Interior Design Trends For 2021: What’s Hot

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What’s hot for Interior Design trends in 2021?

Towards the end of each year there are predictions as to what will be ‘hot’ for interiors in the coming year. But, I won’t just be throwing out a list of trends and leaving it at that. I hope to make this article valuable to you so that if you are inspired by these Interior Design trends, you are guided to somewhere useful to learn more, this article will give you –

• Better insight into each predicted trend
• Further guidance if you want to dig deeper into a trend
• Links to related high street products to create a similar look
• Real peoples homes incorporating the trends
• Helpful video references

So, let’s see what styles to look out for in 2021.

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Cloffice Trend

This phrase has been about for a few years but due to more people working from home, it is getting super popular in the home decor world…..the word will be rolling off our tongues in 2021.

In recent years the layout and design of our homes have been geared towards open plan living. Which was great, but now with changes to lots of our work/life situations, the family space has started to get a little tight.

So, what is a Cloffice?

Small areas in our homes are now being turned into fully-fledged offices now that it seems working from home is going to be the new ‘norm’ for a lot of people. 

The space also has to function as a make-shift classroom for all the zoom meetings with the teacher and school work. Never, has there been a time that a home has had to be so much to so many, at the same time.

So, a solution needed to be found to create more personal space.

Cloffice’s come in many shapes and sizes. But, its truest form is a small cupboard or storage area that isn’t being used to its full potential. Where a carefully designed revamp can turn it into a functional and organised space to work from.

This lovely image above from @throughmyroof shows that you don’t need a huge space to fit in all the essentials for a home office. This compact cloffice is neatly tucked into the living space.

Where to start with this Interior Trend

Removing doors and their frames (or maybe not, if you want to keep detail on the surround) is the first step to seeing the potential of this ‘nook’. By doing so, the space can be seen from a different perspective.

This is when you can start to get creative. Shelves, storage, wallpaper, pinboards….anything you need and want to make sure this space is how you want to spend your 9-5 from Mon-Fri.

This lovely cloffice above by @janetsdiynest shows you how you can fit everything that you would need for your office into a snug space without it encroaching into the rest of the room.

Are you getting inspired to create your own cloffice? I’d love to hear in the comments at the bottom of this post.

To inspire you even more, I’ve found this quick video on YouTube, where Carmona transforms her closet into a Cloffice, all in one weekend. Watch this video for inspiration (it’s only 3 minutes long).

Have a larger space you want to turn into a cloffice?

Instagram has been flooded with dressing rooms that are incorporating an office. You know something is a hot new trend when it’s filling up your insta feed.

So, if you want to see more ideas for larger spaces then search for #cloffice for very glam shots of larger rooms accommodating an office area.

The great thing about a Cloffice is that they can squeeze in anywhere, that is their purpose. The main priority is to find a quiet space in your home where you can create a space to function at your work whilst continuing to have a zoned work/life balance.

For more inspiration, head to my Cloffice Pinterest board.

Japandi Trend

What is Japandi?

Japandi is the new minimalism. It is a perfect blend of two very popular styles – Scandinavian and Japanese design.

Infusing these two individual styles together creates a very simplistic and calming interior look for your home.

What are the key design elements of Japandi style?

Before I dive deeper into the minimalist design principles, there are two keywords that can be used throughout every element within any space designed with Japandi style in mind. Simplicity and functional.

Every design detail is created to serve a purpose. Everything in the space has a right to be there and to serve the user of the space.

The key design elements of the Japandi style are –

• Simplicity
  • Decluttered space
  • Clean and simple lines
  • Calming space

• Nature
  • Simple plants
  • Natural light

• Natural and sustainable materials
  • Mixed wood tones – light through to darker tones
  • Light flooring
  • Natural fabric tones and textures

• Functional furniture
  • Low-level designed furniture
  • Quality craftsmanship
  • Everything has a purpose

• Minimal colour
  • Neutral colours – White and cream
  • Can add contrasting tones – Light greys and blues

• Simple lighting – natural materials and simple lines
  • Balanced lighting 
  • Sustainable finishes

• Simple accessories
  • Purposeful
  • Minimal design detailing

• Functional Details
  • Screens and sliding doors

How to add Japandi style in to your home interior

To fully embrace the Japandi interior style, it needs to be a lifestyle. From the layout of your home to what you decide to include in your space. Every detail is decided on for optimal functionality. 

But, don’t let that deter you if this is an interior style that you would like to introduce into your home. Follow the points below, and exchange some of your existing home decor to follow the Japandi principles and you will have a calming and more functional space, that can be your own sanctuary.

Floor Plan –

• Uncluttered
• Functional layout
• Minimal furniture in space

Walls – 

• Fresh and light colour tones

Japandi style furniture –

• Clean lines
• Simple design
• Functional usage

Accessories – 

• Simple detail and clean lines

What are the colour palettes of Japandi style?

