Décor Trends: What’s In, What’s Out

May 11, 2021

During 2020 with so many people “sheltering in place”, our homes and furniture had to do-it-all – be the place we found rest, went to work, and went to school. Designers and décor trend prognosticators say in addition to state of the art entertainment equipment and dining tables that are bigger and multi-functional, colors are trending toward warm and neutral hues. And so much more!

While mid-century furniture has ruled the day for years, Elle Décor A-List interior designer Juan Montoya believes living rooms will have more relaxed seating areas with comfortable chairs. Another A-List designer, Mark Cunningham, concurs and says that with more time spent at home, games tables, library tables and places to sit that are just for reading, will decorate rooms that are more usable and functional. Builders are taking notice, too, incorporating these must-haves into architectural and structural designs.

Comfort Over Concept

As offices remain closed, or open only as often as is necessary, Zoom-friendly spaces are on people’s radar, too, with this newfound focus on livability. Again, while mid-century modern was once hot and popular, when you’re hanging out for hours in a space with cool-looking but uncomfortable furniture, your priorities change!

Vogue Magazine polled top interior designers to find out what “comfy” looks like: plushy, sink-into furniture with warm colors, bookcases full of books you’ll read, not just decorate with, and family furniture pieces that have been reworked and reintegrated. 

“The trend,” says Roman and Williams co-founder Robin Standefer, “is to embrace what lasts, what’s well made, and what makes you smile.”

One designer went so far as to suggest using outdoor furniture inside because of its ability to weather the elements and rough treatment! Timothy Corrigan suggests that durability will continue to be important and that we’ll see outdoor fabrics come inside to upholster furniture, as we live on and use it 24/7. 

Colors and Textures 

And as far as colors, we’ll be seeing a mix of textures and hues. There’s an emphasis on repurposing things, moving furniture from room to room and re-accessorizing, rather than starting over. “Needless excess is out,” says Martyn Lawrence Bullard, “and functionality and duality in the home is in.”

Better Homes and Gardens also polled designers and stylists and discovered beiges and greys are out, too, being replaced by warm earthy colors and calming blues. Warm neutrals and rich earth tones are a top 2021 color trend with organic shades like camel and deep neutral colors like olive green and burnt orange. Look to paint and fabric, says Vancouver designer Gillian Segal, that have yellow or red undertones for a homey, inviting effect.

Sustainability and Durability 

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Sustainability is a broader trend that impacts many aspects of our daily lives, including the decisions we make about furnishings and décor. People are interested in “investing” in quality pieces that will last and that they can keep for years. 

Local furniture workers and manufacturers, rather than big box or chain stores, are being sought out for their certified sustainable materials. If buyers can feel good about a piece of furniture lasting for decades and about the piece’s impact on the environment, it’s a more gratifying purchase.

For a quick look at what’s in and what’s out for 2021, check out New Décor Trends. According to the experts here, a few of the “in” design trends include floral prints, gemstones and bright kitchen sets. The don’ts include cool gray tones (we’ve been waiting for that one!), terrazzo and macrame. Frankly, we thought macrame was out decades ago, but we must have missed the wave that brought it back – however briefly!

Love Where You Live…Southshore!

There’s so much to love about the master-planned community of Southshore, and the trendy designs and features brought to you by some of Colorado’s top home builders. Isn’t it time to explore the options showcased in the brand new homes from Taylor Morrison, Century Communities, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers? Life at the Lake looks like this – stunning ranch and two-story designs – priced between the $400s and the $700s.