Image credit: Elaine Musiwa

6 Design Trends We’re Leaving Behind in 2021

by KELSEY MULVEY

Image Credit: Elaine Musiwa

Here are the decorating ideas that designers we spoke with are ready to kiss goodbye, plus a few welcome alternatives that can take their place.

Image Credit: Matt Sartain

Open-concept layouts

In 2020’s multitasking homes, a physically undivided space could be tough, say Mary Catherine Murray and Amanda Khouri of Murray Khouri Interior Design. Space dividers and individually decorated rooms offer flexibility.

Image Credit: Ashley Poskin

Sterile, standardized spaces

“I think that homes will start to lose some of their universality,” says designer Robert McKinley. Instead of designing a space for Insta-friendliness, focus on creating something that’s unapologetically you.

Image Credit: Elaine Musiwa

Mirrored furniture

Designer Joy Williams thinks over the top mirrored furniture will soon be a thing of the past. “I do think clients want more livable spaces that are more comfortable and durable.” Picture rattan and wicker pieces.

Image Credit: Kirsten Buck

Formal rooms

“People need to be able to use, sit, and relax in every room,” designer Amanda Lantz explains. That includes a range of spaces, says designer Liz Caan: “I see homeowners feeling less of a need for a formal dining room.”

Image Credit: Erin Derby

Black and white only

“People living and working from home are subconsciously starting to understand how colors bring happiness, confidence, and calm to a space,” says designer Isabel Ladd.

Image Credit: Andrew Bui

Open storage

“Because 2020 has made so many of us realize that we have way too much clutter, we’re craving streamlined spaces with seamless—and unseen—top notch organization,” says Karina Lameraner, creative stylist at Modsy.