I love a Saturday morning in my sunroom with a magazine and cup of tea in hand. #happyplace
There’s something about browsing through a magazine that can’t be matched by scrolling through a tablet. I enjoy checking out the new looks, colours, designs, DIY ideas, and all things home. I am always curious about the trends, some of which I love, and some of which are best left to the designers.
Regardless, my little Saturday morning ritual inspired this post. For those like me who love to know the trends, and who pay attention to the colour of the kitchen cabinets and backsplash during Swiffer WetJet commercials, I’ve done some research to see what’s trending in home design and decor this year.

I reviewed articles on home decor trends for 2021 by design experts at HGTV, Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens, and Elle Decor, to see what they had to say. As with anything design and decor related, there were some conflicting ideas and philosophies. However, I created a list of the 11 home decor trends for 2021 that showed up most consistently on each of the lists.
So if you’re looking to make a change or two this year, here are some ideas!
Home Decor Trends for 2021
#1 – Warm, earthy tones
Tones and colours are moving away from stark whites and cool greys, toward warm, earthy colours such as creams, browns, rusts and deep greens. There is a shift away from an expansive, minimalist white and grey look to something that is warmer and makes living spaces feel more comfortable and cozy.
Because I have an obsession with paint colours, I’m reminded of a few paint colours I have used or have my eye on… BM Simply White (a warm white), SW Alabaster (a cream and one of Joanna Gaines’ favourite colours) and BM Backwoods (I love this deep green!). If you struggle to pick out paint colours, check out 7 Tips to Help Choose Paint Colours for Your Home.

#2 – Natural, organic textures and layering
I’m a HUGE fan of bringing the outside in and I love an airy look softened by natural decor. You can get some easy ideas here in Natural Home Decor – Bring the Outside In!
If you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your home, look for accessories, furniture, flooring and finishes that come in natural materials such as:
- jute
- rattan
- marble
- bamboo
- ceramic
- wood

#3 – Light wood paired with bold accents or furniture
Light wood finishes for flooring, kitchen cabinets, end tables, etc. doesn’t mean you need to go with a full neutral look throughout. In fact, if you love bold colours, they will really stand out against this tone of wood. If you love orange, bright yellow, emerald greens or cherry red, imagine how much they would pop against light walls or wood! So pretty.
Going light with some main finishes lets you really highlight bold colours if you love to have some bold and energetic colours in your life!

#4 – Comfy and Curvy Furniture
Furniture that is more curved in style was described as being more comfortable and cozy and something people have been looking for as families spend more time at home. This means that square style couches and mid-century modern furniture (which has been a really popular look) are becoming less popular. This also means that the couch I bought a number of years ago that I didn’t really love at the time is perfect now. 🙂

#5 – Live plants
Yes, yes and yes! I looooove a trip to a greenhouse and am in need of doing some plant shopping. Plants can totally transform the look of a space but having a balance is key. Too many plants can make a room look cluttered but a beautiful, green plant in the right space can bring it to life. I read once that you should have a living plant in every room. This trend also falls in line with the idea of creating a home that is a sanctuary given that we are all spending so much time at home this year.

#6 – Natural light and larger windows
Again, another BIG yes for me! I believe you can never have too many windows. 🙂 Natural light is really good for you so if you have the opportunity to enlarge windows and/or minimize window coverings to let the goodness of natural light come in, go for it!

#7 – Soothing blue colours
Blue is also a popular colour in home decor for 2021. It really is a classic colour so I you can’t go wrong with blue as a wall colour or accent colour. Aqua, ocean blues, sky blues and powder blues are the “looks” in blue for the upcoming year.
A few of my fav blue paint colours are BM Hale Navy, BM Newburyport Blue (the colour of my kitchen island), BM Normandy (I’m determined to paint this colour somewhere in my house!), BM Van Courtland Blue and BM Smoke (the colour of the inside of my front door).

