The start of the new year is always an opportunity to hit the reset button, and this year, more than ever, we need to embrace renewed energy, restored hope and positivity. The team from Volpes and Biggie Best, SA’s much-loved home décor brands, give us insights into the home décor trends we can expect to see in 2021, as well as tips on how to incorporate these into our homes.
Multipurpose spaces in our homes
So many of us have had to transition this last year and our homes have become more than a place to rest our head. Classrooms, gyms, offices, we’ve had to adapt to functional living. There is no doubt that 2021 will see more thought given to people’s spaces and their immediate environment.
- Baskets for storage in varying shapes and sizes to keep a room multi-functional and organised
- A big dining room table is a must – even if you have a home office, with multiple people trying to work at home, this allows you to work in peace
The Revival of ‘Granny Chic’
The “Grandmillennial” trend is here to stay, an ode to old school, it sees the modern revival of décor that you may find in your granparents homes and evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia and tradition. Quilts are an age-old craft that dates back centuries and have evolved adding colour, pattern and personality to a bedroom.
- To accentuate the designs of a contemporary quilt, repeat the shapes and patterns, such as squares, rectangles or circles with other pieces of furniture, scatter cushions, accessories, mirrors or rugs in the room
- For a sense of nostalgia connect the quilt with your unique style and personality by adding keepsakes, sculptures, artwork or pottery from your life, travels or dream destinations
- Combine a floral print on a sofa with modern pieces and accessories
Colour Trends
We are spending more time in our homes so choosing the a colour palette is important. More than purely decorative, colour is emotive and can enhance how we feel about our personal environment.
- Pantone recently announced two colours as their shades of the year: Illuminating (a zingy yellow) and Ultimate Grey – descibed as a practical and solid combination that is also warm and optimistic giving us resilience and hope for the year ahead
- Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground is comforting and grounding and can be paired with a variety of colour options
- There will be a a trend for pops of bright and warm colours such as mulberry tones, warm reds combined with patterns and prints that evoke happiness and cheerfulness
- Green is the new grey as it has a restorative quality – look out for Sage Green that will make a strong appearance in 2021
- Ocean blues, from deep inky tones through to soft aquas and teals are the perfect colours to create a tranquil and peaceful home
4. Natural, ethical and sustainable materials
Sustainability is a buzz word and there is a huge focus on products that will last longer and not harm the environment. With this growing awareness, there will be a demand for more natural and recycled textiles.
- 100% cotton linen is a pure, natural, breathable material and will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter
- Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, so has limited association with any allergies – there really is no better feeling than getting into a bed with fresh, clean, cotton sheets!
- Although cotton linen can be an investment it is believed to last almost twice as long as cheaper man-made alternatives, so you won’t need to replace it as frequently
Bringing the beauty of nature indoors
All things related to gardening will see a huge comeback, together with new ways to incorporate greeneries inside homes.In addition,vertical gardens and indoor gardeningwill have a boom.
- Expect to see aspirational images with natural elements and celebrations of the natural world brought into interiors. Incorporating florals into your home décor is an easy way to celebrate nature
- Natural wood furniture and accessories will help bring the outside in such as a pedestal, simple stool, mirrors or even picture frames
- Beautiful faux botanicals such as faux orchids, hydrangeas and proteas ― are the perfect solution for busy households, as they require little upkeep, maintenance and are waterwise
Mindfulness and Wellness
The principles of wellness starts with our own personal spaces and there are simple ways to use home decor to inspire mindfulness in everyday life. By creating quiet places and peaceful sanctuaries throughout your home you can be fully engaged and present in the moment.
- A beautiful spa-at-home bathroom is the ultimate space to unwind after a long day and luxurious towels, candles and fragrances will make the space more inviting
- Use every little nook and cranny in your house to create different ‘zones’ – for reading, relaxing or simply retreating – a comfortable chair is a non-negotiable and a simple lamp will help to define the space
Support Local
There is massive support for local, homegrown businesses at the moment and this growing trend will see a revival and recommitment to much-loved South African home décor brands.
- Seek out local brands that are proudly South African and have a nod to heritage in everything they do – this includes choosing brands that manufacture items locally and support local communities
- An easy way to incorporate ‘local’ into your home décor is to choose fabrics, upholstery and scatter cushions that showcase iconic African prints, illustrations or symbols, and dot these throughout your home
