1. Warm neutrals
Cool neutral tones like black, white and grey ruled supreme throughout the early 2000s, but the time has come for warm neutrals to have their moment in the spotlight.
Dulux's Colour Trend Forecast showcased the Grounded palette, which featured Dulux Pancake Mix and Grey Reflection as warm neutral options to consider this year.
2. Curves and organic shapes
In the 2000s and 2010s, straight lines and hard edges conveyed a feeling of stability and efficiency. Entering a new decade during a global pandemic, we’re looking for interiors that soothe and cocoon.
One way designers are working to achieve this feeling is by embracing curves. You’ll see everything from chunky, curvaceous furniture and rounded edges as well as the return of arched doorways.
3. A nod to nostalgia
A love of nostalgic interiors will continue in 2021. While mid century modern style and the 70s boho look have both been on-trend for some time, an 80s aesthetic is steadily growing in popularity.
Prepare to see a whole lot more curved lines, square tiles in bathrooms, and geometric patterns and prints - all elements that make up a distinct 80s look.
4. Colour
Entering the new design decade, you’ll probably feel a little like Dorothy stepping into the land of Oz - there’s finally colour after years living in a monochrome world.
Splashes of bold colour International Klein Blue and Pantone’s 2021 Colour of the Year ‘Illuminating’ yellow are the hues to embrace in 2021.
5. Curated maximalism
Lockdowns and a shift to working from home has meant that we’ve all spent a lot more time at home lately. Rather than become bored by the same four walls, many have turned to decorating their home in a way that energises, uplifts and inspires - and this means collecting and displaying collected objects, photographs, vases, indoor plants and artwork.
The key here is to make the items look curated, rather than cluttered. To find out exactly how this is done, read Interiors Addict founder (and vignette expert), Jen Bishop's tips for styling the perfect vignette.
6. Cottagecore
Reconnecting with nature, a slower pace of living, and a return to simpler hobbies and activities have led a resurgence in the country cottage aesthetic, now referred to online as ‘cottagecore’.
The cottagecore aesthetic comprises whimsical objects, floral prints, natural fabrics, freshly picked flowers, wallpaper and distressed antique furniture.
7. Eye on textiles
Another way to add comfort and style to your home in 2021 is to layer living spaces with tactile textiles. While the obsession with linen bedding continues, we’ll also gravitate to other fabrics, including boucle, velvet and chenille.
8. Home offices
According to a survey conducted by Roy Morgan, nearly a third of all Australian employees worked from home in 2020. That means having an office space at home is now a must. While dedicated office rooms are wonderful for those with the luxury of space, others have been transforming everything from hallways to upstairs landings into handy office nooks.
9. Room for activities
Making space in our homes for things like baking, boardgames, sewing and making pottery has become a priority and an act of self-care. DIY projects were one of the top Google searches in 2020 and as a result, craft rooms for children and adults alike will become popular home additions. Other activity rooms we may see more frequently in homes are dedicated exercise rooms, yoga rooms and meditation stations.
Other home design trends that are likely to take hold in 2021 include the use of antibacterial building materials and adaptable home layouts.
10. Indoor outdoor living
For years, Australians have loved the idea of seamless indoor outdoor living spaces. This trend will only continue grow in 2021, with a renewed focus on treating the outdoors as an extension of the home. Fire pits, pergolas, pool cabanas and alfresco dining spaces will be at the top of many home improvement checklists this year.
