10 design trends dying out in 2021

Because the pandemic forced many to make their home function as their office, people discovered open-floor plans aren’t as flexible as they originally seemed.

“One trend our clients are beginning to move away from is open concept,” says Spectrum Design Group owner Jeff Kaper. “It isn’t working any longer. No sound control, difficulty in furniture placement (and) lack of privacy all makes living and working difficult. Plus, you lose a lot of character when there aren’t walls.”

This is what interior designers notice as soon as they walk into your home. 

Popularised by the modern farmhouse trend, barn doors are undoubtedly on their way out now.

“They can look great in the right setting, but they can also be tedious and noisy to slide open and shut every time,” says Greenhouse Studio home and garden blogger Tina Huffman.

“I think the main drawback, though, is they don’t provide a secure close like a traditional door, which can be awkward when used in a place where you might want privacy — like on the entrance to my friend and her husband’s master bath!”

Modern farmhouse in general is experiencing a decline after the over-saturation of the market in the past few years. Elements such as shiplap, word art and rustic touches are waning, too.

Spruce Up interior designer and co-founder Sarah Bowen says minimalism’s hot streak has grown cold. “Interior designers are now prioritising layers and a range of textures,” she says. “Grey-on-grey will soon feel outdated, cold and clinical. In 2021, it’s all about the eclectic look.”

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Terrazzo is still around, but it is quickly becoming dated, says Emilie Navarro, interior designer for home decor and furnishings brand Living Spaces.

“Try herringbone instead; it’s basically chevron, but with a cool, sophisticated edge,” she says. “In soft, earthy colours, herringbone, with its charming rows of rectangles — bolder, but not as random as terrazzo — will surely fit in with the ‘natural and simple’ motifs in 2021.”

Watch out for these top 10 kitchen design mistakes.

Shaker cabinets in kitchens were a response to the more ornate traditional style cabinets that came before them, explains MC Design interior designer and owner Megan Dufresne. “As an updated version of European-style flat cabinets, the Shaker style felt modern and minimal,” she says.

But like any trend, too much can become … too much. “As time went on and the trend grew more popular, these cabinets began to feel dull and lacking in personality,” Dufresne says. “We are heading back to the more traditional style cabinet and using colour to bring in a new, fresh take.”

Or try these tips for replacing cabinet handles and knobs.

Living Spaces interior designer Bryanna Evans says that while granite may remind you of the home you grew up in, that’s precisely why it feels outdated. “Instead, try shiny quartz,” she suggests. “It’s less porous than granite and so requires less care. Also, it looks sleeker and more unique.”

Quartz comes in various patterns, colours and styles so there are plenty to choose from. But besides being lower maintenance, Evans mentions another design benefit: Décor pieces are more likely to stand out. On a granite benchtop, they are more likely to get lost in the pattern.

Here’s how to replace a kitchen benchtop. 

Chelsey Brown, author of Rental Style and City Chic Decor, says metallic gold finishes became so oversaturated that they now feel gaudy. “Switch out your metallic gold skull sitting on your coffee table with a stone or fluted vase,” she says. “Textured décor is in for 2021.”

Dufresne agrees that pairing clear plexiglass and gold together in Hollywood Regency style is also on its way out. A quick update? Some iron finishes, rather than gold, will add the earthier touch everyone’s been craving.

Brown says to skip over subway tile when you’re choosing a backsplash or bathroom motif. “It was great while it lasted, but subway tile is definitely out,” she says. “So many people ended up using it in their kitchen renovations that now it looks builder-grade. Opt for colourful tile with a fun pattern instead.”

Not ready to commit to colour? At least consider a larger- or smaller-scale tile, or a new shape.

Learn how to cut tiles like a pro. 

“This style took off in the early 2000s,” says Dufresne. “Darker colours, accent walls and an overall heavier feel was very popular. No more! We are overhauling this look and replacing it with clean, fresh colours with lightness and uniformity in the décor.”

Other details – Mediterranean or not – that might weigh down your ambiance include nail-head detailing on furnishings, crown moulding and wood wainscoting. Removing them and using a light, warm paint will brighten and lighten for 2021.

In 2021, fast furniture will be taking a back seat. “With many people redecorating on a tighter budget, we’ll be seeing more secondhand shopping and upcycling,” Bowen says. “People will be opting for longer lasting and more meaningful pieces.”

Besides being easier on the Earth, you’ll also naturally have a more distinct interior. No more visitors saying, “I have the Ikea EKTORP, too!”

Here are 12 ways to make your furniture last longer.

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Source: Family Handyman