As the coronavirus continues to cause upheaval around the globe, the world of interior design has evolved as we all look to a better future. A greater connection with nature, increased sustainability, comfort and multifunction are among the top 2021 design trends, along with an exciting retro revival of vintage-inspired décor — from granny chic to the audacious ’80s.
“There are many new and exciting trends for 2021 as we focus on being more connected with our homes and gardens,” says Monica Porter, furniture buyer with Early Settler. “First, people are looking for more functionality in their living spaces to accommodate multiple family members working (or studying) from home and the need for different areas for each role,” she says. “Second, Australians are seeking more comfort from each piece in their homes — with cosy couches, oversize cushions and extra plush pillows to fully relax and unwind.”
People are looking for more functionality in their living spaces to accommodate multiple family members working (or studying) from home…
— Monica Porter, Early Settler furniture buyer
Extendable dining tables, large sofas and super-soft fabrics such as velvet are in high demand. These are backdropped by a back-to-nature vibe of more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, as well as motifs from nature, like leaves and floral prints, to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.
“We’re seeing a big rise in demand for vintage-inspired pieces, especially those that use more natural elements in the home. They capture a nostalgic desire for tradition and comforts from in the past,” explains Monica.
“Traditional pieces have become more sought after as a granny chic trend emerges with the younger generation. It mixes small ditsy florals, wallpaper pattern and vintage-inspired furniture.”
Traditional pieces have become more sought after as a ‘granny-chic’ trend emerges with the younger generation. It mixes small ditsy florals, wallpaper pattern and vintage-inspired furniture.
— Monica Porter
Lighter-toned timbers, 1970s rattan and cane detailing, vintage-coloured leathers, textural ceramic and oversize plants are high on the wish list for 2021.
“Colour trends, too, are also reflecting this earthy and organic rebirth, with olive greens, burnt umber oranges and mustard yellows in fabrics, furniture and walls,” says Monica. “Wallcoverings are a fresh way to bring your personality into your home with single bold wall colour or foliage wallpaper patterns to combine nostalgia and natural.”
A surprising new trend for the new decade is the throwback to the 1980s with bold colours, sculptural furniture and plenty of drama finding their place in modern homes. Echoing elements of the energetic era, this revival is all about the essence of the ’80s but with a pared-back sophistication.
“As we are looking back to find our comfort, the ’80s are making a comeback, but this time with a softer vibe, touching on the glass, stone trends of its time coupled with modern geometric prints and bright pops of vibrant colour,” says Monica.
As we are looking back to find our comfort, the ’80s are making a comeback, but this time with a softer vibe…
— Monica Porter
Catering to the new age of interior design, among some new collections landing at Early Settler in 2021 are the Slouch sofa in earthy velvet colours, the Hugo sofa, the Lloyd TV unit, the Marias rattan range, Finn swivel armchair, Stitch sofa, and slow-life and vintage-vacation homewares, while the mid-century Larsen vanity, Carson vintage-leather sofa and Ariane sofa are set to be bestsellers this year. To check out more 2021 design trends, visit Early Settler in-store or online. And learn about how COVID-19 has changed our homes forever.