My top three interior design trends for 2021

So, a few weeks ago I was asked by Porch.com to predict three interior design trends for 2021. Now, I don’t know about you but I always have mixed feelings about trends. One the one hand, I like to think that I’m too cool for school and don’t follow trends. But on the other hand, I have to admit that I still love catching up on my favorite interior design magazines and see what’s new. All mixed feelings aside, I still had a lot of fun thinking of where the world stands today and how this is going to affect our interiors in the new year. Porch.com asked a few other influencers to do the same. The resulting article is a fantastically long read that you should definitely check out – even though our crystal balls apparently all see something different for 2021.

As you can see below, the three trends I chose are luxurious pastels, the age of the amateur and stripes. And just to show you that I’m putting my money where my mouth is, I’ve sharing with you a photo of my revamped living room. It took me over a week to paint out of the green and pink stripes and I spent all day yesterday hanging new Jeroen Bodewits triptych I’ve bought. High time to show everything off. And needless to say, I can’t wait for Porch.com to expand to Europe so that I can outsource all of my home improvement work!

For 2021, I see three emerging interior design styles. They all revolve around optimism, uniqueness, affordability, and climate awareness.

Interior design trend #1: Luxurious pastels

Over the past few years, interior design aficionados often worked with either darker or more saturated color schemes to create a Hollywood Regency atmosphere at home. Those years are now firmly behind us. Climate change is here and conspicuous consumption is simply not done. Instead, the twenties have started – and we start looking ahead to a future that has at least the potential to be brighter. There’s no denying we’ve learned to appreciate the little things that bring us comfort at home. I think we’re going to continue down that path. We’ll invest, for instance, in Belgian linen duvet covers, which will naturally keep us cool in summer. And we’ll translate our feeling of cautious optimism in a lighter color scheme with luxurious pastels such as pale jade, soft pink, and jaspis turquoise. The only way is up!

Interior design trend #2: The age of the amateur

Do you really need all the stuff that keeps coming down that big Chinese conveyor belt? Cheap factory-made home decor items are simply not done. And if you didn’t throw them out during last year’s Marie Kondo craze, now is the time to get rid of them once and for all. As Dutch trend forecaster extraordinaire Lidewij Edelkoort recently said, the age of the amateur is upon us. With tons of online inspiration and literally millions of YouTube tutorials, we’ll start the new decade knitting, sculpting, painting and yes, even macrameing our way to a home that can be no one else’s but our own. Don’t feel like letting your creative juices flow? Then why not go to your local art school and buy something from an upcoming artist? I’m also convinced there’s a good antique market wherever you live. Look carefully, do a little research, put thought in what you buy and I’m sure you’ll find something totally unique. And let’s not forget about plants! Like it or not, we’ll be spending more time at home even after the end of you-know-what. The perfect occasion to start exchanging plant cuttings with friends and neighbors and create your urban jungle.

Interior design trend #3: Stripes

To be honest, I’d like to think I’m a bit of a trendsetter myself. A few years ago, I painted out every surface in my living room in fuchsia pink: walls, woodwork, and yes, even the ceiling. I was astounded it was such a big hit in the media. My home was featured in so many Dutch TV shows, newspapers, and magazines, I frankly lost count. People even started copying my idea and sent me photos of their own pink living room. Such an honor! In 2021, I’m taking things to the next level with painted stripes. If you’re willing to do the work, they’re an affordable way to kick things up a notch at home. And don’t be afraid to go big and paint out the ceiling as well! To complete your 2021 makeover, buy some well-made items with bold graphic patterns. I’m even thinking of re-upholstering my old sofa in stripes. Whatever you do, have a little fun with it!