10 Design Trends That are IN and OUT in 2021

10 Design Trends That are IN and OUT in 2021

Hello 2021, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance! We couldn’t be happier to see what you have in store for us this year when it comes to design. Read on to learn what new trends are coming, which are sticking around, and which ones are on their way out the door.

5 Design Trends That Are IN

Shabby Chic

There is something warm and comforting about a shabby chic interior, so it’s nice to know that it is here to stay in 2021. This style of interior design incorporates femininity and beauty while welcoming imperfection. Distressed furniture, comfortable fabrics and unique vintage finds all exist under the umbrella of shabby chic design. Soft hues such as bright white, beige, and pastel colors may all be found in a shabby chic interior. It can be defined as a form of second-hand decorating that is expressed as elegant, yet casual.

Bright Pops of Color

Although the overall color palette for 2021 calls for warm, comforting hues, bright pops of color are also predicted. For example, an entire room may be earth-toned, but you may find a bright red couch in the center of it all, serving as an unexpected focal point. Playing with color in this way keeps the aesthetic fun and interesting.

Black Kitchens

Surprisingly, many home improvement projects reflect that all-white kitchens are on their way out and black kitchens are trending in 2021, according to Architectural Digest. They explain that there are two reasons for this. The first is that with many people having an open floor plan, homeowners needed to provide a sense of separation between their kitchen and the rest of their house. The second reason that people are choosing black for their kitchen is that by doing so, it becomes a focal point for the home.

Lots of Plants

If there is one thing that many designers have agreed upon for 2021, it is that placing plenty of plants around your home is definitely in. Incorporating house plants into your décor can brighten your mood while refreshing your air. Do you lack a green thumb? Not to worry, just pick up a few succulents. They look beautiful and rarely need watering. Avoid the temptation to buy faux plants, as they are definitely “out” and serve no purpose but collecting dust.

Feng Shui

The goal of Feng Shui is to establish harmony between the home environment and the people living in it. Finding balance in life is a big part of what people are trying to do in 2021. Therefore, it should be no surprise that people are turning to Feng Shui to bring these principles into their lives.

In Feng Shui, great care and attention are placed upon each corner or position of the home, and what furniture or which of the five elements are placed there. Guidelines suggest that furniture must be positioned a certain way in order to attain optimal success in whichever area of the Bagua is represented there. Try a modular sofa that can be arranged in a variety of different ways to fulfill this need.

5 Design Trends That Are OUT in 2021

Modern Farmhouse

According to designer Amanda Lauren of Forbes.com, the modern farmhouse design style is on its way out the door. In case you are not familiar, modern farmhouse uses elements such as lots of reclaimed wood, barn doors and is a big fan of shiplap. She suggests that the problem is that this style has been overused, and employed in places that made no sense such as high-rise apartments for example.

Open Floor Plans

Upon reading that open floor plans were going out of style in 2021, it was hard to believe at first. However, here is the reasoning behind it. During the worst part of the pandemic, everyone was stuck at home, together, all the time. Those who had an open floor plan may have found themselves craving more privacy and separation in their lives.

Many people are still working out of their homes and need walls that surround their home office. The need for rooms with doors, windows, and privacy is rising as lack of functionality is experienced with open floor plans.

Lots of Open Shelving

Using an excess of vertical wall shelving as a design element has apparently run its course. As it turns out, even when our personal items are neatly organized on wall shelves, they are still being displayed for the world to see. This once acceptable way of storing our accumulated “stuff” is no longer in style.

Accent Walls

10 Design Trends That are IN and OUT in 2021
Source: Benjamin Moore

An accent wall is one that has been painted a darker or brighter color than the rest of the room. It is designed to catch your attention, often becoming the focal point of the space. However, experts suggest that what can happen is that instead of adding character to the room, it can end up making it look childish or distracting instead. 

Matching Furniture Sets

You may be wondering, what is wrong with having furniture pieces that match one another? Many people feel that is what they are supposed to do. However, the idea of having everything matchy-matchy has become a bit dated. Instead of walking into a showroom and buying a matching furniture set, consider mixing it up a bit by selecting non-matching pieces with complementary designs or colors.

Final Thoughts

In following the design trends of 2021, think about how your life has changed over the past year. Isn’t it time to step away from the past and create something new and interesting? Use Feng Shui to improve the energy in your space. Throw an unexpected pop of color in a room to liven things up a bit. Breathe in fresher air when you decorate your home with houseplants. However you design your home, add your own personal touch to make it uniquely yours. 

Here are some additional design posts, that you may want to consider:

New Home Features To Consider When Designing a House

How To Include Nature in Your Home’s Interior Design

Best Interior Design Styles for a Living Room