14 interior design trends you'll fall in love with

Interior design trends for 2021

1. The rise and rise of neutral colours

One aspect of interior design that is showing no signs of disappearing in 2021 is the use of neutral colours.

Neutrals have been ‘in’ for years now and 2021 is looking no different, although the warmer shades of grey and beige could make their way into home décor palettes.

‘But neutrals are so, well, boring…” we hear you cry.

Yes, it’s true neutral colours don’t always get the heart racing, but a white or off-white wall carries more power and clout than you’d think.

Why? Because it acts as a blank canvas for everything else around it – and that’s where the colour comes in.

2. Bold ceramic tiling

Clean, crisp subway tiles have had their day and 2021 is all about colourful, ceramic tiling in your kitchens and bathrooms.

Hand-crafted tiles, that have a touch of the ‘imperfect’ about them, will be huge as kitchen backsplashes, while traditional tiled floors as that initial entry point will also be back with a bang.

3. Green in the kitchen

Grey kitchens are being eased out this year in favour of bolder green tones – and yes, we’re talking about cabinets.

Bold kitchen cabinets add a real sense of drama to that particular space and paired with deep-veined countertops, can make a real statement.

4. Bring in the florals

Floral patterns have been around since the dawn of time but have often disappeared from trend as quickly as they arrived.

They came back in 2020 and aren’t going anywhere in 2021.

Target floral wallpapers for living or dining room feature walls and look at fabrics for your bedroom.

5. Heavy metal

Dark metals like copper have been on trend for some time, especially in kitchen design.

For 2021, though, metal is going wild with wood.

Copper will be joined by silver, gold and tin for splashbacks, baths and panelling.

But it’s the industrial look that will really catch hold in 2021, with exposed stone, rustic woods and dark metals all playing their part.

6. Wicker and rattan

Natural furniture is making a comeback in 2021, with woven and rattan items leading the charge.

Wicker and rattan add a real warmth and the lightweight feel means such items can work indoors or out.

7. Earthy tones

Rich greens and clay colours are set to make a comeback in 2021 as designers veer towards more natural looks.

We’re convinced homeowners will be all over this trend, too, as these shades do have a certain zen about them after a long day at the office.

8. Snugs and a home office focus

With the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing and everyone spending more time at home, how we use our space has come under the spotlight.

Snugs and home offices will continue to be at the forefront of interiors in 2021, as homeowners look to utilise the space they have in the better, more functional way.

9. The outside is coming in

House plants are nothing new, although they have disappeared from living rooms more and more in recent years.

This year, though, we’re thinking more nature could start to appear in homes across the UK, with trails of succulents hanging from ceilings and interior wall planters.

10. A touch of Japan and Scandinavia

Japanese influences are as strong as ever and you should expect to see much more of this trend this year.

Similar to Scandinavian design in its functionality, Japanese interiors are being paired with their European counterparts, though, and this will ensure the desire for minimalism is retained throughout 2021.

11. Art that blends seamlessly with interiors is set to be a major trend in 2021 as more homeowners crave a calmer environment.

The minimalist lifestyle, inspired by Scandinavian homes, encourages us to buy things that are useful, beautiful and well-designed. Less is more – and clutter is a no-no. This concept has been evident in our changing choice of art too.

Movements such as line art will blossom. As will appreciation of simple, thought-provoking black and white photography. While in wallpaper, minimalist Japanese ink murals will be the rising trend to keep an eye on.

12. Greig (grey + beige) is the colour trend that excites us the most for 2021. We all know that grey has been a staple for home design in recent years, firmly establishing itself as a mainstay for decorating colour palettes. But without the right balancing skills, grey can leave your home feeling cold. The alternative, beige, can sometimes be too warm.

Cue the ‘neutral neutrals’ that sit in the middle of the spectrum. Something like greige works in both cool and warm colour schemes, making it the perfect neutral to choose when you want a sense of calm and balance.

13. House plants have been a big trend for ages. Today, the indoor jungle booms. But as the human connection to the outside world grows, people are realising that beautiful botanicals don’t always have to be real.

Let’s face it – that tropical palm you’ve had your eye on probably won’t survive next to your dehumidifier. If for whatever reason the real deal just doesn’t work out, turn to faux. There are so many realistic-looking alternatives available these days and they’re respected in the most distinguished design circles.

14. But the hottest craze we have to talk about right now is dried flowers. With a life of up to 2 years, preserved arrangements are a smart investment compared to the fresh variety. The seriously Instagrammable pampas grasstrend has inspired us to explore other ornamental grasses and dried foliage, opening up a whole world of possibilities.