2020 is behind us and 2021 can start properly. Last year the house became the place we spent all our time, most of us working in it. A lot of people are after something new, so whether a full refurbishment was the New Year’s resolution or you just want to refresh a room, here are the trends we expect to run this year.
1. Vintage and nostalgia
Vintage pieces have been rising for a couple of years and 2020 was no different. With the popularity of TikTok, every one of us became a specialist in many industries, including interior design with the re-wallpapered rooms, renovated furniture pieces and so on. It definitely influenced the rise in nostalgia which will naturally increase in 2021.
“I think as we move forward, we will increasingly combine the old and new, the classical and modern, rooms that are all modern or all antique do not age as well (.)” Thomas Jayne, designer.
The appetite for the 1980s is not going anywhere.
2. Sustainable design
As younger buyers build their lives around environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable pieces is reaching the interior design and furniture industries.
Eco-friendly furniture is built around reuse and recycling. Renewable, sustainable materials are hemp or organic cotton, bamboo, wood, rattan or seagrasses.
There are a couple of sustainable furniture brands on the market right now, like Sustainable Furniture UK, Made Trade, Emeco or Simbly.
3. Statement pieces
A statement piece lifts a plain interior and anchors it. It sets the direction, and the rest of the decoration is styled around it.
“When we’re designing spaces, we have to decide who is going to be our lady and then allow her to be the star!” Donna Mondi
Many things can be statement pieces, regardless of their shape, form, colour or size. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. The main task of a statement piece is to draw your eyes! Choose a piece of furniture or décor that is genuinely your taste rather than a trend.
4. More wellness!
2020 taught us a good lesson about our home being our sanctuary and safe haven. We have to improve our homes and create nooks that are comfortable retreats. If you live in a Victorian period property, you can create a tucked-away nook under your staircase. If you have a convertible loft in your home, you can create your own library, a family room or a second bedroom in your attic space.
Having a nook in your home matters, especially if you live with others. This will serve as a private getaway and provide a little break from the usual life cycle.
5. A mix of Nordic and Japanese
In 2021, when it comes to your home, less is more. Simple, more comfortable and functional interiors will be in this year. Both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors tend to be minimalist, emphasising light tones and natural materials like wood. The goal is to create a more airy, open and balanced atmosphere in your home.
Those are our five predictions for 2021. If you are considering a refurbishment in London, in Chelsea, Holland Park, South Kensington, Belgravia, Mayfair, Notting Hill or anywhere else, tell us about the rooms and one of our in-house designers will come back to you.
Published 6 January 2021. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.