The Top 4 Design Trends of 2021

The Top 4 Design Trends of 2021

There are plenty of reasons to look forward to this new year, especially for those of us who have spent quite a bit of time in our homes.

Many of the design trends for 2021 revolve around enhancing and updating both the functional and the comforting. Whether you are moving to a new home, renovating your current one, or planning do-it-yourself projects for the future, it’s important to keep resale value in mind, but allow current homeowners to embrace decor that helps keep their space cozy, comfortable and functional in these still-unusual times.

Wood Country Building Services wants to help you with your remodel and design plans for this upcoming year. Here are four decor trends that experts and interior designers predict will be strong in 2021.

1. Mid-century modern

While it’s been around for a while, mid-century modern is still really popular. People are drawn to the clean lines, versatility, functionality and timelessness of mid-century design. And what’s even better, this style works very well in open and expansive areas as well as smaller spaces.

To make this design trend work for you, focus on functional furniture. We are all spending more time at home and, as a result, our things are being used more often. For most homeowners, this prompts a need for us to stash our clutter. As a result, functional furniture that is aesthetically pleasing tops the list of decor elements that help create that mid-century modern look.

For example, shelving used to store your books and items don’t have to be blend-into-the-walls or out-of-the-box standard colours. Instead, incorporate the bold statement and use of sculpture that is found in mid-century modern looks by choosing bold shelving options. Cherry red shelves can be both a place to store your items and a focal point in the room; other options include metal and leather accent chairs and coffee tables with organic baskets to control the clutter.

Also, consider how to put your media cabinets and buffets to work. Not only should they serve as beautiful statement pieces but scrap the no-door or drawer options and opt for incorporated storage that offers a chance to hide it away behind closed doors. This keeps clutter out of view but allows homeowners to continue adding statement pieces that add art and appeal to any room.

2. Traditional & Classic

In years past, traditional and classic styles were the least popular styles among Modsy customers. However, traditional and classic styles recently started to get a bit more interest — last year alone, traditional style rose in popularity by 6% while classic styles grew by 11%, according to the Modsy report.

The big draw is the sense of comfort and security these styles offer — two sought-after sentiments in a year of uncertainty.

To capture these interior design styles think elegant furnishings, beautiful curtains or classic window coverings, antique accents, patterned or textured rugs, statement lighting, and coordinated, thoughtful colour schemes. Just don’t overdo your space in this design, say the experts. Too much and your space looks stuffy and contrived. Add touches and flourishes and your space takes on depth and warmth associated with classic comfort.

3. Rustic modern (but not modern farmhouse)

As an overall style, the modern farmhouse has enjoyed a long stint in the spotlight. Shiplap wall treatments, barn doors and exposed beams (real and fake) appealed to homeowners who wanted a casual, old-school, organic look. As a result, though, the look has been overdone — and turned up in unexpected places. For instance, shiplap and wood features were added to condos and apartments in major urban centres — places where farmhouse decor aren’t natural or organic.

Instead, the trend is to find the rustic look that fits your space. For example, in large, populated urban spaces old signage from a gas station may become the artistic focal point of the room; black and white images of decades gone by are other options.

The idea is to pick accent pieces that are casual and rustic, lending that relaxed feel to your decor but only as a focal or complement piece, not as an entire decor style.

4. Continue emphasis on the home office

The pandemic shutdowns throughout 2020 resulted in a lot of home office designs. Starting in April 2020, home office design requests steadily started to rise, growing 27% year-over-year, according to the annual report from Modsy, a U.S.-based online design firm. As a result, home office furniture sales were three times higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

Going into 2021, the desire to create or recreate the home office space is still high on the design and decor list for many homeowners. According to the Modsy report, the most popular design trends are modern and minimalist, with 27% of all offices designed to be clean and functional (many using other design trends, such as Mid-Century Modern furniture).

For the home office, most are focusing on affordable upgrades with most people spending up to $1,500 on a room refresh.

Final thoughts

2021 is the year experts think people will continue to embrace comfort and function, but without ignoring aesthetic beauty and charm. The overall aim is to make your home more welcoming, more natural and more comforting without ignoring the desire and appeal of art and focal points. If you do decide to remodel or renovate this year, talk to your local home decor specialist about these four design trends for 2021; their insight and expertise can help you find the right material, furnishings and decor that work with your current look while updating using trending designs.

If you have any questions or need more information, visit Wood Country Building Services. Our team is always available to help in any way we can.