If there’s one thing we know to be true about trends (both in fashion AND in interiors), it’s that everything seems to make a comeback. While some trends may be better left in the past, we’re definitely on board with bringing back a few old design elements in 2021!
Today, we’re highlighting 14 “new” trends on our radar this year. Read on to find out what you should be digging out of your (or your parents’) storage closets. Afterward, let us know in the comments—should these trends really be brought back or should they stay buried in the past?
Art Deco
Art Deco rose to prominence in the 1920s and dazzled the world with its geometric shapes and clean lines. Those features provided a stark contrast to the ornate décor of the Victorian era that proceeded it. The style was revolutionary, mixing handcrafted items from the Victorian era with mass–produced and affordable goods from the industrial age. As we immerse ourselves in this millennium’s version of the roaring ‘20s, it seems appropriate that Art Deco would make a comeback. To add this classic style to your home, mix vintage goods with some new items from Target, West Elm or Ikea—creating a gorgeous juxtaposition between old and new that is a signature of Art Deco décor.
Individual Rooms
Open floor plans have been on the top of everyone’s “dream home” list for the last 15 years. But with a lack of walls comes a lack of personal space. Homeowners have quickly found that while an open floor plan is great for entertaining, it isn’t the most practical in their everyday lives. More and more homeowners are putting in new walls to separate living areas and create designated spaces. This bodes well for those looking to purchase older, historic homes that were never converted during the open floor plan craze—preserving plenty of historic charm and privacy.
’80s Inspired Furniture
The ‘80s are back and we couldn’t be more excited. This wild decade was all about bold and interesting furniture silhouettes, inspired by geometric lines. It’s actually really easy to include this old/new trend into your home—just hunt for furniture that seems a little bit off. Round vases, crooked mirrors, textured furniture, oversized chairs—the weirder, the better!
Colorful Appliances
Who doesn’t love a white kitchen? Subway tile, bright quartz countertops and white cabinets are definitely stunning, but 2021 is bringing color back into the kitchen in a big way: colorful appliances. Colorful appliances offer up a vintage and retro feel that is very much in style right now. With the rise in Smeg appliances’ popularity (which come in several retro-style colors) people are yearning for a bit more color in their kitchen in the form of pastel fridges, ovens, microwaves, kettles and more.
Dark Kitchens
While exciting pops of color are fun, if you want to take your kitchen in a completely different direction, 2021 has also brought back another old trend: dark kitchens. We’re talking about navy, forest green, black—darker shades that mix perfectly with small pops of white or neutral tones. Not only does it make your kitchen feel more sophisticated, but it also adds a touch of maximalism (which we’ll get to soon) to a usually minimalist space.
Brass Fixtures
Stainless steel and rose gold have each had their moments recently, but it’s brass’s time to shine once again! When used for appliances, hardware or fixtures, this gold-ish metal brings color and warmth to a kitchen, bathroom, or even a living room or outdoor living space. We recommend incorporating it throughout your home through sinks, cabinet handles, light fixtures, and even doorknobs to add an Art Deco flair to any space!
Maximalism
Throughout the 2010s, interior design leaned heavily towards “minimalism,” a movement about avoiding the unnecessary, boasting clean lines, uncluttered rooms and simple décor. In 2021, though, it looks like “maximalism,” a décor trend from the 1980s, is finally making a comeback. This trend calls for you to bring things back into your home’s equation. Bright colors, fun patterns, walls full of clutter, layered rugs and knickknacks—the more the merrier!
Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been making its comeback for several years now, but 2021 is when we expect to see it really shine! But before you start having flashbacks of wall-to-wall floral nightmares—don’t worry! 2021’s version of this classic décor staple offers fun pops of color and exciting designs on accent walls, in powder rooms, behind built-ins and as cabinet/shelf lining.
Macramé
Inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s, macramé is a boho lover’s dream. We’ve been seeing this trend make a resurgence in all sorts of interiors lately, used as wall hangings, in light fixtures on furniture, and even plant hangers. We love exploring Etsy or one of our favorite local home décor shops for this gorgeous décor style, but if you’re feeling inspired, try your hand at a DIY! Here is a tutorial that you can follow to create the statement macramé piece of your dreams.
Textured Furniture
We’re not sure that textured furniture has ever gone completely out of style. There was the Rattan style from the early 1900s and the ‘60s, the wicker craze of the early 2000s, the faux fur fever dream in the mid-2010s, and many more. But 2021 seems determined to throw together as many styles as possible, especially when it comes to furniture. Rattan, cane, wicker, shearling, velvet—all are back and ready to party.
Wood Paneled Walls
Wood paneled walls first came on the scene in the 1970s, with many homeowners loving the idea of having an “outdoor/indoor” inside their living spaces. However, after the 2000s came around, wood panels were deemed “out” and painted white or even wallpapered to mask their appearance. But as of late (especially with the shiplap craze of the past several years), wood panels are rising back on the scene as a favorite in dens or living rooms for a cozy twist that feels both vintage and modern.
Work Spaces
In the 1990s, at-home work spaces slowly faded out of style. This was due to the rise in office building construction, more young people in the work force, and a shift towards smaller homes. But, of course, in early 2020 when workplaces nationwide were forced to close, American’s work habits and environments shifted dramatically. Millions of professionals were suddenly working from home, camped out at the kitchen table and wishing for more. Young urbanites in small apartments had to get particularly creative, perching with laptops from hallways, closets and bedrooms. So, it’s no surprise to us that home offices or office spaces are at the top of many people’s dream home wish list in 2021.
Houseplants
If you’ve spent any time on Instagram over the past year or so, you know that house plants have taken the world by storm once again. Seeing someone with an indoor jungle isn’t uncommon these days, with people so obsessed with their plants that they’ve donned themselves “plant parents” and outlined their watering routines on social media for all to see. If this sounds like something you might be interested in doing, head to one of our favorite gardening centers in Omaha or Lincoln! Whether you want to start out with one new plant or 20, local experts will be able to help.
Beige
Beige is back! The soft hue was a hit in the ’90s—from the couch to the carpet to the walls—but took a step back while bright whites and cool grays took over in the early aughts. While ’90s beige was drab, today’s styling is anything but. Instead, it’s more of a soothing tone, perfect for kitchen cabinets, serene guest room bedding, or a comfy family room couch.
What do you think?
Are you excited to incorporate these old décor trends into your home again or should they stay in the proverbial home décor graveyard? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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