We’re almost past half of 2021 and the pandemic seems to be finally calming down. The past year and a half have significantly changed the way we live our lives and considering the fact that we’ve been confined in our homes for most of it, it’s only normal that it greatly influenced the way we design and decorate our homes.
With everything that happened, trends have shifted. Now, we can observe that there is a strong emphasis on comfort (both in decor and color tones), a desire for vintage decor, and sustainable design and a connection to nature are becoming increasingly significant.
As residential NYC movers, we often get a peek into people’s homes, just enough to be able to observe where the trends are going and how they are changing so of course, we couldn’t help but notice how the pandemic influenced interior design. So without further ado, here are the biggest trends we can observe, that seem to be here to stay:
An emphasis on comfort
At the moment, it seems that ”comfort” is the most significant ‘home décor trend,’ and it is most likely what we are all looking for. We’ve been spending more time at home than ever before, not just relaxing, but also working, and it’s expected that we’ll continue to work from home in the future.
Since it’s all about comfort, people are now thinking twice when looking at sofa designs for example. And although some might be very chic and esthetically pleasing, they may not be the most pleasant way to spend an evening binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix. There is definitely a tendency toward less flawlessly designed interiors and a greater emphasis on comfort. Prominent comfy sofas in comfortable textiles will be seen a lot in the future, and most probably shades of pink, mustard yellow, and green given that color contributes to comfort too. And speaking of colors…
Inviting color schemes
As mentioned before, 2021 puts a big emphasis on comfort, and part of that inviting, comforting feeling in our homes is given by the color schemes we choose. From the looks of it, it seems that color trends right now are based on a natural, earthy color pallet. It’s comfortable, friendly, and precisely what we need for 2021, with rusts, warm greens, deep reds, and slubby browns.
Warm hues may also feel incredibly welcoming both in brighter months as well as winter months, and we will see a lot of burnt oranges and peacock blues used into people’s décor in the future. Aqua and inky blues, which evoke peaceful poolside and beach getaways are also very trendy as they provide a tranquil, contemporary aesthetic. The hue Aegean Teal represents this shift toward serene, yet sophisticated homes.
A need for nature & sustainability
In the last year, we’ve all felt a stronger connection to nature. And it’s no wonder, given that nature sustains our existence. We want to be surrounded by greenery while also ensuring that our world is preserved for future generations to enjoy. As a result, we are seeing not only green colors and natural materials in home decor but also a greater emphasis on sustainability.
Green home design is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Green is a very peaceful color, and it will provide color to your home in a subtle way. Of course, decorating with plants is not a new fad, but due to the Corona outbreak, there has been a significant shift to the countryside this year.
While not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a natural setting, you can still bring the outdoors in with plants. Decorate your home with greenery, plant herbs on window sills, and add flower boxes for a touch of nature. And the desire to be surrounded by nature does not end with decorating your home with plants. Natural materials, such as wicker and rattan, can also be used in our furniture and home decor to contribute to the natural aspect. This one expands on the natural materials area.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly essential for both individuals and interior design firms. IKEA, for example, uses mostly organic cotton in its products, and they frequently use recycled materials (curtains made of recycled pet bottles, rugs made of waste fabrics) and design things that will help us live a more sustainable existence.
Use meaningful design and soothing textiles to stimulate your senses. This current trend appeals to our yearning for spiritual connection and well-being while still being environmentally conscious.
A renewed emphasis on artisanal and versatile furniture will also be seen. With the advent of conscious consumerism comes a need for furniture that is long-lasting, high-quality, and durable. Understated furniture, ecological materials, and multipurpose, warm minimalism reflect our desire to feel grounded, tranquil, and linked to nature.
Home offices as an integral part
As bad as the pandemic was, it certainly helped people understand the benefits that remote work might have for both employer and employee. Despite it being a difficult adjustment at the beginning for some, soon many people realized that work from home is as efficient – if not more as office work with a great advantage: fewer costs.
This being said, home offices seem to be here to stay now, as even with restrictions lifting more and more companies are changing their policies to either mixed home and office time or fully remote.
A home office should be created as a place to think. It desires crisp, clean lines, comfort, and creative inspiration in the form of artwork or patterned wallpaper.
Adding soft and comfy items to your area, together with a variety of textures — linen and wool on sofas and armchairs, and warm wood tables – combine to create a relaxing environment. This provides texture and warmth to space while also making it feel lived in, something we seek during the colder months.
About the Author
Michaela Smith is the marketing director at EMPIRE MOVERS NYC, a residential and commercial moving company with over 15 years of experience on the market.
