10 home décor trends that will rule in 2021

As we come closer to the dawn of New Year 2021, after spending the majority of 2020 cocooned at home, it is time to freshen up the home with the 10 interior design trends likely to rule in the new year.

Pop of colour

It is a known fact that colours make us feel more positive. In 2021 one will see cheerful hues dominating the home. It could be a yellow or bright cherry accent wall, or bright floral sofa upholstery or a bright impressive artwork that will break the monotony of the space.

Workspace at home

Due to the pandemic, work from home and home schooling have become the new norm. There is a rise in demand for flexible spaces which can function as comfortable and productive home offices and study areas. “With space constraints, innovative and flexible solutions, especially mini-study nooks, are being integrated at home. Well organised working space with ergonomically designed office chair, shelves, proper lighting, attractive backgrounds for video meetings and also a folding chair that helps for digital detox after the work, are need-based trends that will dictate the home interiors and will continue to evolve, in the coming year says,” Prashant Chauhan, creative director of Zero 9 design firm, Mumbai.

See also: How to design your home office

Nurturing nature

One of the impacts of the imposed lockdown is the reduced accessibility to open and green spaces. As a result, the need to bring the greens into the home has increased. People will like to nurture a kitchen garden in their balcony, window sill or terrace, to add a dose of freshness and enliven the spaces. The addition of indoor plants in corners or table tops will increase. Vegetable gardens are trending at the moment, so one would see Tulsi, curry leaves, mint, aloe vera, etc., blooming in container gardens at home in 2021. Be it indoor plants or a vertical garden, green plants known for their numerous benefits will make a big impact in the interior décor.

See also: Bonsai plants: Bring the forest home

Accent furniture and statement pieces

Since people are forced to entertain and have social gatherings at home, interior spaces are going to be reflective of personal style. Prioritising the design of one’s home is a definite trend.

“The post-pandemic client will look at interior design and especially homes as not just living spaces but spaces to express themselves. Besides, people have been moving towards accent or statement pieces of furniture that are nestled amongst subtle unobtrusive monotone schemes over- elaborate design schemes. A similar trend is also seen amongst artwork and artefacts as clients prefer to place one statement artwork on a wall other than populating the wall with artefacts,” states Natasha Aggarwal, interior designer and founder, NACL (Natasha Aggarwal Creative Living).

Technology will be embraced in a big way

Demand for home automation has increased with penetration of smart devices and affordable internet. Technology will play a crucial role in the way we work, practically revolutionising home spaces. Smart home technology will increasingly appeal to buyers and one will see a rise in dishwashers, robotic vacuum cleaners and AI-enabled kitchen appliances and gadgets controlled through voice commands or remote commands be it music, TV, heating and cooling, lighting or security .

Comfort and functionality over aesthetics

With the lockdowns, people have been confined to their homes. Since most people had to rely on themselves for domestic chores, the need for a simplistic, functional and easy to maintain home is a growing trend for the coming year. “Houses are now required to meet multiple needs such as that for entertainment, work, exercise, flexible and adaptable spaces will gain priority over aesthetic, high maintenance spaces. Zones that reinforce opportunities to prioritise self-care are more important now than ever in home offices much like our spaces, home owners want the furniture to be flexible and multi-purpose too,” states Aggarwal.

Earthy materials that are organic, sustainable and recyclable

Earthy colour shades and materials that are sustainable and recyclable are not only a trendy option but also a responsible choice. “One should look out for earthy colour tones mixed with monochromes as the new minimal and modern trend. Earthy tones also create warm and cosy spaces that can be inhabited easily for long periods, a necessity due to the pandemic. Design with conscience is sure to catch up,” adds Aggarwal.

Light up

Besides natural light, creative lighting is sure to dominate homes in a big way. A flexible lighting setup can brighten the décor. “As we are all spending much more time at home, there is much consideration given to light home offices and work spaces and relaxation areas. One will see growing demand for lights with settings for brightness, colour, and transitions. Advances in lighting controls and fixtures offer energy-efficiency and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) flexible fixtures, portable lamps and automated controls via mobile applications, in homes allow better adjustments for essential lighting and decorative illumination,” adds Chauhan.

Also read: How to choose lights for each room of your house

Wellness décor

The pandemic has made people realise that the home is the sanctuary and the focus is on wellbeing. Now, the main aim would be to create a soothing aura through sound-proof windows, fountains and fragrant candles. So, there will be a rise in yoga and meditation areas, restful hobby corners, and spa-style bathrooms with rainfall or jet spray systems. “Also, uncluttered and clean open space, less distraction to the eye, minimal sleek furniture, stylish storage will be in vogue. Disinfecting devices, home cleaning equipment antibacterial and antimicrobial surfaces will be in demand. People will like to infuse homes with things that promote peace, calmness and positive energy —such as maximising daylight, wind chimes and indoor plants to de-stress the mind and body,” adds Chauhan

Local lure

People will explore indigenous products that blend the traditional and contemporary elements to create a vibe in modern homes. Designs rooted in the Indian culture but with a modern appeal will be in vogue. Locally made furniture, handmade crafts will be back – ethnic lampshades, traditional lamps, Jharokha murals, exquisite hand woven furnishings with embroidery, natural textiles, paisley pattern, kalamkari, ikat, terracotta, Madhubani artwork, are surely making their way into urbane homes.

Décor trends that will define 2018

January 1, 2018: As the year 2017 comes to an end, here’s a look at the home décor trends that are likely to be popular in 2018 and what will become outdated

Sustainable designs in 2018

The year 2018 is likely to witness a change in design scenarios, with sensible and sustainable designs taking precedence.

“We are in an age of limited resources and we need to make the best of it. Inclusion of nature and natural materials, will become trendier. Eco-friendly décor will become the norm, as more people opt for energy saving devices, natural, biodegradable materials and solar panels,” says Prashant Chauhan, creative director of Zero 9 design firm, Mumbai.

Green elements will remain an integral part of décor, with architects and interior designers focusing on providing ample greenery in buildings and atriums, through vertical gardens, terrace gardens, vegetable gardens, etc.

Multiple styles

According to Shantanu Garg, founder and creative director of Shantanu Garg Designs, interior décor in 2018, is likely to focus on specific objects. “Objects like art pieces, chandeliers, sculptures and artifacts of various styles, will be used and blended together, for a homogenous setting. There will be a contrast of multiple styles, on a modern backdrop,” says Garg.

Dark themes

Home owners are likely to have greater acceptance of dark tones in the new year.

Shades of grey and taupe will act as neutral colours, while turquoise, pink, green, blue and violet will be used as accents. Also with décor trends focusing on a fusion of contemporary and traditional styles, metal accessories will become an obvious choice, to add glamour to a space. Metals like copper, brass and steel and silver and golden accessories and different metal techniques (leafing, gilding, cladding, etc.) that are used on furniture and walls, will be in vogue.

See also: Dress up your home with Indian textiles

Smart homes will be in vogue

Digital technology will impact home décor in a big way, influencing our choices and lifestyle. With several companies offering ‘home assistant’ technologies, transforming a home into a smart home within a budget range, will become possible, says Chauhan.

“From home automation to kitchen appliances, people will turn to technology. Décor trends will be ruled by lifestyle, from having ultra-modern kitchens with organic gardens, to party spaces, as well as wellness spaces. There will be a more unconventional approach, towards designing bathrooms, kitchens and layouts,” adds Garg. The choice of furniture will also be towards pieces that offer comfort, as well as aesthetics.

Made in India

“Nowadays, the clients want a slight desi touch, in the décor. Hence, we will see more of Indian furniture and crafts, in contemporary avatars, in 2018. There will be an increase in awareness about furniture, crafts and textiles that are indigenous to India,” maintains Chauhan. With greater sensitivity among consumers, towards the artisans who spend hours creating handmade products, ethnic influences in modern homes, will increase. Designers too, are striving to create home décor products using ethnic crafts and art forms.

“Home furniture in 2018, is likely to have a ratio of 1:2:3, in terms of traditional: classic: modern. People may also do something off-beat, like having modern international furniture but upholstered with fabric that is traditional Indian,” claims Garg.

Ultimately, home owners need to remember that good design never goes out of trend and they should choose their home décor, keeping this basic principle in mind.

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