After a year when so many of us spent nearly all our time at home, it's no surprise that interior design is getting plenty of attention. New looks usually start in magazines and on TV, then show up in décor stores, and finally make their way into our living rooms. 2021 is following that same path.

This year's big themes include workspaces that do double duty, a nostalgic return to old-school style, and a willingness to spend more on long-lasting, high-quality appliances instead of budget models. Here's a closer look.

This Year's Colors

For 2021, Pantone chose not one but two Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647). Illuminating is a cheerful, hopeful yellow, while Ultimate Gray brings to mind resilience and natural elements.

Earthy tones are also expected to be everywhere this year, as people look for colors that help them feel grounded. Sherwin-Williams picked Urbane Bronze as its Color of the Year, a soothing shade meant to encourage relaxation and calm in both interior and exterior projects.

If you lean toward warmer palettes, consider wine reds, golden yellows, and sage greens. These are easy to work in through bedding, pillows, and other accessories.

Spaces That Serve Several Purposes

The 2020 lockdown made life at home more complicated, particularly for families who suddenly needed one room to do many jobs. Add in the popularity of minimalism and tiny homes, and furniture that multitasks has become a must.

  • Storage pieces that keep office supplies out of sight
  • Wall-mounted tables that fold away
  • Console tables that extend when you need more surface

You can also rethink a living room or family room as a flexible space with a small office corner, a spot for workouts, or a cozy reading nook.

The Rise of Grandmillennial Style

Decorators expect "grandmillennial" style to be one of 2021's biggest looks. It mixes modern touches with the comfort and nostalgia of traditional design. Vintage pieces and classic patterns are making a comeback alongside bold colors, and while that might sound like a clash, the combination can be surprisingly harmonious.

Try vintage-inspired lampshades, accent pillows, antique artwork, or wallpaper in a bathroom or bedroom. HGTV.com features plenty of examples for inspiration.

Wicker and Rattan Return

Thanks to the boho trend, wicker and rattan are back, and this time they look nothing like the tired patio sets of years past. Rattan comes from woven palm stems, while wicker is typically woven from willow twigs. Both are lightweight, work inside or out, tend to be affordable, and are available in vintage and modern designs.

  • Use baskets for storage, decoration, or laundry hampers.
  • Pair wicker bedroom furniture with modern accessories so the room doesn't feel dated.
  • Choose a rattan table instead of a bulky coffee table in a narrow or small room to keep it feeling open.

Is Shiplap Sinking?

Chip and Joanna Gaines turned shiplap into a signature look on "Fixer Upper," and it dominated interiors for several years. But interior designer Rachel Street, host of DIY Network's "Philly Revival," has called it one of the design trends fading the fastest. Shiplap started out as protective siding on boats, barns, and sheds before becoming a must-have wall treatment in the 2010s.

Wallpaper is now the go-to way to add texture. Popular options include:

  • Panoramic murals
  • 3D surfaces
  • Modern geometric patterns
  • Natural materials like grasscloth, cork, straw, and wicker

That said, most designers consider shiplap out of step with current trends rather than truly outdated. If you love yours, there's no need to tear it out.

Upscale Kitchen Appliances

With all the extra time spent at home in 2020, many people redirected their budgets toward premium appliances.

  • Steam ovens are among the fastest-growing trends. They offer a healthy way to cook and do a better job reheating food than a microwave.
  • Bluetooth-enabled stoves sync with your phone so you can manage timers, lights, and other connected appliances.
  • Smart refrigerators let you check what's inside from your phone, keep calendars and notes, look up recipes, adjust lighting and temperature, and even play TV and music.

Popular finishes this year include icy white, stainless steel, black, bronze, and copper.

Thinking About a Refresh?

The right updates can increase your home's value and help it photograph beautifully, both of which make a difference when it's time to sell. If you'd like to know what your home is worth today, reach out and I'll put together a valuation for you.