The disruptive effects of the coronavirus pandemic have hit many industries, and the home and lifestyle space is no exception. The regulations on social distancing and movement restrictions left us with no choice but to spend more time indoors throughout 2020, which undoubtedly affected our day-to-day living. Not only were we craving for more comfort to safeguard our well-being, but we were also forced to reimagine our living spaces to meet the demands of our new lifestyle.
Whether that called for turning a spare room into a functional home office or designing a "dead space" for Zoom and remote learning, the inevitable changes brought about by the pandemic served us an opportunity to highly regard our homes as an integral part in navigating through the new normal.
With this in mind, Good Housekeeping has checked in with a selection of top design experts to find out inspiring decor trends that you can try to reinvigorate your home this year. From chic paint colors to indoor plants to smart lighting, this list has definitely got you covered.
Image via Janis Nicolay
Earthy Palettes and Textures
“We'll see lots of earthy palettes and textures in 2021. Think the continuation of plaster and travertines, lots of rattan, camels in lieu of gray, and deep, neutralized hues like olive green and burnt orange.” – Gillian Segal
Image via Pantone Color Institute
Pantone Color of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.” — Pantone Color Institute's Laurie Pressman
Image via Thomas Kuoh
Indoor Plants
“Indoor trees and plants are going to continue their ascent into home design mainstay. They freshen indoor air, bring the clarity and calm of nature indoors, act like sculpture on a shelf or table top, and caring for them is grounding and life affirming. Developing a collection of interior plants wins on all levels: Aesthetic, functional and mental.” — Emilie Munroe
Image via Breegan Jane
Decorative Smart Lighting
“As we head into the new year, people will look for ways to make their home a comfortable and functional living space. For instance, swapping out regular incandescent bulbs for smart lighting options allow you to set schedules and create an ambience to fit your needs – whether that’s Zoom school, cooking prep for a family gathering, or just relaxing in the living room.” — Breegan Jane
Image via Etsy
Multipurpose Spaces
“We all made our living spaces work for us last year, and many of our rooms served multiple purposes. We added workspaces to our living rooms, classrooms into our kitchens, and gyms to our bedrooms. This year, people will be finding ways to reimagine their homes and incorporate pieces that help restore balance to our multi-functional spaces.” — Etsy's Dayna Isom Johnson
Image via Aimee Mazzenga
Knotted Light Fixtures
“We’ve always believed a statement light fixture can tie any space together, and one trend we’ve loved lately is light fixtures using braided and knotted textiles. We designed a whole space around a hand-blown glass light from Longhouse with knotted rope by artist Windy Chien. They are the perfect addition to a neutral space, because they offer plenty of natural, organic texture and visual interest while staying within a neutral palette. They offer a hint of coastal aesthetic — which many of our clients are asking for—without feeling overly nautical.” — Andrea Goldman
Image via Domin_Domin/Getty Images
Bidets
“Believe it or not, bidets will be popular. The toilet paper gate of 2020 scared us all, and lately my design firm has been getting a couple of inquiries about our thoughts on bidets.” — Tiffany Leigh
Image via Eric Roth
Durable Fabrics
“Fabrics that are durable, wear well, and can be washed multiple times (linens and slipcovers, for instance) will be more important as we spend more time at home for work and learning.” — Holly Waterfield
Image via Chairish
Geometric Shapes
“One thing is for sure: postmodern and 1980s Memphis-inspired pieces are here to stay! We’re wild for hard edge geometry that adds dramatic tension to a space.” — Chairish's Anna Brockway
Image via Kristen Mayfield Photography
Blush
“Millennials may have named the color, but for this designer, blush tones are now considered a neutral. I expect to see more of this in 2021 in spaces that used to be reserved for white paint only.” — Lori Paranjape.
It is key to reinvent, refresh, and improve our way of living despite the changes and uncertainties that the new normal presents. These home decor ideas along with our products will surely help you liven up your life throughout 2021.