Published February 3, 2021
4 Interior Design Trends for 2021
2020 bombarded us with accent walls, white waterfall islands, and enough eucalyptus to heal a village. We're looking at what's out and what's in for 2021.
Instead of Farmhouse we are going to see a new era of Neo-classicism.
We love Joanna Gaines and thank her for democratizing interior design. However, this year is bound to mark the end of the Modern Farmhouse era.
The Modern Farmhouse style's maximalism & casualness starkly contrast the curated minimalism & opulence of the Neoclassical style. Looking at interior design through a historical lens, succeeding trends typically represent a clear break in both thought and style, ushering in a new era of home design. The aspects that once drew the masses to Farmhouse interiors now feel dated and oversaturated. One day we will similarly look at farmhouse interiors as we do turn of the 21st-century decor, whereas Neoclassicism couldn't go out of style if it tried; it's been around since the days of Homer and the Odyssey. Neoclassicism's perfected forms, sumptuous fabrics, marble columns, and stately busts feel apt to bring order to eccentric layered spaces and breathe fresh air into maximalist trends still seemingly chugging ahead.
All white kitchens -- monochrome kitchen/ statement colors
All-white kitchens became a staple in home renovations during the mid 2000s. The airy & light effects of an all-white room represented a shift from the heavy wood paneling and dark colors of 90’s interior design. By the ladder of the last decade, it seemed that almost everyone opted for a white kitchen when renovating their home, so much so that it has practically become an eyesore. White is a classic color that often provides excellent contrast for other colors in a space; however, an all white kitchen looks washed out. Color and tonality bring interest to a room, while the white kitchen trend lacks originality and uniqueness.
If there is anything we have learned about home design this year, spaces need to be functional. Yes, all-white kitchens are lackluster, but more importantly, they are impractical. Do you have small children at home 100% of the time? Best of luck keeping your all-white kitchen clean!
In 2021 color will be reintroduced into kitchen design through either a tonal color scheme or bold accent colors. Color adds character and dimension to space. Through color, you can express your mood and or design style in your kitchen. Brands such as Devol Kitchens & Le Cornue have made boldly colored appliances and cabinetry a staple of their brand; we can look to these European designers for inspiration.
Shiny white subway tile - buffed neutral or colored subway tile
Subway tile has seen a significant comeback in the last decade; it is classic, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. As an interior designer, subway tile never went out of style. I’ve used these iconic tiles in both my most expensive projects & my budget friendly ones. People often have the misconception that there is only one type of subway tile. However, that is not the case. While we commonly see high gloss white tiles with dark grout, there is a whole world of different finishes & textures.
Thankfully, mainstream interior design is now moving away from shiny white mass-produced everything & subway tile is no different. Want to add dimension and interest to your kitchen or bathroom? Colored or rough finished subway tile is a great affordable way to achieve that. Look at the images below to guide different types of subway tiles and where you can find them.
Monochrome warm -
Virtually everything in the design world has been done before. True innovation is a rarity nowadays. While monochromatic interiors reference the height of mid-century design, something feels fresh about the monochromatic - warm color palette. Is it merely because we have been lost in a sea of white and grey for long? Possibly, or is something new to arise out of this trend. This trend first appeared in fashion last year; Teddy coats, brown leather, and camel have been featured in collections from Votegga Venetta to Fashion Nova.
Textured fabrics and neutral colors have translated into something comfortable yet sophisticated in Interior design. A warm color palette accented with white or black creates a soft yet structured space. This color palette allows warm and cool colors to be present in a room; however, it still feels intentional. Designers such as Kelly Wearstler & Marc Costa have put their touch on this trend.
