irregular and uneven tiles, the Moroccan Zellige dominated tile design. Think ceramicists and opt for a customized and a lived in relaxed look. Handmade ceramic artisan vibe is popular is size small 4x4 square, and size 2x6 is popular. Zellige tiles installation is more expensive than regular tiles. Because of the uneven shape, these do not install like normal tiles, so you would need to hire professional service to do it. Tile your featured wall and exterior, bathrooms, and kitchen for more character. I love zellige tile backsplash. I’ve seen and held so many different types, designs and colors, a must feature in a house.

11. Kitchen Trends

Instead of mono toned kitchens, two toned or two textures were embraced in many designs. Go for wood islands and white cabinets, or flat front wood cabinets and white islands. Taupe cabinetry trims was among the best of designs trends of 2021. Moreover, lighter and deeper shades are also a much loved kitchen trend lately. If I had to choose a darker color for kitchen, I would go for the welcoming Aegean Teal.

12. Colors

The main color palette of the year is warm earth tone interior design; the hues coming from nature, a shift from cool grey and white palettes. Bring nature inspired earth tone color palette for home from woods to bring calm to your homes, mental and physical wellbeing. Bring tranquility of nature indoors with beiges, greiges, brown, warm taupe, burnt umber, terra cotta, sand, nudes, and buffs. If you already have stark white walls, tone down starkness with warm colors.

If you want to incorporate colors then look up from the colors chosen by world leading design and color experts for 2021.

• The “Pantone Color of The Year 2021” is Ultimate Gray. It announced “PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating”. The Illuminating is a vibrant yellow. It is quoted as “a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting”.
• “Sherwin-WilliamsColor of the Year 2021” is Urbane Bronze SW 7048. It is quoted as “embodying the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal and wood”. It is an alternative to dark gray. The color that is most basic to nature to bring tranquility to your spaces.
• “The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021” is quoted as “Intriguing, balanced, and deeply soothing, the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021, Aegean Teal 2136-40, creates natural harmony.” Moore suggested bringing more harmony to your homes by complementing Aegean Teal, a part of the 12 selected sunbaked hues with other colors i.e. Beacon Hill Damask, Muslin, and Kingsport Gray to name a few.
• The “BEHR® Color Trends 2021 Palette” is Canyon Dusk S210-4 quoted as “earthy & harmonious”. The color is a part of the 21 colors of Behr chosen for 2021, and can be matched with Cellini Gold, Smoky White, and Almond Wisp, for instance. Architectural Digest quoted the palette as “An ode to elevated comfort and healing power of a home that has managed to wear many hats during the pandemic”.

Dark hues from some of these colors would do well for accent walls, small spaces, laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, and work studio, for instance. One of the selected color trends for 2021 is deep green accent.

The color I loved the most was Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze. I would love a feature wall facing the coffee table and add complementary colored furniture for a homey and woody tranquility.

13. Zen Interior Design

Zen refers to meditation. Zen design is a minimalist philosophy that focuses on visual balance. It embodies natural materials and lights, chooses neutral hues and rejects color to prioritize relaxation. Complement Zen vibes with Japandi design style. Japandi is a hybrid that combines the sleekness of Scandinavian design with traditional Japanese aesthetic, Wabi-sabi. Wabi sabi design accepts imperfections of handmade objects and finds beauty in this weathered lived-in feel. Whereas Scandinavian design is minimal, focuses on multifunctional design, and consists of dark hues of Nordic landscapes, wood accents, and decorative pendant lighting. Current design is a blend of these ideas, the warm minimalism. I love, and am an advocate of most things Japan. The tranquility their interiors bring is the song of nature, a mental trip to its sounds and senses. I love this trend.

14. Fabrics

We are using interior textiles that are luxe, comforting, soft to touch, feel good, and add texture. Use fabrics for furniture and accessories such as velvet, mohair, boucle, and faux fur. Keep in mind these fabrics are expensive. If you don't plan to replace your classic or contemporary furniture, then use these textiles in soft throws and throw cushions for sofas and beds. This would add the cozy feel. One of the most loved designs of 2021 included boucle furniture.

15. Natural Materials

Get natural and sustainable materials for interior design and décor e.g. plants, sea grass, sisal, cane, coir, cork, bamboo, wood, glass, stone, terra cotta, brick, and jute. These materials also complement Japanese aesthetics. Also add natural textiles like linen, organic or recycled cotton, and leather to it. And don't forget marble. One of the favored accents is Cane webbing. It is an eco-friendly design. Get cane chairs with matte black lacquer frame. Accentuate your kitchen, living and dining spaces with woven pendant lights. Get natural basket accessories. You can also recycle, up cycle, and repurpose these materials.

16. Textural Elements

Grain and texture dominated every interior space in 2021. Incorporate organic natural textures from the materials I mentioned above in ceilings, accent walls, rugs, furniture, sofas, chairs, ottoman, throw cushions, and artwork. Keep them looking natural with matte natural finishes and quit varnish. Natural texture is perfect for contrast and also blends with contemporary materials to bring nature’s serenity to the house.

