Seven once hot Interior Design Trends that have gone cold in 2021

2020 was a defining year for everything but especially the collective relationship we all have with our homes. Shutdowns due to the pandemic left many of us scrambling to create home offices, homeschooling spaces, and gyms, changing way we use our homes significantly. Whether you are moving to a new home, renovating your current one, or planning DIY projects for the future, it’s important to choose an aesthetic that’s as current as possible to help boost resale value. While overall, there’s been an “anything goes,” approach to interior design in recent years and especially in 2020, these are the trends experts and interior designers predict will be going the way of the Dodo Bird  in 2021.

Modern Farmhouse

We can take a breath of fresh air because the modern farmhouse look is finally on its way out to pasture. Part of the reason why many people are sick of this aesthetic, according to Kelley Mason, Manager of Creative and Content at Lulu and Georgia, is that it has been overdone particularly in places like apartments where a modern farmhouse look isn’t remotely organic, “Shiplap wall treatments, barn doors, and other hallmarks of the modern farmhouse style are still beautiful but look clearly out of place in city apartments and suburban homes,” she says.

Fast Furniture

Much like fast fashion, the appeal of inexpensive furniture and accessories that aren’t made well enough to use for the long haul is on the decline. “Our rooms now see daily multi-functional use, and people are customizing them to provide flexible and adaptive living spaces. The furnishings that create these spaces serve in different ways at different times,”  says Bob Williams, President of Design at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Williams believes that opting for better pieces has a greater purpose beyond quality for the sake of longevity. “Alongside their use, these pieces also carry intrinsic meaning. People are creating deeper relationships with the things they have in their rooms because so many more of life’s moments and memories are happening there. Purchasing is more intentional, and people are loving their rooms more because of it.”

Faux Anything

These experts also conclude that 2021 will see less plastic and man-made materials, more natural and organic materials. “It’s all about sustainability and people will prefer stones, wood, natural fabrics, and natural coloring methods. It also means less faux flowers and plants. For those who can’t bear the idea of taking care of plants, preserved flowers are the solution, it’s basically dried flowers that look fresh and last months! It’s a big year for biophilic design!”

Slipcovers For Sofas And Chairs

Slipcovers aren’t anything new and as fabric technology advances, Dolley Frearson, co-founder of High Fashion Home believes this type of furniture is becoming obsolete. “With high-tech, stain-resistant fabrics such as Crypton available on most upholstery furniture, homeowners no longer need washable slipcovers,” she says. “These performance fabrics are so incredibly durable and they can resist all stains from foods, drinks, and other messes by kids and pets. It’s a total game-changer.”

Terazzo

For years, terrazzo tiles in bathrooms and kitchens have been a great way to create a fun, unique look. But according to Molly McDermott Walsh, Vice President of Marketing at Semihandmade, this aesthetic is starting to become dated. “I never understood this trend and now understand my mother’s frustration when trends from her childhood came back around in my generation. Sometimes trend cycles are based on beauty and true innovation— and sometimes they come back for an ironic laugh.”

Mid Century Modern

Mid century modern has become overplayed and overdone. Plus, it’s pretty, but not really a functional aesthetic.  Interior Designer Alexander Doherty declares that this aesthetic is now giving way to warmer, more interesting pieces. “I’m seeing a return from the brown furniture, mid-century modern aesthetic to the popular art deco design movement that moved into the 1930s and 1940s.” So what will we see instead? “Design elements like vertical lines, sleek craftsmanship, bold geometric shapes, rich finishes, lacquered surfaces, and a rise in material investments like marble and burl wood give way to more sculptural elements that mimic the period’s architecture.” he says.

Dark Colors

Barbara Karpf, founder, and president of DecoratorsBest says dark is done, at least for now. “Dark colors are dramatic but they close in a space. Many people will continue to work remotely in 2021 and multi-purpose rooms are a necessity. Dark colors limit the usage of a space and without expert lighting, a dark room is less adaptable.” So unless you have a big home or a larger room, it is best to go with lighter colored furniture, accessories, and paint.

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Photo Credit:  YKvisual / Shutterstock.com