Mixing light colours such as white and soft creams together with wood tones are your main colours to use to design your space/room. You can add contrasting tones for interest such as greys and blues. 

Below, is a Japandi inspired mood board incorporating homeware from the High Street store, Dunelm. I created this mood board to help you visualise how the calming tones all work together, and that it doesn’t need to be designer brands only that can produce beautiful items.

If you would like to listen to how a designer incorporated Japandi into clients home and explain the style in further detail have a look at this 5-minute video.

For more inspiration on the Japandi style, head over to my Japandi Pinterest board.

Shelfie Trend

Shelves (or #shelfie if you want some Insta inspo) are turning into the new gallery walls so I’ve heard.

And, Pinterest is definitely the place to listen to when it comes to what people are searching for in home decor. This Interior Design trend for 2021 will have us looking at the details now, since a lot of larger decorating jobs were undertaken last year,

And, it seems that kitchens are getting the most attention this year. I recently responded to some interior advice in a Facebook group, and yip, it was about spaces between kitchen cabinets that are really awkward spaces.

No matter where in your home you have some shelves in need of a bit of love, I’ve pulled together some helpful inspiration for you on how to get started decorating your shelves.

The following ideas work great whether you have build-in shelves or you hang separate shelving like the gorgeous and fun pineapple shelf display unit above, from Tk Maxx. Tweak the tips below to suit your needs.

How to get started with this Shelf Trend

• Collect together the items that you wish to place on the shelves
• Try to find items of various heights to make your shelves visually appealing

What items to display on your shelves?

• Useful items – storage boxes or baskets
• Decorative item – plants, vases or ornaments
• Memories – photos, postcards, souvenirs ……items that make you smile!
• Books – a staple on any shelf
• Frames with artwork, quotes etc.

Where do you find a selection of great shelves?

• Ikea – huge variety at low cost
• Tk Maxx – find great unique items
• Supermarket home departments can be a great place to find unexpected surprises

How do you put all your items together on shelves?

• Start with placing your larger items towards the back of your shelves – this will give you height
• Start to place your decorative items throughout your shelves – place smaller items towards the front of your shelves – this will help to create a balance to your items
• Mix up your items – try not to group three of the same items together i.e. ornaments – this helps to create a better balance overall
• If you have items you wish to use regularly, keep them to the lower shelves for convenience
• Consider different ways to display our books – flat, upright, within colour combinations, small – large, random mixed heights, cover off/on and spines or pages on display
• Sit frames upright on shelves either towards the back, at an angle or on top of a stack of flat books

Other ideas to consider –

• You can limit your items colours to a select few, but if you want to keep a relaxed and casual look then don’t overthink the colours too much.
• Odd numbers have a better visual impact with group together (same in garden designs). So, try grouping different items in clusters of varying heights help the styling better.

I hope that helped to get you started if you wish to embrace this Interior Design trend that helps to highlight gorgeous shelf displays in our home in 2021. Overall, the main elements to a great ‘shelfie’ are layers, heights and balance.

But, always remember, everything on your shelves is fluid. Tweak, or change them anytime you want, there are no rules, just make them look eye-catching!

Our homes have been getting lots of upgrades over the last year, so is it time to now use your shelves to make a statement?

For more inspiration, head over to my Shelving ideas Pinterest board.

Neon Lights Trend

According to Pinterest, neon lights are going to be huge for 2021.

And, the 2021 version of the 80/90’s trend are works of art on their own.

It seems, this year we are all craving something a bit more fun and vibrant in our lives than normal. And, why not?

According to ‘cool people’ (not me lol) the vibey lights and LED trend has bounced its way from Tick Tok – that’s where it all seems to be happening these days.

The need for some bright lighting in our life may be due to being stuck at home for the best part of last year. Though one thing we can be sure of, the party is definitely happening once the neon lights are switched on, even if it’s only for a party for two!

Where do you hang your neon lights?

Using neon lights within wall art galleries, by mixing in with the art prints is very popular. There are some great photos on Instagram of neon lights being used this way. Grouping them together creates a fantastic feature wall of interest and vibrancy.

Bar areas are getting increasingly popular within our homes and neon signs are a great way to add a bar atmosphere to the space.

Lastly, neon signs being displayed above beds are making bedrooms more fun and full of personality. I can see the Mr & Mrs art prints getting a 2021 makeover 😉

Other ways to use these bright signs within your home is to –

• Group them with faux ivy for a neon jungle style
• Simply place above doorways or on kitchen walls in large script font.

I will admit I am very tempted after looking through some beautiful homes, are you?

For more inspiration, head over to my Neon Lights Pinterest board.

I hope this post has been useful at explaining some of the new Interior Design trends for 2021, I’d love to know if anyone is going to try some out. Let me know in the comments below.

If you want to see inspirational mood boards for what’s new on the high street for SS21 check out this post – Natural Home Decor Styles.

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