As 2021 comes to a close, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we want to go in the coming year. It is that time of the year when the idealized New Year resolutions you made all those months ago start floating ominously in your mind. And for home décor enthusiasts, it’s also a time to reflect on the home design trends that stamped their mark on the year 2021.
Earlier this year, we covered “5 of the Hottest Home Design Trends Worth a Try” (hello, Grandmillennial, Earth Colors, and Cocooning Spaces). Now it’s time to see what’s emerged since, what’s still around, and what to expect with 2022 right around the corner.
Tired of moving the same ol’ knick-knack around? Trying to reconfigure your remote working space? Looking to freshen up your space to start 2022 on a clean slate, here’s are the home designs that defined 2021:
1. Can’t Get Over Maximalism
The home design community launched a full-fledged revolt against minimalism in 2021 – planting maximalism on the iron throne in its place. We increasingly saw sentimental accessories creeping into our spaces and dotting.
This trend seems to hinge on a push towards attainable comfort and livability. Homeowners want their living spaces to reflect their unique personalities. They want something that feels good to be in. A cozy little nook—whether that’s a cute throw, velvety fabrics, or family-friendly finishes.
Takeaway? It’s not too late to surround yourself with things you love and care about. Clear out the clutter and create space for items that hold some sentimental or aesthetic value to you.
2. Grandmillennial Still Got its Flair
If the Grandmillennial style is anything to go by, 2021 was nostalgic. Grandmillennial is a modern take to the traditional, homey designs that define most of our grandparents’ houses for those who are not already obsessing over the home design trend. It’s a stirring convergence of the past and the present.
We saw the reemergence of antique art and vintage-style décor that evoke feelings of familiar comfort and pay homage to tradition. Gilded mirrors, drapes, crocheted throws, floral wallpaper, and other old-fashioned patterns lined our spaces in 2021.
3. Wallpapers Kept Rolling In
Why load up on the paint cans when you can achieve a dramatic room change with peel-and-stick wallpaper? It appears homeowners and interior designers found creative ways to work with wallpaper in 2021.
Self-adhesive, removable wallpaper added a cost-effective and fun escape from staring at the same boring four walls. With so many options for wallpaper, the trend opened up a whole new world of endless home design possibilities and an avenue for self-expression.
Wallpaper is a great way to make a statement and give every single space—even the often-neglected corners—a purpose.
4. Green Colored Our Spaces
If we could describe 2021 home designs using color, it would be green—which is a fitting pick since it represents renewal/growth (something we can all relate to). As a blend of yellow and blue, green offers the best of both worlds; it can be warm or cool depending on what you want to achieve.
We saw different shades of green give life to homes—from deeper shapes popping up in kitchens, olive greens to rich green pairings that look sophisticated. As we continue to renew ourselves and grow from the blow that 2019/2020 dealt us, we might see more of mother nature’s favorite color in our homes.
5. Wood Accents
Warmer wood tones had a time in the limelight as the monochromatic white slowly faded out of style. But not just any wood tones, it’s been a year of rich, natural-looking woods that pair gorgeously with painted elements or brass/bronze hardware. And since wooden accents never really fall out of style, the trend kept homes feeling cozy, inviting, and timeless.
The beauty of wood is in the ability to accentuate other designs and create a certain feeling of comfort and grandeur—whether it’s in the kitchen, the bathroom, or the home office. The trick lies in nailing the ‘mixing and matching’ right on the head.
6. Let Life-Giving Light into Your Home!
Let the light in—especially now during winter months. Inviting the sunlight not only comes with some much-needed warmth but also improves your health and adds depth/richness to your overall home design.
Fun fact: Did you know that sunlight triggers the release of serotonin (aka., the feel-good hormone), which elevates your moods (Source: Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives).
With so many aesthetic and therapeutic benefits, it’s not a surprise that home designs that welcomed natural light in our homes took center stage in 2021. And we hope the trend carries on into 2022.
Tip: Complement the natural lighting with indoor plants strategically placed to soak in the sun’s goodness. Why? Plants work wonders for your curb appeal—and they can do the same for your interior décor.
7. Curves – Go with the Flow
Home designs have been a little comfortable and softer in 2021. Boxy edges and clear lines that were once interior décor staples gave way for more casual and organic curves/smooth edges – from rounded display cabinets to puffy, curved sofas. This trend even saw architectural designs get in on the action with the resurgence of the classic archway.
Winding Up
As we start to look ahead to 2022, everything is slowly becoming less about 2021. But it’s never too late to spruce up your home with the latest home design trends – and there’s plenty of inspiration above to help you hit those yearly design goals.
