January 12, 2021
In 2020, people spent on average 10-20% more time at home than in previous years. As people find themselves at home more, many have invested in home improvement projects, new furnishings, and updated decor. The beginning of 2021 is the perfect time for homeowners to update the interior design of their homes and energize their spaces in preparation for another unprecedented year. From Cottagecore to Industrial Stylings, here are some of our favorite trending design styles to try to make your home more comfortable, stylish, and easy to manage this coming year.
Industrial Style Decor
According to Kobi Karp, principal designer and founder of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, industrial style decor is expected to rise in popularity this year. Industrial style decor is defined by a bold contrast between modern luxuries and timeworn, traditional design elements. Inspired by the lofty look of warehouses, industrial design is often marked by exposed stonework, high ceilings, wood and metal furnishings, and the use of salvaged or recycled materials. Minimalist decor and neutral colors seamlessly blend these contrasting elements to make a unique space that inspires creativity. To play into this style, focus on spotlighting exposed piping and brickwork and incorporate wood and metal as primary materials while placing vintage furniture carefully to highlight open spaces.
Cottagecore Style Decor
With the uncertainty that 2020 brought upon us all, many are seeking comfort in the idyllic rural atmosphere of Cottagecore style homes, distinguished by vintage character details that invoke nostalgia for simpler times. Cottagecore usually works best in homes that already have unique features like exposed beams, original floorboards, or paneled walls. These architectural features are combined with a muted pastel palette and carefully curated antiques and vintage items to design a home that celebrates pastoral life. The best place to start when transforming your home into the perfect Cottagecore hideaway is by re-flooring with warm, weathered-looking wood that creates a peaceful ambiance. Choose rustic furniture pieces made of natural materials and antiques to build on this atmosphere. Dried flowers, floral patterns, and soft cotton/wool fabrics tie together the room into a cozy oasis free from the bustle of modern life.
Multipurpose Spaces
As COVID-19 has significantly increased rates of remote work and virtual learning, makeshift home offices and classrooms have become a necessity in many homes. With limited space, many homeowners have been reinventing rooms to serve more than one purpose. When creating a functional and organized multipurpose room, it’s essential homeowners take advantage of limited space. L-shaped furniture or shelving units are an easy way to store items in previously unused space and open up the rest of the room. Expanding vertically by using walls for storage will also increase the square footage available in a multipurpose room.
Durable and Easy to Clean Materials
COVID-19 has also emphasized the importance of cleanly and healthy practices in the home to prevent the spread of germs. Designers predict that in 2021 there will be a resurgence of easy-to-clean materials such as glass and metal to make homeowner’s increased cleaning habits less time-consuming. Homeowners are also more likely to invest in antimicrobial materials like linoleum flooring or materials like stainless steel that can be cleaned with just soap and water. Further, kid-friendly and durable materials designed to resist stains are predicted to become even more popular as remote learning causes children to spend more time at home than ever before. As the pandemic continues into 2021, the increased investment in these materials is unlikely to change.
Natural Materials
Natural materials saw a renewed interest in 2020 which will more than likely continue well into 2021. Designers have predicted that wood will be the most sought after material this coming year. Jute, leather, and ceramic will retain their popularity as well. When choosing what natural materials to use, reflect on your own personal style, and select materials you identify with most. Using wood furniture or wood accents is the easiest way to incorporate natural materials. Choosing marble or stone as primary materials helps to create a more luxurious atmosphere that still highlights the natural beauty of the material. Add depth and texture to any room simply by layering the natural finishes of different materials and adding live plants to bring nature indoors.