#8 – Warmer Kitchens
I think kitchen cabinets are one of the main things that really stamps a date on a home. This is likely why many people choose to go with white kitchens. Regardless, if you love your kitchen, who cares about the time stamp!?
But for 2021, kitchens are warming up with wood and wood toned cabinets, or a combination of white and wood. Although I love my kitchen (white cabinets with a navy island), I am also in love with the look of white upper cabinets paired with white oak lowers and/or a white oak island.
For those of you who may have installed a grey kitchen or perhaps an all white kitchen, a few easy ways to add some warmth and a “warm wood” look are:
- install a bamboo shade on the kitchen window
- lean a live edge cutting board against the backsplash
- place a wood tray on the counter or island
- use wood or wood-toned stools at an island
- plants also add warmth
If you choose the same wood tone for some of these items, it will have a big impact in an all grey or white kitchen!

#9 – Lots of cabinetry and storage
I am definitely more of a minimalist but time at home has meant that we are bringing more things in… think board games, work supplies and exercise equipment. The reality is that adding more storage and finding a way to organize our stuff is needed more now compared to the minimalist trend of recent years.
Full height cabinetry in kitchens, full wall-sized pantries, multi-use spaces with storage for everything from toys to home office files are in demand for 2021. Although I’m a less is more type of girl, I get pretty excited when I start talking storage and organization too!

#10 – Personalizing spaces
If you’re going to be at home, go ahead and surround yourself with things you love. The DIY’er in me loves this trend. Repurpose items, make things, be nostalgic, remind yourself of the places you’ve been and make your space unique and perfect for you and your family. When you think about it, this trend really says that EVERYTHING is on trend for 2021! So when someone asks why you have a wall-sized mural of your dog on your wall, just tell them it’s because you’re just that trendy. 🙂
#11 – Grand Millennial Style
This was a new one for me. I’d heard of it but wasn’t completely clear on what it represented. After looking at some images, I immediately thought of a grandma’s living room!
Take a minute and search googles images for “grand millennial style” and you will quickly see what this style is all about. And it’s about A LOT… think wallpaper, florals, patterns, curtains, rich stained wood and lots of accessories.

It definitely is contrary to the minimalist look that has been popular these past few years and perhaps that’s exactly why it’s becoming trendy.
If you would like to read more about it, What is Grand Millennial Style? The New Design Trend is an Ode to Old School, at Better Homes and Gardens, is a great article!
With big doses of pattern and texture, the granny-chic look reflects twenty- and thirty-somethings’ desire for a space that shows off their individuality.
J. Benefit, What is Grand Millential Style? The New Design Trend is an Ode to Old School
I think the best thing about this trend is that it embraces the idea that new is not always improved or better.
Summary of 11 Home Decor Trends for 2021
#1 – Warm, earthy tones
#2 – Natural, organic textures and layering
#3 – Light wood paired with bold accents or furniture
#4 – Comfy and curvy Furniture
#5 – Live plants
#6 – Natural light and larger windows
#7 – Soothing blue colours
#8 – Warmer kitchens
#9 – Lots of cabinetry and storage
#10 – Personalizing spaces
#11 – Grand Millennial Style

Happy decorating! KJ 🙂
References
The Top Design Trends for 2021, According to HGTV Canada Design Experts
Interior Design Trends 2021 – The 12 Biggest Looks for the New Year
Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2021
2021 Kitchen Trends With Long-Lasting Style
7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts
The Top Design Trends You’ll Be Seeing in Living Rooms Next Year
What is Grand Millennial Style? The New Design Trend is an Ode to Old School
Related Posts
Natural Home Decor Ideas – Bring the Outside In!
7 Tips on How to Choose Paint Colours For Your Home
Your Saturday morning ritual sounds bliss ?
It definitely is a great way to kick off the weekend! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Loved reading this and it is Saturday with my tea in hand. Thanks for sharing. I too believe in live plants in every room.
Cheers Amy
Thank you Amy! So we were doing the same thing on Saturday then. 🙂 Can’t wait to get in a greenhouse soon because in new of a few plants! Thanks for reading!
I’m so glad to hear naturals are coming back in! Right on cue for redoing my kitchen (hopefully). Thanks for the inspiration!!
Yes, me too! Makes homes feel warm. 🙂 Have fun planning your kitchen!