Trend forecasting is tricky business (for me) because the last thing I want is for anyone to not love their home because they were told something in it is out. So instead, look at these as more of my personal opinions, things I’m excited to see more in interiors and if you’ve got a few projects on your list this year, then see if these ideas excite you, too, and implement them!

Above all, you should LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. Your home should reflect you and your personality and your family dynamic and the decorating and trends should only enhance how you feel at home. From my experience, my surroundings at home really impact my mood and energy, so I’m always tweaking.

Last January, I introduced you to the idea of a Modern Cottage style and that’s something that we’ve been adapting in our own house. Some of these trends fit into that and some don’t! Not every trend is for you (or me). But here’s what I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more in 2021.

My 2021 Design Trends Predictions

1. Rich Colors / Tone on Tone / Mid-tone paint colors 

As far as paint trends go, there will be a lot more color! Yay! You get to choose how this works in your world. For our home, we stick to muted tones in every color of the rainbow. Bring. it. on! Tone on Tone isn’t going anywhere, so if you want to match your walls to your sofa–do it. Baseboards and walls and trim and cabinets in all one color–chic! And I think there’s going to be a departure from HIGH contrast paint colors–the darkest dark on the swatch, to more softer mid-tones. ( via @thomsoncooke (above) and  @buildingwalnutfarm (below)

2. Traditional lighting + Tapered shades 

Ornate and traditional lighting is going to have a big moment in 2021. Think tapered shades on lamps. Patterned pleated shades. And pendants and chandeliers that feel historical. (via @pcdsackitchens)

3. Patterned Textiles

Lamp shades aren’t the only thing that’s going to pop up patterned. Patterned wall to wall carpet, upholstery, and patterned curtains over solid will be super popular! Mixing patterns is really fun and adds so much character to a space. (via @heidicaillierdesign)

via @studiolaloc

4. Smaller Scale Wallpaper

A few years ago, wallpaper started making a big comeback. And when I say big, I mean we also were using HUGE patterns. It was fun and fresh but this year, wallpaper is going back to its traditional roots and will be sporting a smaller scale. (via @home_stead)

(and @billycotton)

5. Mid to dark wood tones

Light wood has reigned supreme for a while now. From flooring to furniture–wood has been bleached to death. But now, we’re going to start seeing a lot more mid to dark wood tones, rich in color! (I’m going to say the same is true for leather furniture!) Feel free to mix these richer wood tones in with what you already have! Mixing wood tones is encouraged. Wood isn’t just for furniture or floors either, I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more wood tones in walls, ceilings and cabinetry!

(via @wildflowerhomeblog  (above) and @lisastatondesign below)

6. Patterns made with tile (instead of patterned tile)

From making intricate designs with penny or squared mosaics to a large checkerboard pattern to alternating directions or color of tile to make borders, etc–tile work is becoming even more of a work of art! While printed patterned tile is waning, using a variety of colors and tones of tile mixed to make tile interesting is trending!

(via @studiomcgee)

7. Rounded off corners and curves in cabinets, furniture, kitchen islands, countertops, etc. 

Remember a few years ago, when we all told our countertop guys–can you just made a squared off edge?! Well, I guess we can stop now. Curves are back and bigger than ever. From furniture (think a rounding sofa) to cabinets, countertops, even kitchen islands will look chic and fresh with a curved end.

( via @jeanstofferdesign )

8. A focus on millwork. Trim on Trim on Trim!

Millwork has never been out of style. It’s classic. But I’m seeing more and more and MORE of it and I love the warmth and character it adds to a space. Layer it up, or keep it simple with some box trim–you can’t go wrong.

(via @jyoungdesignhouse )

9. Mixed Materials (and metals) in a space.

kitchen via @landedinteriors

Mixed metals are always a good idea, but mixed materials are trending, too! Wood with stone and brick and marble all in one kitchen–go for it! Start adapting this idea in your home by trying to mix wood tones, with marble accents and some brass and natural stone (can be a vase or planter!) all in the same room.

10. Counter or Wall Slabs with a lot more veining. 

Bring. it. on. (via @astridreifer and @emdesigninc)

11. A free-standing look vs. everything built in.

This trend applies to tubs, bathroom vanities, kitchen islands and beyond! They will be more furniture inspired and less trimmed-all-the-way to the floor! (via @amberinteriors)

12. Contrast Trim and Cabinetry 

This trend is still going strong through 2021. White cabinetry and baseboards are being traded for something with more tone or color. So if you have and love your white walls–this trend is for you because it’s a great way to add character and color or contrast to your space! We’ve have lamp room gray on the trim in our bedroom and accessible beige throughout the rest of our home. Our playroom cabinets are painted a golden yellow and our kitchen cabinets and sage green! Baseboards are a great place to start adding some depth to your spaces.

@via @brettandkara)

These are my predictions for 2021, and maybe a little preview of what’s to come around here? Definitely! But in the end, you gotta do what YOU love. And if you love it–it’s in style. Any trends you’re really pumped about?!