Since we published a blog on interior paint last week, we thought it prudent to follow up that wisdom with a bit of trending interior home decor inspiration.
The funny thing about this year’s design trends is that it is an exercise in opposites when compared to trends that are disappearing. While we originally thought it would be good to provide two separate lists (one with outgoing trends and the other with incoming trends), we ultimately decided to list the ins and outs side-by-side by category. This juxtaposition helps illustrate how the pandemic has shifted the philosophies that shape how we see and use our homes and how this affects our decorative choices.
Obviously, few of us have the energy or money to change the design and decor of our entire homes all at once; but if you tweak things here and there, a little bit each year, you can prevent your home from looking outdated. Even if being in perfect alignment with the most chic ideas is not your top priority, staying in tune with what is new will inform your purchasing decisions when you are confused by what is on the market.
Which of these trends are you delighted to say good-bye to?
Which ones will you miss the most?
Which of the new ones are you skeptical of?
Which ones will you wholeheartedly embrace immediately?
Design Philosophies
Out: Modern farmhouse
In: Grandmillenial/Granny Chic–what does this mean exactly? This incoming style is characterized as an eclectic and creative gathering of fabrics, metals, and patterns in a manner that is reminiscent of Grandmas’ attics. This style capitalizes on items from vintage stores and upcycling hand-me-downs. Additionally, the use of wall-paper, mixing old and new items, and anti-matchy matchy furniture and decor. The use of flowers and plants, pops of color, and coziness define this trend that is, ironically, anti-trend .
Out: Minimalism–it takes too much energy to keep everything so pristine and sterile when we are living in our houses all day everyday for months on end
In: Coziness–much warmer and welcoming, nurturing, low maintenance, and forgiving of a little bit of chaos
In: Industrial style…think exposed brick, mixing of wood and metal
Furniture
Out: Mid-century modern–not warm and cozy enough for the incoming Granny Chic aestetic
In: Wicker and Rattan furniture–echos the repeated aesthetic of natural materials we see in different aspects of incoming design trends. Wicker is not just for sunrooms anymore.
Out: Fast Furniture that is cheap and you assemble yourself.
In: High quality furniture that can last for a lifetime and beyond. While price might initially make this trend seem inaccessible, turning toward used furniture or hand-me-downs are excellent options for people who want to move away from the fast-furniture fad.
Out: slip covers–they feel sloppy instead of cozy, and ultimately do not hold up very well
In: stain resistant upholstery that holds up to wear and tear
Out: matchy matchy furniture sets
In: reusing old, quality furniture in new ways
Walls Coverings
Out: shiplap…along with farmhouse chic that relied heavily on it
In: wallpaper…have you seen the peel and stick varieties that are out now? Here is an easy “how to” guide. There are a lot of modern designs and various companies have their own version of the product. You can do an internet search to learn more, or start your investigation here.
Wall Paint
Out: dark colors–their heavy and dramatic essence are too limiting for the multi-purpose uses of the rooms we need to live in.
In: Natural, neutral walls with pops of various color accents and lots of natural light with less fussy window treatments. Also Blue. Keep in mind Pantone’s 2020 color of the year was Classic Blue, so we are starting to see the application of that hit full force.
Kitchens
Out: white and gray
In: blue and green cabinets with exotic accents
Out: smooth, plain tile
In: rustic ceramic tile
In: open shelving (nod to industrial style)…but let’s use some sense and moderation here
General Decor
Out: Faux anything: finishes, plants, flowers, stones
In: Real nature…Plants, natural fiber, natural light
Out: Barn doors
In: plastered walls (nod to the emphasis on natural finishes)
Out: chair rails (too fussy and limiting of spaces)
Out: TV’s above fireplaces
In: let the Fireplace be the focal point. Move the TV aside.
Out: accent walls in a different color
In: use plants, mirrors or art to create interest on walls
Floor Plans
Out: Wide open concept floor plans
In: divided zones…use the arrangement of furniture and multi-functional pieces to help delineate and transition. Add hidden storage for easy clean-up. There are a number of articles, like this one, that might inspire your rearranging ideas.
Out: formal dining rooms (see chair rails above)
In: multi-purpose workspaces
Basically, it comes down to this: The pandemic has made us use our homes differently. We have all spent a lot more time in our houses for over a year now, and we find ourselves needing our nests to meet an ever growing list of needs. Keeping up the minimalist mid-century modern and pristine modern farmhouse vibes has become simply too hard, cumbersome and high maintenance for adults (and children) who are multi-tasking all day and long into the evenings. We can’t run to the store to shop for replacement furniture everytime something breaks, so we need furnishings that will stand the test of time and heavy usage. We want an interior with staying power. We are trying to find new ways to exert our personality and creativity and that is manifesting in our turning toward the Granny Chic philosophy of home decor: using hand-me-down high quality furniture from our parents and grandparents and keeping our homes cozy with color, natural light and lots of natural fibers and personal inspiration. It is a bit of a relief, isn’t it?
For more visual inspiration, check out the pictures and articles over at houzz.com.