17. Modern Vintage Interior Design

The old fashion Vintage interior is made modern by juxtaposing layering of modern design elements. Welcoming warmth is added to it with natural materials such as wood, stone, and rich fabrics. Vintage mid-century furniture and retro pieces were seen in bathroom vanities, faucet designs, kitchen islands, artwork, and frames.

18. Cottage Core Design Style

Cottage core style is derived from modern vintage. It feels the same, mixing and layering design elements from traditional, classic interiors style, and natural materials. The only other addition is farmhouse eclectic aesthetics. Highlight the rustic vogue with elegant modern vintage, and luxe traditional style with antique paintings, crochet throws, embroidered textiles, china, and warm amber tones. See if you'd want to install floorboards, reclaimed wood, and exposed beams in your house. Do rustic finishes with brushed gold, and complement matte with shiny surfaces to add contrast, depth, and visual richness.

19. Black Frames

Black framed interior doors and partitions gained popularity in contemporary homes. But, it has a timeless element that goes with every décor style like industrial, Japanese, and Scandinavian. Go for classic French doors with matte black lacquer design. Paint interior partitions to add high yet subtle contrast with neutral colored walls. Try black window frames opening to a garden. If you want you can also go for white framed windows opening to a patio or a garden. I like both the colors to frame styles.

20. Timeless and Classics

Today, preferences are between post modernism, and timeless classics. A few advocates that went for timeless designs and classic patterns was due to the lasting quality in furniture such as Laguna design modern, linear profile sofas in two depths. It is luxury infused functional furniture. The second preferred style is Presidio, the vintage Parisian furniture that infuses imaginative industrial style with French antiques.

21. Dried Floral

Lush plants were a huge trend in 2020, but evolved to dried plants in 2021. Dried flowers arrangements of all sorts and in soft hues is the rise. Delicate organic shapes make perfect accessory accents. Personally I would “only” go for the nature’s lush greens for indoors, and living walls of plantsfor outdoor spaces, my choice!

22. Sustainable and Handmade Interior Decor

Sustainable décor and renewable materials is not a trend but more a current need to go eco-friendly. The most sustainable ways to reduce carbon emissions are to recycle and re-use, shop from local vintage and second hand stores. This way you would also be supporting local economy and small businesses.

23. Traditional Floor Plans

The idea for closed wall plans came from Covid. Knocking down walls for open spaces trended till 2020. This year, some walls were added back in to create separate spaces over the need for privacy. But in a few cases, kitchen, living, and dining areas are still open planned for people to have a sense of community.

24. Bunkering

This idea of floor planning takes further to 'bunkering'. You want to be able to do more activities at home. Home movie theatre, more closet space for instance. That means investing more in renovations for home office, play areas for kids, and entertainment area. Consider using multifunctional furniture such as small desks, fold out desks, vanity or a console table for home office, or kids’ study.

25. Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor became the year round living spaces in 2021. Landscape architecture became the new rise. When interior design meets outdoor spaces, we think renovations and décor for backyards, patios, and balconies. These witnessed major renovations to suit outdoor family activities. To décor, consider outdoor lighting, outdoor heaters, outdoor firepits, outdoor rugs, and weatherproof small patio furniture made of rattan or wicker.

Verdict: Glamour

The idea behind interior design 2021 is that you only live once and go all the way with your style. You want to live your best life in your home and that stemmed from Covid. You stay home most of the time and that is why you want to make every space in your home a replacement for going outside. It is the maximalist approach to interior design and décor. But I would say not to embed every style and décor, even if you do Boho or nomadism. Keep the de-cluttering Japanese aesthetics in mind for your mental wellbeing and peace.

Interior design trends stem from the elitist influential people. This is how design world works and the real estate values. It is the haute living! Porcelain, high quality marble, custom and handmade luxurious interiors, and bigger windows to welcome natural light are all elemental to 2021 interior styles. Tech revolution also brought lighting and blind controls, and then you have Alexa. Most of 2021 design ideas I laid out for you are all expensive. Renovation and interior design are long term investments.  So keep your budget in mind, think smart and see if you can live with a certain design for the next ten years. So try to make the right choices.

If I were to choose between these designs, I would go for post-modernism because I'm artsy yet prefer calm; Arches, waves, wall plasters, reeds, Zellige, and Zen. And I would blend in French interiors.

"Home is where the book is." A Quote by Lifestyle Prism©, dated 22nd August, 2021.

Nothing feels better than a read after a day of renovations or interior design overhaul! If you’re into poems, take a look at this chapbook by the author, Alice Almeida, "Secrets of the Concrete Life". It's a small read. You'd be able to finish 70 pages to poetry in one or two sittings. It’s available on Amazon and Kindle. It talks about a certain theme, the beauty and ugliness of living in concrete life. A quest to look for optimism in worst scenarios. The dreams, fears, cries, and the innocence that only children can notice. You'd find it relatable, vivid, and powerful. All the reasons to enjoy and breathe in the message the letters convey.

So, what do you think? Let me know in the comment section below. Don't forget to subscribe to be notified of my content, and connect with me on my socials channels Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Disclosure. I am not paid for, or endorsing any (Amazon) link in this post. I am only sharing with you something that I like.

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