We can all agree that there are a lot of things to be left in the year 2020, and with many of us spending endless hours at home these days, we’ve noticed a few popular design trends that have definitely worn out their welcome. Whether you’re the type of homeowner who scours instagram and always stayed current on the latest interior design trends and decor fads or you just find yourself staring at the same four walls day after day, and noticing all the things you hate about your space, we have the tips for you on which trends you should absolutely ditch in 2021, and what design trends you should consider instead. Become the designer you always wanted to be and skip these styles!
Our List of Design Styles to Avoid in 2021!
Gold and Brass Elements
Ok, full disclosure, we never got on board with this trend. While using gold or brass hardware and fixtures in your home can maybe add vintage charm, or a little pop of color or sparkle, it can easily become dated and redundant when it’s on everything. We’ve seen this trend of matching gold throughout the home time and time (and time) again, so much so that it has definitely become somewhat of a fad. For instance, you’ve likely come across a kitchen with gold toned pendant lights, cabinet pulls, plumbing fixtures, etc. with the expected off-white or cream color cabinets. While some would say this makes the home look modern and elegant, we think it can actually make the space feel a bit dull and juvenile. What we would suggest is mixing metals – use a matte black faucet with copper light fixtures, and antique bronze cabinet pulls to spice up different spaces and add more dimension to the small details in your home. Just no more gold or brass! Stoppit.
Neutral/White-only Interiors
While we are the first to admit that we love a clean looking space, the all-neutral interior design trend could use a little glow up! Color brings so much character and emotion into the home and can have a great impact on how you feel when entering a room. Not to mention, an all white or neutral-only space is very impractical and almost impossible to maintain for anyone with a busy lifestyle. This goes for all-white kitchens too!If you are hesitant with color, we would recommend trying a muted color palette, adding pops of your favorite shades sparingly throughout the home here and there. Rugs with subtle patterns or soft colors can completely change the look of a room and you can easily tie in other pieces of decor and furniture using similar tones. If you are still unsure about which color to introduce to your white castle, Go Green! (with plants.) Introducing plants to your space adds a bold natural element that will literally breathe life into your home!
Busy Wallpaper
With so many of us now working from home and having to adapt to our homes becoming our workspaces, it is so important to create a space where productivity can happen with minimal distraction. Elaborate, or “busy”, wallpapers and decor can be distracting and may even promote feelings of anxiety or tension. Not exactly helpful when you’re on a tight deadline for a project and need calm, focused attention to get the job done. If you’re looking for a fun project to make your space feel more special, try painting accent walls and installing a collage of artwork or photos that have some sort of personal significance. You can even make it into a large scale vision board to generate some extra motivation on those days when you just can’t seem to get excited about anything! Designs like this are what give your home personality.
Dysfunctional (or wasted) Space
I’m sure most people can think of one spot in our home that isn’t being used for something that is productive or functional. Whether you have a large home or small apartment, it is important to be intentional with the room that you have. By neglecting the intentionality of your space, it is easy for things to become cluttered and not used purposefully. Or rather, perhaps you’ve worked long enough your kitchen counter for long enough now that it’s time for a dedicated area where you do your work. We encourage you to ask yourself this: is this space truly dedicated to your productivity or is it still a makeshift spot that doesn’t feel like it truly serves a purpose? Now is the time to make your space functional and give it a dedicated meaning in your home, whether that ‘s an at home office, a reading nook, an art corner, or an in-home yoga sanctuary. Consider how you can blend your lifestyle into some of the more “awkward” spaces in your home in order to enhance your daily life. Organize your space, remove any distractions, and find some items to make it feel purposeful and intended for exactly what you use it for.
Exposed Light Bulb Fixtures
While they can be a great addition for stylistic purposes, they don’t serve much purpose in lighting up your home, and the light they do emit can be very harsh on your eyes. Instead try different woven, ceramic or frosted glass light fixtures to illuminate your space and add a glowing ambiance after the sun sets and the light is needed in your home.
“Fast” Furniture Styles
Just as there is fast fashion there is “fast” furniture, think Ikea, Wayfair, Overstock. While these are great options for affordable furniture for those on a budget, they don’t exactly follow sustainable materials practices. More environmentally friendly options are the way to go, whether it’s renting furniture (if you see yourself moving in a short period of time), thrifting or buying second hand, or investing in long term pieces that you expect to keep for the long haul. If avoiding “fast” furniture is something you can do, we definitely recommend making the change in your home. Knowing that your furniture comes with no part in harming the environment can make you feel even more proud of your living space.
Whether you are moving, remodeling or simply wanting to freshen up your space, these are some design styles we believe should be left behind in 2020. The new year is a time to find new inspiration! Hopefully this article gives you a little inspiration and motivation to transform your home into a living extension of your personal design style. Of course, if you have any questions our home remodeling team is here to help!