2021 Interior Design Trends to Watch
2020 has come and gone, and like everyone else, we’re MORE than ready to step into the new year. To celebrate, we’ve put together our predictions for 2021 interior design trends, sourced straight from the experts. Some of our favorite names in design shared the biggest style movements they’re seeing. Plus, which new colors are on their radar for client projects this year. The pandemic may have shifted the way we use our homes, but designers are ready to rise to the challenge.
Featured Image Design: Lindsey Brooke Design | Photography: Amy Bartlam
Design: Katie Hodges Design | Photography: Amy Bartlam
Design and Photo via Nicole White Designs
A Shift From Open Concept
In 2021, we’ll see many homes moving away from the once-popular idea of ‘open concept everything’. Now that homes have become where many families live, work and play, the need for some separation is clear.
“More and more clients are burned out on open floor plans and seeking closed spaces. Clients want relief from the pressure to constantly have their kitchens entertainment ready. Or, to isolate the aromas of cooking. They also want quieter and more enclosed living spaces that open floor plans don’t provide. This was seeping into design before COVID-19, but the pandemic has definitely emphasized the need for more intimate interiors.”
Design and Photo via Park & Oak
Design: Candace Mary Interiors | Photography: Martin Vecchio Photography
Farewell to All-White
Will an all-white look remain classic? Yes. But will it be among the 2021 interior design trends? Probably not. Many designers agree that deep, moody hues are high on their clients’ request list, particularly for secondary spaces.
“We are seeing a lot of requests for deep tones and mixed into light and bright homes. Whether it’s a powder room, office, or having fun with cabinetry, deep colors are on the rise.”
Blues, charcoals, black and greens are popular choices, but they’re not the only dark shades we’ll likely see. Among the moody color tones, designers like Hudson Cooper Design have their eye on deep reds as the next big thing.
“Rich shades of burgundy, plum, garnet and berry are starting to pop up everywhere. Marie Flanigan had a red study on the cover of House Beautiful, HGTV put it in their foyer for their 2021 Dream Home, Shea McGee recently mentioned on stories that she’s putting burgundy built-ins in her basement, and Raychel Wade recently shared a killer bathroom with a dark wine shade. I’m also seeing it show up in stone yards where I’m sourcing for projects, which tells me we will start seeing it more in kitchens and baths.”
More to Read
The Best Moody Colors For Your Home | The Color Trends We’re Obsessed With | Designer’s Guide to Paint Colors
Design: The Identité Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper
Design and Photo via deVOL Kitchens
Design and Photo via deVOL Kitchens
English-Inspired Kitchens
Call us biased, but we think the ‘modern cottage’ kitchen is poised to trend in a major way. It’s a style defined by mixing the old and the new, with a collected and cozy feel woven throughout. Think craftsman-level cabinetry paired with modern appliances and finishes, plus vintage rugs and art to tie it all together.
More to Read
Modern Cottage Kitchen Reveal | The Best Kitchen Paint Colors in 2020 | The Best Mushroom Paint Colors for Your Kitchen |Modern + Minimal Hardware | The Latest Trends in Open Shelving
Design: Katie Monkhouse | Photography: Margaret Austin
Design and Photo via Park & Oak
Multi-Purpose Rooms
Many of our homes have taken on the roles of work spaces, school spaces, entertainment spaces, and play spaces over the past year. That practice will likely carry well into 2021, so many designers are seeing a steep rise in multi-purpose spaces. Designers like Kristian Berryhill & Co. predict the return of ‘closed concept’ with functional work spaces popping up in every nook and cranny. Along those same lines, we’re expecting to see more well-designed ‘school at home’ spaces made for virtual learning.
More to Read
Work from Home Productivity Hacks | 10 Must-Haves For Your Office Space
Design: The Identité Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper
Design: Lindsey Brooke Design | Photography: Amy Bartlam
Archway Entrances
The archway trend is taking over just about every space — bathrooms included. This year, we’re predicting even more archway designs for a heightened sense of character and architectural interest.
More to Read
Archway to Heaven: Primary Bathroom Reveal | The Best Bathroom Paint Colors in 2020
Design: reDesign home | Photography: Ryan McDonald
Interior Design: @the_fox_group_ | Photography: @lindsay_salazar_photography
Design & Photo: June + Blue
Checkerboard Flooring
We couldn’t help but notice that checkerboard flooring is popping up in our favorite designer’s projects time and time again. Whether it’s a mudroom, kitchen, or this insanely popular entryway, it’s such a classic style we can 100% get behind.
More to Read
Anastasia’s Kitchen Reveal | Modern + Minimal Hardware | The Latest Trends in Open Shelving
Interior Design: Heidi Caillier Design | Photography: Haris Kenjar
Design: Plain English Design
Pale, Muted Purple
Trend spotting is always a bit of a guessing game, but here’s one thing we’re certain of: muted purple design moments are officially on the rise. We’ve seen it in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and more. You can mark our words that purple is on the verge of a major moment.
More to Read
The Color Trends We’re Obsessed With | Designer’s Guide to Paint Colors | The Best Moody Colors For Your Home
Interior Design: Heidi Caillier Design
Countertop Lighting
We know overhead lighting gets all the attention, but not this year. We’re shifting focus to countertop lighting as one of our fave 2021 interior design trends.
“Lamps on kitchen and bathroom countertops! We are seeing these normally utilitarian surfaces being warmed up with lighting typically reserved to living rooms and bedrooms, creating an inviting and homey vibe.”
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY