The pandemic has changed almost every facet of our lives, having had an enormous effect on the way we live and work. Some of those changes will whittle away as we start to move back into normality, while others are more permanent – one such example is the inside of our homes.
From wanting to spend more time in our gardens all-year round, to home working and ‘zoom rooms’, and a collective desire for more light, space, and nature indoors, our interior design needs are changing.
So, for those of you who aren’t design experts and want a little advice, we’ve put together some great ideas that’ll keep you on trend for 2021.
We’ve got some great ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Let’s jump in!
2. Eco-friendly, sustainable design is massive this year, just as all things environmentally friendly are on the rise. We no longer tolerate the idea of airborne chemicals, polluted water, and excess waste, and more and more of us want to support local, sustainable businesses. The idea of this design concept is to be as close to nature as possible (which research shows has a significant positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing) using only sustainable materials and excluding anything that disturbs any natural harmony. So, what does this mean exactly? Well, say goodbye to anything plastic or linoleum, toxic paint, and other harmful items. Introduce more plants into your home, essential oil diffusers, natural air purifiers like charcoal bags and home décor items that are natural. Items like Sedna carpets, made from recycled waste material and abandoned fishing nets are popular, or sustainable curtains which use organic cotton and eco-friendly flax, and other items which use wicker. Furniture made of rattan or upcycled plastic toys is something we’ll see much more of. Focus on lots of air, light, simple lines and precise shapes to make this design look (and feel) natural. It combines beautiful aesthetics with comfort and convenience, and you’re going to see much more of it going into 2022 and beyond.
3. Biophilic interior design is a way of bringing the outdoors inside, getting us closer to nature. Going hand in hand with the eco-friendly, sustainable design trends seen prominently throughout 2021, it implements plenty of natural light, natural textures, and even vegetation. Biophilic incorporates organic shapes (adding flow and movement to our rooms), colours, and even sounds. What do you hear when you’re walking in the woods on a bright, sunny day? The gentle sounds of water from a nearby stream? Birds chirping? A soft breeze? What about the smells? Flowers and plants are all around you, leaving you feeling uplifted as you take it all in, at harmony with the natural space around you. This is essentially what biophilic design wants you to feel inside your home. Perhaps it’s something to do with the fact that we’ve all been cooped up for the best part of a year, and our perspectives of all that we’ve had to sacrifice have been thrown into the spotlight – this trend is growing fast. It goes without saying that earthy, green and neutral tones are part of it (colours like Broccoli Brown, Enchanted Eden green, Spring Meadow, and Yeabridge green) and a heavy focus on sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, timber, bamboo, cork, glass, and even recycled metal and plastic. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money to invest in a complete organic overhaul of your home – shops like IKEA and online platforms like Etsy are taking the lead in offering more affordable, environmentally friendly items to bring into your home. It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to make a difference this year!
4. Grandmillennial is an emerging trend for those of you who are a bit bolder and want to showcase something a little quirky and different. Although, back in the days when our grandparents were young and starting their own families, it wasn’t different at all. In fact, it’s a concept that is so rooted in tradition that it comes as a surprise to many that it’s trending once again. “Taking fringe, trim, chinoiserie, drapery, skirts on furniture, slipcovers, wallpaper—all of that–and updating them to be convenient for today’s 30-year-old” to quote designer Becky Boyle in her apt description of just what this trend is all about. This is for those of you who dream of those Laura Ashley days, of needlepoint pillows, giant caftans draped over floral upholstery, antique teapots, cloth napkins and skirted vanity tables. But, you’re likely in your late 20s to late 30s, as opposed to reaching retirement. It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is rising in popularity, and cafes and bistros are jumping on the Grandmillennial bandwagon quicker than you can say flat white! Focus on pastels like peach, pink and yellow if you’re planning on painting, and have a look at Etsy’s page on Grandmillennial items to get inspired on how to complete the look. Also, don’t forget to look around your local charity shops – that’s where the hidden gems are, and you won’t have to break the bank!
5. Last, but definitely not least, we have Japandi. Japandi, as its name suggests, is a sort of mash up of Japanese and Scandi style, and it’s becoming popular very fast. You probably couldn’t get more opposite from Grandmillennial here, opting for space, simplicity, and nature, but also maximum functionality. If you’re a hoarder, or like lots of pretty little things dotted all over the place in various bright colours, then this is not for you. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable when everything is happily in its place, organised, but also attractive, then you’ll like this concept. It has a calming effect, and one of the best things about blending Japanese and Scandi styles is that there is a heavy focus on sustainable materials, so you’re doing your part for the planet at the same time. You’ll want muted, neutral colours and sleek, clean lines for this look to work. Feast your eyes on these images to get lots of inspiration for your new Japandi home, and John Lewis has some great, reasonably-priced items to help you get started on your Japanese-Scandi hybrid design this year.
So, there you have it – five of the most popular interior design trends for 2021!
Need some help with the design of your home? As specialists in move management, we have years of expert interior design experience, partnering with a team of highly skilled tradespeople who help make it all happen. If you’re looking to design and decorate your new home, get in touch!
Give us a call on 0141 374 0373 or head over to www.allaboutthemove.co.uk to learn more about what we do! 😊