There’s no denying that more time has been spent indoors lately. Whether you’re home-schooling or conducting virtual meetings for work, you’re likely spending more time looking at your home decor day in and day out. You may even notice that it feels like your interior could use some sprucing up, but you’re not exactly sure what pieces are causing the feng shui funk. There are 2020 trends that are subtly slipping away and giving way to 2021 homebody vibes. Read on to learn how to fix your drab decor, and learn to love your space again.
1. Bring the Green Inside
Interior design meets exterior design in 2021. This isn’t to say that you should bring your rusty bicycle inside, but maybe it could look good hanging on the wall. Who says you can’t be outdoorsy indoors? The people have spoken, and everyone is missing some outdoor time. Especially in the long dredges of winter after the holidays, it will be refreshing to add some green to your space. This can come in the form of real plants, or get out the paint can. Kitchen cabinets are begging for a fresh coat of green this year. Even some wicker and rattan are starting to make their way inside to liven things up and give a breath of fresh air to homes this year.
2. Change Out Fixtures and Hardware
Speaking of kitchen cabinets, yours could use some love. You may not look at your hardware very often, but that’s exactly the reason why you should change it up. Add some intricate metalwork for an interesting pop, or keep it sleek and smooth to balance out those cool new green cabinets of yours. Along the same lines, your lighting could use a boost. Daylight is no match for a really awesome chandelier! Well, maybe it is, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to spruce up your fixtures every now and then. Look for statement pieces that will get some attention, even if it’s just in the back of your Zoom call. One day, that industrial lamp will light up a dinner party on your forward-thinking rattan dining set.
3. Get Down with Industrial Town
Industrial pieces have been trendy for a while now, but they’ve been overshadowed by the accompanying shiplap. Modern farmhouse styles cropped up all over interior design makeover shows, and for good reason. The classy whites and grays marry perfectly with rustic metal accents with an industrial flare. Now, in 2021, you can keep the industrial flare. Just add some other interest that doesn’t include a ceramic rooster. Get your greenery in other ways besides the magnolia leaf wreath on the empty window frame. Mix it up! That’s what 2021 needs: a little shake-up. Industrial is still cool, but mix it with some fun, funky patterns and interesting colors to make it feel updated and chic.
4. Don’t Be Scared of a Little Peel-and-Stick Action
Coined “grandmillennial“, interior spaces will benefit from swapping out the shiplap for wallpaper. Yes, you read that right: wallpaper. It’s called “grandmillennial” or “granny chic” for a reason. You hate to see old floral wallpaper in homes that haven’t been updated since the 1940s, but there’s a way to make it feel new again. After all, trends come and go. Just like bell-bottom jeans, you can breathe new life into some funky wallpaper. Instead of an accent wall, opt for a cool print with some peel-and-stick wallpaper.
5. Nix Matchy-Matchy Vibes
Along the same lines, mixing patterns will become commonplace in 2021. You’re spending more time looking at your space, so why not make it interesting to look at? Give your eye several places to wander. Upcycle your old matching bedroom furniture by painting it in mismatched hues of your choice. If that’s too bold, you can sprinkle in some eclecticism with various textures. Try a fluffy pillow aside a patterned one to add some interest and dimension. All white rooms were a trend in recent years, but that may be the exact trend that makes your space look dated. It feels fresh at first, but after a few washes, those white linens aren’t as white. Switch them out for something fun.
6. Get Inspired by Things You Love
If the events of 2020 have taught the world anything, it’s to be more grateful in 2021 and beyond. Nostalgia has become a big trend. What did you love about homes past? Think about flipping through old magazines for the latest fashion inspiration. What sticks out?
If you weren’t a big magazine fan, or you don’t want to be stuck in the 2000s, it’s okay to look forward. Look at your hobbies. Are you into plants? Make an indoor garden. Do you love romcoms? Transform your bedroom into a Parisian paradise. 2021 is a better time than ever to really dive deeply into what you love. Life is too short for boring decorations.
