Interior Design Trends 2021: What’s Coming Next

It’s been a strange year across the world as countries went into lockdown. But what’s remained a constant comfort while stuck indoors is being able to tend to our castles. Interiors can make a huge difference to mental wellbeing, so seeking out the latest home trends is something we particularly look forward to.

According to reports, the interior design trends 2021 has in store for us will be a progression from what we’ve seen so far. Expect an elaboration on 2020’s biggest talking points. Think natural, organic and simple. A celebration of the earth’s raw materials and a subtle use of colour to evoke emotions. From statement wallpapers to Instagrammable plants, here are the interior trend shifts to watch.

Navy prevails as the 2021 interior trend colour

Mural in photo: Blue Swirl

Who knew the navy trend would last this long? While the on-trend navy living room has made big waves in the design world, many will agree that it’s not an easy colour to execute. But its beauty triumphs regardless, and we could see this enigmatic shade becoming a trend classic in coming years.

Going against the advice of using light colours to open up space, this trend brings a sense of ‘Scandi Noir’ and sophisticated masculinity to a room. It oozes grown-up, expensive luxury. And when working with this hue, the goal is to go all out.

Don’t just stop at navy coloured wallpaper for your dining room walls. Coordinate with matching navy dinner plates and decorative accessories too. As long as you have enough natural light coming in, a navy overdose won’t leave you in the dark.

If you’re worried about your room looking one-dimensional, try a wallpaper like this stunning Blue Swirl Watercolour design for a bit of high-end charm.

Textured walls are going to be everywhere

Mural in photo: White Marble

Texture in interior design is important because it impacts sensation and touch. It can be the feeling of plush carpet under bare feet, the tactile nature of a wooden countertop, or simply the perception of a room when you enter. Texture will be the main theme for walls and we’re excited for all the new products that will follow.

According to Milan Design Agenda, nature plays a big part in this story. Stone, marble, wooden beams and wall panels will have their revival. Wallpaper designs like this sleek White Marble wallpaper are an easy way of recreating such complex textures without renovation.

This is definitely one of the most notable interior design trends 2021 will bring. Not only is it ambience-altering, but it’s easy to achieve. Tactile design can be easily translated in a visual way, and our collection of texture wall murals will get the same effect for less.

Minimalist art will be a conversation starter

Art that blends seamlessly with interiors is set to be a major trend in 2021 as more homeowners crave a calmer environment.

The minimalist lifestyle, inspired by Scandinavian homes, encourages us to buy things that are useful, beautiful and well-designed. Less is more – and clutter is a no-no. This concept has been evident in our changing choice of art too.

Movements such as line art will blossom. As will appreciation of simple, thought-provoking black and white photography. While in wallpaper, minimalist Japanese ink murals will be the rising trend to keep an eye on.

‘Neutral neutrals’ are set to shine in interiors

Greige (grey + beige) is the colour trend that excites us the most for 2021. We all know that grey has been a staple for home design in recent years, firmly establishing itself as a mainstay for decorating colour palettes. But without the right balancing skills, grey can leave your home feeling cold. The alternative, beige, can sometimes be too warm.

Cue the ‘neutral neutrals’ that sit in the middle of the spectrum. Something like greige works in both cool and warm colour schemes, making it the perfect neutral to choose when you want a sense of calm and balance.

Mural in photo: Wild Cat Fur

Our gorgeous Wild Cat Fur wallpaper is a luxurious take on the greige colour trend and adds plenty of texture to keep things interesting.

There’s also a growing demand for peacemaker colours that bridge the gap between calm neutral and full-on brights. These come in the form of soft pinks, muted ochres, and easy-on-the-eye hues like organic pistachio.

Plants can be real, dried or faux

House plants have been a big trend for ages. Today, the indoor jungle booms. But as the human connection to the outside world grows, people are realising that beautiful botanicals don’t always have to be real.

Let’s face it – that tropical palm you’ve had your eye on probably won’t survive next to your dehumidifier. If for whatever reason the real deal just doesn’t work out, turn to faux. There are so many realistic-looking alternatives available these days and they’re respected in the most distinguished design circles.

But the hottest craze we have to talk about right now is dried flowers. With a life of up to 2 years, preserved arrangements are a smart investment compared to the fresh variety. The seriously Instagrammable pampas grass trend has inspired us to explore other ornamental grasses and dried foliage, opening up a whole world of possibilities.

Mural in photo: Subtle Jungle

Fluffy pampas plumes, dried palm spears and grasses work particularly well with tropical or botanical design themes. So something like this calming Subtle Jungle wall mural can provide the perfect backdrop for all of your plant displays (whether they are real, dried or faux).

Interior design trends in 2021 are all about organic

The use of organic materials and vegetable-based fibres comes as no surprise. Last year we saw this idea evolve from just wicker and rattan to natural silk upholsteries, hemp curtains and even cork walls. Anything that connects us to nature gets the thumbs up, and next year we will see a shift into luxe decor.

Rich textural expression will be the headline story, and raw, untreated woods will make an appearance too. But expensive natural materials like marble, decorated tiles and high-end ceramics will be central to finishing the grown-up home. A nod to artisans means opulent tile patterns are having a resurgence too, so there are plenty of trends to explore.

From highlighting stone wall features and embracing wooden floors to adding retro terrazzo to the mix, there is a multitude of ways you can feed the raw, organic narrative.

*This post was originally published 13th August 2020

We hope you’ve enjoyed our forecast for Interior Design Trends 2021. Which of these is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to share any predictions you have! Or, if you want to see the latest styles, see 2022's top interior design trends.