STYLE · COMFORT · NATURE
2020 has been a very unique and unexpected year for the entire world, as worldwide quarantine forced us to spend all or most of our time at home.
This has reminded us how important our interior environments are and how they impact our wellbeing, including our mood and health. Every person is unique and so are their homes and living styles. Since we are now spending more time at home than usual, it is important to surround ourselves with things that make us content, whether because we think it is beautiful or because it feels soft and inviting. We should live in a space that meets our needs in functionality and that is pleasant, makes us feel tranquil and welcome. This may vary from person to person depending on their living style and personality.
We have encountered during this year that what was serving us before is no longer functional as we are spending so much more time at home than we normally would and possibly executing different tasks or more tasks in the same space. This brings in new spatial requirements, such as the integration of a home office or workspace for school and/or work-related activities. While we need function, we also need comfort. The living room and dining spaces have also become a space possibly in need of modification or updating to accommodate for longer use and possibly the gathering of the whole family at the same time.
The integration of new furniture pieces or replacement of the existing ones has been very common as we find the need to have a space that works and is accommodating for everyone. 2020 has been a year of collective experience throughout the world and it has made the way for new design trends which will be mentioned below.
2021 DESIGN TRENDS
STYLE
Black kitchens · Mix of textures and materials · Colorful accents
The kitchen design trend has seen a 360-degree change from all-white kitchens to all-black kitchens.
Black is a color of sophistication and confidence and it can be styled in many different ways, according to the accessories and hardware are chosen, which makes it a very versatile choice. It can become modern, classic, or industrial according to the person’s specific style. For this reason, many have dared to incorporate all-black kitchens in their homes from countertops to cabinetry, appliances, and even flooring.
Following on the idea that a black kitchen becomes the focus of the home, it allows for customization of other interior design elements according to the person’s personality and taste. This can be achieved with the use of different materials and textures which keep the design interesting, yet subtle and sophisticated creating a harmonious atmosphere. Black goes and blends with everything so it leaves a lot of room for creating different styles around the same element.
Last, but not least, the use of colorful accents through the selection of special furniture pieces or fabrics is very popular as it provides the flexibility to adorn our space with the color that radiates and connects with us the most. Fabrics can also provide a theme by the use of patterns or images that make the person feel at home. The use of these elements personalizes our space and allows us to update them regularly if desired.
COMFORT
Cozy sofas and beds · Big dining spaces · In-home offices
By spending more time at home, we find that it is crucial to have comfortable furniture and living spaces that adapt to different scenarios or events. For instance, we may need a space that is to sit upright and have a conversation or to enjoy a cup of tea. We find that the use of a set of elegant armchairs has become popular to have a more formal sitting experience. On the other hand, we also need a space for leisure where we can comfortably relax. A lounge or tv space with a large and comfortable sofa that can hold the whole family is essential and a lot more enjoyed now since we are spending more time at home.
Bedrooms have become an interest area and a luxurious space in the home, no longer used only for sleeping, it has become a space that provides a safe harbor and possibly a bit of privacy for each person on a day when everyone is home.
The bedroom is a private room and allows to create an even more personal space than the rest of the house which is shared with other members of the family as well as visitors. The use of cozy and elegant beds is increasing since they make us feel as if we were in a retreat of our own. The big upholstered headboards, textured panels or walls, and decorative lighting all work together to create a dream space for each individual. Clearly, the need for a new home office or update to your existing one is something that most of us shared during 2020 with the need to work from home. Creating a space that soothes our needs through ergonomic design, style, and color is very important in order to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.
NATURE
Colors · Plants · Ventilation
Nature has been brought to the inside through the use of earthly color selections such as deep greens, browns, and ocean colors. These colors are applied to the walls with paint or decorative wall treatments which imitate the textures and colors of nature. Furniture and/or accent decorations can also include these colors which provide a peaceful and grounded space that most enjoy and perceive as calming. A lot of natural wood items are also seen as they create a space that soothes the eye and mind, natural woods mixed with solid blacks or solid colors is a transcending trend.
The use of natural interior plants has been in high demand as it brings nature to the interior of the home in a natural and easy way and it also enhances the air quality of our interiors. More than ever, we are encouraged to choose eco-friendly and natural materials that provide good interior air quality such as paints, flooring, wooden items, building materials, and furnishings containing low VOC.
Other items to consider are cleaning products, disinfectants and air fresheners which we use at home, choosing quality is very important as we are sharing a lot of time with these materials and products which emit gases and pollutants into the air we breathe without any visual precautions.
Natural cross ventilation and the seamless blend of interior and exterior spaces by the use of enlarged openings and/or terraces is very popular and recommended as it makes us feel better and allows us to enjoy nature right from our doorstep.
In 2020 we have been reminded and learned that our homes are a unique and safe place for ourselves and our families, how we use it and decorate it has a great impact on our lives. Go on now, start thinking about how you will personalize your spaces and create your own dream home. Whether it is with a full renovation or the update of only a few items, you will surely feel the difference.
