Pandemic forced us to spend most of 2020 confined to our homes. Out of necessity, our living spaces blossomed into versatile environments, where we worked, studied, exercised, socialized, worried, ate comfort food and Netflix and chilled. As we adapted to this sheltered life so did the living room design trends, which now emphasize comfort, multi-functionality, designated spaces for different activities, up-to-date entertainment systems, plus safety and nostalgia… with a modern twist.
Grandma Chic, Comfort and Colors: Living Room Design Trends in 2021.
Pandemic forced us to spend most of 2020 confined to our homes. Out of necessity, our living spaces blossomed into versatile environments, where we worked, studied, exercised, socialized, worried, ate comfort food and Netflix and chilled. As we adapted to this sheltered life so did the living room design trends, which now emphasize comfort, multi-functionality, designated spaces for different activities, up-to-date entertainment systems, plus safety and nostalgia… with a modern twist.
1. Comfort is the ultimate style.
Even the most hardcore fans of the Industrial decor’s edgy minimalism and brick-and-metal visual energy are rethinking their living room interiors. Open spaces become filled with details. Strict accentuated lines yield to softer, warmer designs. Raw brick walls and metal items like steel furniture legs or hand-forged bronze wall art are replaced by the always fashionable elements of Transitional style.
More comfort means more touchable textiles like tapestries or quilts and various cozy additions, including soft wall art, upscale rugs and woven fabrics. In 2021 your living room should feel safe, elegant and complete.
2. Bigger tables and more seating areas.
As lockdown restrictions are being lifted, more and more people gather together for some quality time. To enjoy the time you spend with your guests to the fullest, think about making your living room more approachable and functional. Additions may include more seating areas, a library table which could double as a games table and designated spaces for reading or relaxing. It would allow even a large extended family members to comfortably share the living space, pursuing their own activities. Adding more furniture helps and it’s recommended that you sacrifice the scale for the number. Larger tables supplemented by smaller but more comfortable chairs will be great for spacious living rooms.
3. Bold colors will accentuate the neutrals.
While you can never go wrong with a dialed-down, neutral tone, the popularity of strong vibrant colors and bold patterns will continue to grow throughout 2021. Brown wood and daring shades of green are living room mainstays this year, according to quite a few design experts. Strong colors are filling the interiors with much needed energy, that allows us to stay alert, resilient and confident in these trying times. Though some cautious home owners avoid going all in with making a color statement, using a vivid splash here and there against a neutral backdrop will certainly help create a buoyant mood. Using colorful accessories is another great way of uplifting a living room design.
Combining the same range of hues, such as green walls and green fabrics and accessories, with some tropic orange or fiery tones thrown in to accentuate the palette will make your room look stunning.
4. Grandma chic is lit.
Ironically or not, more and more millennials now appreciate the finer things of yesteryear. Grandmillennial style or grandma chic is a growing design trend that expresses an affinity for all things classic and timeless (or outdated and stuffy if you ask its critics). Say ‘yes’ to prints, chintz, wicker, embroidery and needlepoint! Many of us cherish sweet childhood memories of Grandma’s home that was always safe and cozy, and smelled of freshly brewed tea, cinnamon buns and old books. Or at least we’ve seen such homes on TV. Safety and nostalgia will be a recurring theme in 2021 and 2022.
The twist in Grandmillennial is contained in the second part of its name. Millennials bring to the style an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity, combining printed wallpaper and vintage furniture with abstract art and metallic accents, shying away from the classic monochrome look. Updated rooms look bright, reasonably spacious and airy, with just the right amount of artistic clutter.
5. Multi-purpose furniture and built-in zones.
The biggest trend of the last year is here to stay with us in 2021. Multi-purpose furniture remains more useful than ever, especially for people who can’t brag about having a spacious living room. A contemporary sofa, ranging from small to sectional, will be invaluable when converted to a bed if your room doesn’t have enough space for installing a bed frame. Other modern furniture pieces that do double duty, including ottomans and modular sofas, can also provide storage space, helping keep your room uncluttered.
Top-of-the-line entertainment systems will be even more in demand for large gatherings of family and friends in comfort of our living rooms. Well, options to venture out are still limited in many places and we have become accustomed to our staying in. Better sound systems and larger screens, latest gaming consoles and lounge seating with added comfort are at the top of the shopping list. Enjoying new episodes of favorite TV-shows, summer blockbusters, concerts and award-giving ceremonies with the help of the cutting-edge tech at home will sweeten the pill of being unable to go out.
If previously many home owners were opting out of build-ins in favor of keeping their living room space more open and flexible, now designated zones are making a comeback. Build-ins let us separate various aspects of our life into different areas to preserve ever so fragile work-life balance. Spaces for storage, study nooks, an ergonomic and distraction-free workstation, a 20-square feet home gym could be mindfully combined in a single room to fit the home owners’ needs. A design concept called ‘broken plan’ will define the next decade of interior design, moving away from open spaces to functional zoning. Screens, furniture, partial walls and even house plants can be used to create designated spaces for different activities.
Conclusion.
2021 has shown a comeback of built-ins and designated zones. Bold colors and intricate patterns help make a living room memorable without being too ‘loud’. As restrictions are lifted, we look for ways to accommodate more guests. Our need for safety and comfort reflected by trending design choices is shaped by the pandemic and its aftermath. And we will continue to juggle both work and family responsibilities in the middle of our living rooms.
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