Design trends can be a tricky subject. On the one hand they can help inspire and guide us, on the other hand they can become restrictive and outdated over time. So how do we navigate this? At Bungalow we like to be aware of design trends as they are excellent at opening people’s minds to the possibilities and stretching the boundaries of design but we encourage our clients to think for themselves and choose what makes them happiest. Trends come and go so it’s more important that you love your space as opposed to it being trendy. Does this mean you can’t use trends? Not at all! If you love a trend definitely use it! We just don’t want you to be restricted by them.

After 2020, more and more people are spending time at home and the new year is an opportunity to create more comfort in our living spaces because while the world will return to “normal” eventually, it has also changed drastically and many of these changes will become the new normal. Now is the time to create that home office, bedroom oasis, dream kitchen or bath, or basement.

These are some of the trends we’ve noticed cropping up in the interior design industry for 2021.

SIMPLIFIED ELEGANCE

Characteristics:

modern takes on granny-chic
layered
muted tones
florals
cozy details
wallpaper
creamy matte-toned ceramics

**Source: Chris Loves Julia - Faye’s Bedroom**

The above bedroom by Chris Loves Julia touches on many of the aspects of simplified elegance. Would you guess that this is a child’s bedroom or that the child requested a “princess room”? This space is layered with comfortable elements, from the carpeting to the layers of bedding in varying tones and patterns. The wallpaper and lamp provide a touch of whimsy while the wainscotting grounds the space. Colour was used here to not only break up the space but also to unite the various elements. In the end, this becomes a bedroom that the child can grow and mature in and is befitting of the homey comfort usually reserved for a beautiful bed-and-breakfast.

BACK TO BASICS

Characteristics:

natural materials like linen, wool, cotton
plaster
vintage
blurring the lines between interior/exterior spaces
plants/ green thumbs
baking bread
indoor plants
refresh your air
brighten your mood
textured stoneware
simplicity
clean lines, minimalist details
finger/edge pulls, push-style latches, integrated handles

Plaster and natural materials have really made a comeback over the last few years and we’re seeing them around more and more. Paired with plants, ceramics, and natural fibres, the simplicity garnered from returning to basics during the Covid-19 pandemic has left a lasting impression on many homeowners. This trend is all about re-discovering the simple pleasures of home while partaking in sustainable, long-wearing materials.

SERENITY NOW

Characteristics:

balcony or backyard, creating a zen-inspired garden
water features, rock gardens
calm and peaceful vibes
cottage comfort
laidback lifestyle
bedroom retreats, design focused beds/headboards
maximizing natural light
minimalist approach to window treatments
natural fabrics
enhances mental health

Taking care of your mental health has been an important topic over the past year as many people struggle with staying home and isolated from family and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it has become more important than ever to have a space to retreat to that supports your mental health, with many people choosing to focus on their bedroom spaces.

The space shown above utilizes many 2021 trends by layering the texture of wall moldings with natural textiles, moody colours, natural light, and simplicity turning what was once used as only a sleeping space into a retreat.

TWO OR MORE IN ONE

Characteristics:

rethinking how we use our rooms
no longer use one room for one purpose
creative storage solutions
we don’t see this going away any time soon, regardless of the pandemic
as workplaces shift, many employers are finding that many workers are just as productive at home, some even more so
clean, always-ready workspaces
work solutions
library walls

This particular workspace happens to be adjacent to the living and dining rooms as well as the kitchen and outdoors in this house. While this space is currently occupied by a desk and accompanied by a backdrop of books it could easily change into a cozy reading nook with an oversized chair in the future.

EARTH + JEWEL TONES + BOLD STATEMENTS

Characteristics:

we’ve been seeing a lot of darker colours
while light and bright spaces are certainly never going away, there’s a resurgence of darker, cozy spaces
wine tones, golden/mustard yellows, sage/olive greens, deep blues and greens
Sherwin Williams Colour of the Year 2021 - Urbane Bronze
clean lines but bold colours
rich velvet sofas
straddling minimalist and maximalist aesthetics
green kitchen cabinets
abstract art
textiles

What we love about the above spaces is the layering and balance while also achieving a cozy feel. In the left picture, the rich wine tone becomes the backdrop and the inspiration for other items in the space like the branches and colours in the artwork. This rich tone, painted on both the walls and ceiling gives this transitional space between the foyer and family room a supremely cozy feel and makes excellent use of what could otherwise have become an unusable catch-all between rooms.

In the right picture, the walls blend both texture and Sherwin Williams’ 2021 Colour of the Year, Urbane Bronze. The subtlety of the pattern gives a beautiful backdrop to an otherwise simple space. The plants and large window ensure that sunlight floods the small space with life.

Both of these spaces also utilize many other 2021 trends such as texture, stone, layering, plants, vintage, and much more, proving that you can blend many things together into one cohesive space without it feeling overdone or busy.

TEXTURE

Characteristics:

layering
wicker + rattan
wallpaper
tile
mixing wood + metal

Layers of varying texture are essential to bringing a space to life. The fluted wood cabinets in the left picture pair well with the smooth stone floor, greenery, and soft towels to create this serene space.

On the right we again see layers of texture; leather, wood, a patterned rug, natural fabrics, tile fireplace surround, wide vertical slats, and much more. What makes all of these various textures work well together is that one or two of them standout while the others provide backup warmth.

Trends come and go, so we always advise that you incorporate things that you truly love into your home. Remember, if they are truly ‘you’ then they’ll never go out of style.