2021 Decor Trends: What’s Out & What’s In
The 2021 Decor Trends Report is live! See how our designers weigh in on what's in for the new year – and what's outdated.
Ready to de-stress? Commencing the full report in 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . !
IN: Transitional Decor (OUT: Industrial Style)
IN: Grandmillennial (OUT: Shabby Chic)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2016, we have seen a drop of 43% in interest in 2021. "Shabby Chic goes along with farmhouse style in a way, with weathered pieces and a collected worn-out look. What to try instead: Replacing is Grandmillennial design. As millennials are growing up and appreciating design in their own way, we are putting a twist to eclectic style and steering away from monochromatic. It is a different kind of granny chic, with more classic and timeless pieces and bright and airy rooms.” - Shelby Greene, Studio Operations Stylist
IN: Minimal Stripes (OUT: Floral Pattern)
Since the peak in the middle of 2016, we have seen a drop of 28% in interest in 2021. Shelby explains why: “Floral pattern was part of the granny chic trend, making florals on wallpaper and upholstery trendy and not so old fashioned. What to try instead: Replacing it is minimal stripes and lines. You'll see this trend in rugs and drapery to add some spark of pattern, but not too heavy, making it very versatile to work with." - Shelby Greene, Studio Operations Stylist
IN: Grand Canvas Art (OUT: Botanical Print)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2017, we have seen a drop of 14% in interest in 2021. "Botanical Print in art is becoming too expected and not so unique anymore. What to try instead: This year, try grand, hand-painted art pieces on canvas or moody photography prints blown up in frames. This trend goes along with the grandmillenial approach, booting out shabby chic." - Shelby Greene, Studio Operations Stylist
r
IN: Geometric Tile (OUT: Subway Tile)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2018, we have seen a drop of 10% in interest in 2020. "Subway Tile has had a long stay; however, we are getting more creative with our tiling techniques." What to try instead: Instead, try a geometric honeycomb or octagon tiles with a marble material or metallic hints. This trend will be used in kitchens and bathrooms, and even seeing it expand into restaurants. This brings warmth and character to steer away from a simple style." - Shelby Greene, Studio Operations Stylist
IN: Tiled Borders (OUT: Mosaic Tile)
IN: Herringbone-Inspired Pattern (OUT: Terrazzo Tile)
Since the peak in the middle of 2018, we have seen a drop of 10% in interest in 2021. "Terrazzo continues to show up, and while its simplicity makes its ubiquity a little easier on the eyes, it’s definitely a pattern that just feels tired at this point. What to try instead: Try herringbone; it’s basically chevron, but with a subtle, sophisticated edge. In soft, earthy colors, herringbone, with its charming rows of rectangles – bolder, but not as random as terrazzo – will surely fit in with the ‘simple and natural’ motifs in 2021." - Emilie Navarro, Interior Designer
IN: Cozy Accents (OUT: Wabi-Sabi)
IN: Layered Colors (OUT: Monochromatic)
IN: Textured Wood (OUT: Tile Countertops)
IN: Warm Tones (OUT: Millennial Pink)
IN: Scandifornian Style (OUT: California Style)
Since the peak in the end of 2017, we have seen a drop of 12% in interest in 2021. “California style is going away. For a while, it was the way to "relax" a space, but it’s definitely had its moment. What to try instead: As for what's coming, expect to see Scandifornian! It's a mix of Scandinavian and Californian, so you don't have to say goodbye to California style completely. As for Scandifornian, think cozy, relaxed – and with a touch of mid-century modern.
–
IN: Cottagecore Textures (OUT: French Cottage)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2016, we have seen a drop of 19% in interest in 2021. “French cottage styles with formal gravitas are slowly moving out. Today’s generation likes simpler settings. What to try instead: Think mixed woods and metals, greenery, lace wall decor, shag rugs and throws – or cottagecore. Cottagecore trends are becoming more popular for their relaxed and inviting auras. The soft furnishings and simple mix of textiles and textures make for a simple yet aesthetically appealing environment.
IN: Abstract Art (OUT: Word Art)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2017, we have seen a drop of 33% in interest in 2021. "Okay, word art, you had your time in the spotlight, but the fact is, you came on a little too fast, too hard. Our hearts now belong to our new decor mate: abstract canvas art. What to try instead: Let the pictures do the talking. Try abstracts in soft, warm colors, or photographs of scenic places. You can also experiment with fiber wall art (or wall tapestries). Really, try anything – as long as it's not word art!" - Jessie Harris, Production Designer
IN: Sofa Beds (OUT: Futons)
IN: Rustic Italian OUT: Tuscan Style
IN: Selenite Lamps (OUT: Himalayan Salt Lamp)
Since the peak in the beginning of 2017, we have seen a drop of 68% in interest in 2021. "One word: overexposure. There are just too many salt lamps going around, and people are starting to turn the other way. (Don’t blame us, blame the data!) What to try instead: Selenite lamps. They're a refreshing change from the pink Himalayan counterpart – they're not pink, and they're not salt. They're just beautiful, clear gypsum crystals that give off a subtle glow." - Jessie Harris, Production Designer