This past year has been like no other – so the big interior design trends for 2021 might not be at all what you think. After a very strange year, the way we live is flip flopping. Our lifestyles did a 180 that translated into how we live in our homes.
I am sharing my 2021 interior design trend predictions, answers to your questions (is shiplap out of style?) and what I am seeing in the design world amongst bloggers and interior designers.
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Interior Design Trends Taking Over 2021
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1. Grandmillennial Style
Before you wave this away as a Southern thing that’s not your style… remember when mid century came back in a big way? Those modern tapered legs found their way into lots of different designs in one way or another… trends have a sneaky reputation of popping up everywhere!
So while granny chic is definitely its’ own niche, there will be a lot of smaller elements of grandmillennial making their way into mainstream decor.
And if you’ve always appreciated a very traditional aesthetic, well – get excited, because you’ve been preparing your whole life for this!
Source: Veranda
Source: Sarah Tucker
If there was a starter kit for the Grandmillennial, it would contain floral wallpaper, rattan coffee tables, scalloped edges, bamboo flatware, chintz and toile prints, skirts on all the furniture, floral patterned pillow on floral patterned pillow!
Via: @clarybosbyshell
For those of us that feel like this is just looking way too much like Grandma’s house (but in a very uncool way) – at its’ core, this style encourages you to think outside the Target-a-holic low cost straight from China cookie cutter box. And we can all get behind that movement a little more!
Dip your toes in – a little goes a long way, and I promise an ounce of grandmillennial will look cool contrasting with other modern features in your room.
Use one piece of furniture with history in a room. Or style your shelves with a few pieces you are emotionally connected to from your past.
Source: Bria Hammel Interiors
Ok, still not for you? Then just mix a little blue and white pattern in with your modern accessories.
Try a topiary, or an antelope pillow thrown into your mix.
Personally, I like the contrast of a fresh clean space combined with a grandmillenial print or two. Borderline preppy, colorful and unexpected – that’s my version.
Grandmillennial Picks Under $100:
Grandmillennial Pillows:
Grandmillennial Favorites:
2. Less Shiplap, More Millwork For 2021 Design Trends
Shiplap has been around for years – much longer than the farmhouse trend – and it has historical context, so what’s going on?
Is Shiplap Out of Style?
The short answer: no, it’s not. Shiplap has its’ own place in history and context.
The long answer: Like all good things, we took it out of context and put it everywhere. Many are tired of seeing so much of it, and looking at other kinds of millwork instead.
Via: @heartandhaven
Shiplap itself isn’t out of date, however. It’s beautiful to look at, appropriate in context, and adds craftsmanship and interest to otherwise plain walls.
Don’t hate me for this – but I much prefer shiplap on all 4 walls in a room over a shiplap accent wall anyday. I think that the accent wall will date itself quickly.
So back to the long answer – yes, overall, shiplap will be done a lot less in 2021. It will continue to be used in coastal or period style homes when appropriate.
There are other types of trim that can add beauty to your walls!
Vertical shiplap is more unique and a little more of a modern vibe if you still love shiplap, but want to be different.
Source: Remington Avenue
Box moldings that are done all over the wall are taking over. This feels a touch more classic than shiplap these days, especially if you don’t live in a farmhouse. And if you’re handy, box molding can be done yourself fairly easily!
Decorative moldings on walls also up the value of your home (generally speaking, of course). Not DIY handy? They actually sell kits for people like you. I have no idea about the quality but it is an interesting concept!
Source: Classy Clutter
Raised wood paneling is always timeless and beautiful – especially in a 2 story room!
Source: Decor Pad
3. Darker Color For Interior Design Trends in 2021
Comfort, color and earthy tones are taking over in 2021.
And some colors really work well as neutrals themselves. Navy is a great example of this.
Earthy tones and even – I know it’s hard to believe – brown – will be seen a lot in 2021.
Source: Studio McGee
Embrace warmer tones in woods and colors like rust, giving us comfort when done the right way.
Source: Amber Interiors
Source: House & Home March 2020
Green will be used a lot. Not on board with the dark green kitchen? Mix it in with pillows. Emerald green looks striking when paired with navy.
4. More and More Wallpaper
Wallpaper was that an up and coming interior design trend for years – used in small spaces like bathrooms where people felt safe enough to go bold.
But it’s coming in hot for more spaces than just bathrooms for 2021, and will be seen in entryways, bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms – as well as new construction.
Source: Studio McGee
Kids rooms and fun wallpaper just go together. I’ve tackled two peel and stick walls and both were fine to do myself. This is the route I would consider taking in kids’ rooms, just because their tastes change as they grow.
Source: Bria Hammel
Use a fabric wallpaper like grasscloth for sophistication in a home office (I have even seen peel and stick faux grasscloth used as well, although the real thing is stunning).
Abstract and playful wallpaper infuse personality in your design. And floral isn’t just for 80s anymore (see trend #1!).
Source: Phillip Jeffries Imperial Gates Wallpaper
Source: Art of Living
Places to find wallpaper:
- For the traditional lover who wants the real deal, Schumacher, and Cole & Son make make expensive but beautiful (tried and true!) patterns. Their papers are sold by various dealers.
- For the coastal lover, wallpaper can be found from Serena & Lily or Annie Selke or even Amazon.
- For fun but still elegant look, try Etsy, Anthropologie, or Rifle Paper Co (they do floral so well!)
- For whimsical, a kids’ space or a playroom, try Urban Outfitters and Chasing Paper.
I hope you found these interior design trends for 2021 enlightening and they are helpful in your design journey!
You Also Want To Read:
10 Kitchen Trends You Want To Know About in 2021
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