Trends 2021 – There were many unexpected occurrences in 2020, and COVID was the most significant.  Along with the global epidemic came spending more time in our homes which had a big impact on design trends for our homes.  The dominating trend for 2021 are interiors that foster comfort, and peace as a soothing retreat from the challenges in the world.

Popular color for 2021 creates a serene and peaceful  bedroom with sitting area.

Home as our safe place to spend time with attention to multipurpose spaces to work, play and enjoy our interests,  family and friends.

Add a library table for additional workspace.

Trend predictions on how the pandemic will shape interior design in 2021.

Nostalgia and sustainability will drive an appreciation  for antiques and vintage finds.    Pieces which may otherwise be discarded will find new life with repurposing, revamping, refreshing and restoring.

In my blog post on 2020 Trends,  Vintage was “in” with lots of color, warmth, antiques and eclectic touches all to create our personal spaces that would stand out as being a reflection of our unique individuality.  The key words, individuality and authenticity.  That trend has gained more attention and relevance as the focus on our homes has increased tremendously.  Creating spaces that make you happy and reflect your passion and interests.

2021 Dallas Kips Bay Show House – Designer Jan Showers – Lady’s Study

2021 Trend also continues to expand on classical interiors with more attention to classical features such as wall panels, columns, pilasters and ornamentation.  Features that have stood the test of time and offer a timeless backdrop.  It provides a backdrop for the best of the past which combine beautifully with today’s contemporary furnishings.

Large sofas for working, sleeping, eating and more.

Curvilinear shapes that envelope us. 

More Seating Areas

2021 Trend – Work From home lifestyle.  Using Architectural Details, Partitions, pocket doors to section off workspace.

Lovely alcove partition by Daniel Oyen Construction – Would look even better with a Beaux-Arts Classic Products Art and Crafts Style Vent Cover.

There is a larger issue with homes that have open floor plans that do not provide separate spaces to accommodate working at home for families.

Lighting – Since we are spending more time in our homes and working from our homes, there may be a need for more lighting, particularly task lighting; as well as improving ambient lighting to maintain a sense of circadian rhythm and to promote mental health.  There are more choices today than ever before with new LED technologies to provide natural light, task lighting and warm lighting that makes us look and feel good.

Recessed lighting has become more than task lighting.  LED options for recessed lighting has brought the LED Wafer light which can be installed everywhere since they are actually thinner than the drywall in your ceiling. Because LED lights do not give off heat, they do not require a canister as traditional incandescent recessed lights needed to prevent the heat of the old Edison type light bulbs from catching ceiling insulation on fire.  So if you wanted a recessed light in your master bath directly over each sink, LED wafers maybe the only way to go, since they can be installed directly under a joist in the ceiling. Old fashion recessed light canisters need to be installed in between the ceiling joist, but since LED wafers  (Ultra Thins) are thinner than drywall, and can go anywhere.

When purchasing LEDs lighting for the home make sure to pay attention to the Kelvin temperature, which is the way to measure the . color of the light. Typically LED lights come in 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 5,000K, which vary from an “Amber Glow” to “Operating Room Blue”  The closet light color to the old incandescent bulb is 2700K also called warm white. In my opinion this 2700K LED is the only selection for the bedroom, bathroom and other family rooms in the home.  Kitchens and work rooms may go up to 3000K, warm white.  The 4000K is the same color as sunlight, so if you grow indoor plants they will appreciate a 4000K LED overhead light.  I do not recommend using 500oK LEDs in the home environment since the light is so bright it’s blue. It is best left to hospital operating rooms.  Many of the new LED lights have a switch to set the color temperature, but they generally cost more.  In general for you home the amber glow of the 2700 Kelvin temperature LED  light color is best.

Decorative Options for recessed lights.  Recessed lights can also be attractive.  They are a light source and light always gets our attention. Love these decorative trims which come in sizes to for all sizes of recessed lights from Beaux-Arts Classic Products.  Shown here their Victorian style with a 6″ LED Ultra Thin.

12″ LED Dome Light.  Great idea for ambient lighting is this new 3-dimentional LED dome.