Hello people, hope the new year is treating you better. All of us wished for a kinder year and I truly believe that there is power in collective thinking. 2021 heard us!
Since a lot of us are still working from home, we are trying our best to make our work spaces more comfortable and our home interiors more interesting and inspiring. We are creating cozy nooks and corners to snuggle and read, prettier kitchens and loungy living rooms. There is a definite shift towards easy and fuss free interiors, focused on practicality and personal expression rather than sticking to the conventional norms of space design.
Though I am not a fan of following trends blindly, I have rounded up some really beautiful, easy to incorporate furniture and interior design trends of this year, below. Now, I think the phrase “out” in terms of trends is pretty wasteful and useless. I am not going to throw out my couch because the color is out. Right? So, I have come up with some subtle ways to update your “outdated” pieces or interiors. Plus, at this time our prime concern should be to ask ourselves, at every step, is this conducive to creating a sustainable environment? No? Yes? Maybe? Please aim for a may be at least.
Note: Fresh air would be useful for a (much needed) fresh perspective.
Mother-of-pearl is another great option, it has an irresistible iridescent sheen that looks very elegant. The real beauty of this technique is the finish that is achieved by the artisans, no two handcrafted products are the same and slight variation in color and shape is celebrated, not frowned upon. A coffee table, end table, mirror, tray, cake stand or a credenza adorned with bone inlay is like a piece of history in your home. A craft that was only accessible to the royals and wealthy is now easily available to you. These statement pieces are becoming really popular this year, especially in monochromatic tones of black and white. A monochromatic palette keeps the emphasis on the design making it the pièce de résistance of any room!
So, the trick here is to make sure that they have something in common, otherwise your place will end up looking like a zoo. A color palette, with an accent color (gold, black, pink depending on your taste) will bring cohesion to you home interiors. Eclectic decoration style is also great for cafés, bars, bistros and boutique hotels. Though hiring an architect is always advisable but if you are planning to do this on your own then a simple thing you can do is to put the images of your selected products on a single page. This would give you an idea if they will look good together to not. Handwoven textured ecru curtains, a monochromatic bone inlay coffee table, forest green velvet sofa, a pale ochre accent chair, bright, printed cushions, a vintage gold chandelier and a simple wooden etagere filled with treasures from your vacations! This sums up an eclectic styled living room that is an aesthetically pleasing amalgamation of textures, colors and decoration styles. Catch the drift?
Some trends like all white and all grey rooms are out. No need to panic if you have one of those and like to keep things up to date. Just add coloured accessories in complementing shades and you’re good to go. Refer to the earthy color palette above for muted tones and for bright colors choose an accent color like yellow for grey and pale pink/ black/ gold for white. A bone inlay tray or box, a mirror frame, cushions, even art could be used as accent accessories. Another trend on its way out is matching furniture sets. Like I said, the emphasis is on individual taste and personal expression. Enjoy the process of creating your space, filling it with unique objects that you love to use and look at and you will end up with a café/ house that will love you back.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the trends mentioned in the article:
Earthy color palettes, including tones like beige, taupe, terracotta, and sage, are prominent this year. There’s also a focus on practical and personal design rather than conventional norms. Other trends include corner chairs, wicker and rattan furniture, inlay designs, eclectic interiors, multipurpose furniture, asymmetric furniture, and wallpapers.
Earthy tones refer to colors inspired by nature, like muted greens, browns, sand, terracotta, and rust. These colors create a calming, peaceful atmosphere in homes, which has become especially important after the stresses of 2020. They are often paired with natural fabrics to enhance the serene environment.
Corner chairs can easily transform unused corners into cozy nooks. Pair them with matching pouffes, cushions, and a chic chandelier for a relaxing, breezy vibe. Adding plants or an end table can further enhance the space.
Inlay, an ancient craft, involves embedding pieces of materials like bone or mother-of-pearl into surfaces and filling the spaces with colored resin. It creates unique, elegant furniture pieces like tables, mirrors, and trays. Each inlay piece is one-of-a-kind, adding a touch of history and art to modern interiors.
Eclectic design is all about mixing different styles, colors, and textures to create a space that reflects individuality. It combines vintage items with custom-made pieces and focuses on personal expression. Cohesion can be achieved by using a consistent color palette or accent pieces.
Multi-purpose furniture is practical, especially for small spaces. Examples include C-shaped end tables that can be used for working or as a snack holder. Look for pieces that are versatile, like side tables or sofas that serve multiple functions.
Asymmetric furniture features uneven or off-center designs, such as sofas with only one armrest or L-shaped configurations. This micro-trend offers a unique and contemporary look that can add character and style to your home.
Wallpaper is a quick way to refresh a space, and 2021 is all about using bold designs. Floral, geometric, animal, tropical, abstract, and celestial patterns are trending. Wallpapers offer flexibility as they can be easily changed, allowing you to update your room without a major overhaul.
Matching furniture sets are becoming less popular in 2021. Instead, the focus is on mixing pieces that reflect your personal taste. Individual, curated decor items are favored over uniform sets.
If you love your all-white or all-grey room, you don’t need to change everything. Add colored accessories such as cushions, a bone inlay tray, or a colorful accent chair. Using complementary shades, like yellow for grey or soft pink and black for white, will bring your space up to date.
