Trend Talk! Where have we come from, Where will we go?
If you hail from the Generation-X demographic, you might now have that 1995 dance hall anthem, ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ song stuck in your head, for which we deeply apologize. If not, read on, because we’re talking trends in interior design!
At Metric, we get a lot of questions about design trends- how to incorporate them, how long they will last, which ones are appropriate for their homes. You will always get different answers depending on who you talk to.
We have our own thoughts on trends, which we will reveal at the end of this blog. (you could scroll forward, but why miss the fun!)
So let’s explore, uncover and delight in some of the fun home themes we found receiving buzz, exciting the design world and even causing a little controversy. Don’t worry, we won’t be telling you, you have to ditch your skinny jeans. We’re not those people!
Metric Design explores the 5 most talked-about interior trends.
Photo credit: The iconic office space of Kaitlyn Bristowe, designed by Decorist Creative Director, Jessica McCarthy.
1. Japandi
A charming and perhaps unusual interior design style of 2021. It’s minimal, functional, warm, and calming. Influenced by Japan’s “wabi-sabi” approach to aesthetics, it embraces authenticity, imperfection, and impermanence. I know, now you’re thinking about sushi. We’ll save our favorite Saskatoon sushi places for another time. Back to trends.
One of Metric’s favorite examples of Japan meets Scandinavia design in 2021 interior trends
2. Modern Artisan
It’s monolithic and simple, with a little humour. Furniture and décor looks hand-made in a modern way. If you like really unique, this may be for you!
Metric Design, “Modern Artisan style, is a trend using furniture and accessories to tell a story'“
3. English Eclectic
Traditional, but young. This style uses patterns on top of patterns, saturated hues, bold colored rooms for a maximalist approach to your home. Bring out the knick-knacks!
Metric Design credits the warmth in this design to the layered use of finishes including bold trim walls, and the deep, rich tones of the extra detailed custom hardwood found in this intriguing 2021 trend.
4. Grand Millennial
This ‘nod to nostalgia’ aesthetic is challenging the sleek, modern minimalism we’ve grown accustomed to. The look is being boldly embraced by the 20 and 30-something generation looking to express their personality and individual style. Hold-tight Gen-Xer’s, we’ve got more for you too.
The Metric Design team members are reveling in the “Grand-Millennial” trend !
5. Contemporary Cali
Country rustic with a modern edge. An easy-going style that’s welcoming, calming, and personal with minimal layers. It’s less decorated, more casual with lots of organic textures. You can even pair a streamline sofa with antiques and have a refined look. We dare you to try it!
Metric Design, “be curious about this casual, but curated approach to achieving the Contemporary Cali trend”
Now for the Firing Line! What’s in? What’s out?
Here’s just a sample of what we’ve been hearing in the industry. Some may be a little controversial, others may have you rejoicing for change!
OUT - All White Interiors. People are longing for bright bold color again. While white is timeless and beautiful, we are seeing some rooms painted in a different color, or the combining of white with pops of color in decor and accessories. If you’re not into the bright colors, try combining different light colored patterns and textures for a fresh take on your space.
I think we all deserve some pizzazz in 2021!
IN - Wallpaper and textured walls. So many options to choose from. Let your walls be your canvas!
OUT - Accent Walls. What started as a way to make a room more interesting, has now been deemed distracting. Life has enough distractions, doesn’t it?
IN - Green Kitchen Cabinets. In fact, green everywhere. Living green plants, rich hues of emerald, pine forest, and deep moss in paint, accessories, fabric, and furniture.
Metric Design suggests you bring the outdoors in with beautiful natural green tones for 2021
OUT - Ship Lap. Seen in nearly every TV home-makeover show since 2010, shiplap was used to decorate walls and bring texture into a space. 2021 is reintroducing tile, rattan and living walls of plants to add interest in a room. But remember if you have it, have fun with it. Incorporating other shapes and textures can bring new life to your shiplap before it sails off into a distant sunset.
IN - Wicker and rattan furniture. It’s light, natural and airy. And it’s a great way to live like you’re at the beach in a time when we are all vacation starved.
OUT - Barn Doors. You know them, you love them, how dare they tell us we can’t have them! This unique, sometimes space saving trend has been the it-thing for 10+ years. While some in the industry feel they may be wearing out their welcome, they still offer form and function and simple things like new hardware might increase their longevity until the trend swings around again!
OUT - Open Floor Plans. GASP! This has been the dominant architectural trend for 20+ years, until the defining year of 2020 changed how we live and work. Not to worry, the kitchen will always remain as the favorite gathering spot!
IN - Multi-functional Spaces. More flexible and closed layouts will become the new standard. Families and couples are looking for privacy and separation to create overall harmony for everyone in the home. Parents, you know what we’re talking about!
Wicker and rattan furniture offer a light and airy atmosphere in this stunning sunroom
Bring light and airy furniture into the bedroom in 2021 for your best nights sleep, Metric Design