Interior Design: 2021 Year In Review

Reflection is how we make sense of our circumstances and the past few years of chaos have taught us that, for a while now, the only sure thing in our world was uncertainty. But as we move forward in 2022, we're looking ahead to brighter times. As the first month of the new year draws to a close, we take a look back on what 2021 meant for interior design and what we can expect in 2022.

Interior Design in 2021

Working from home settled in firmly as the new reality. Following on from 2020 where people created makeshift work areas while waiting for the end of lockdowns, homeowners upgraded their living spaces in 2021 to make space for permanent and comfortable home offices.  

After the darkness of 2020, 2021 was the year of colour. Minimalist, all-white interiors got a vibrant refresh with accent walls, bold furniture choices and playful accessories. Design reflected our collective mood, which was hopeful and cautiously upbeat after a desolate 2020.

As people continued to spend lots of time at home, there was increased interest in creating tranquil spaces that brought the influence of nature into their spaces. From earthy textures and soft green colour palettes to indoor jungles of plants, bringing the outdoors in was last year's biggest trend.

Kitchens and bathrooms were the most popular spaces to renovate. 

Sustainability continued to be a high priority for clients, with a focus not only on ethical and environmentally conscious materials and products but also on the ethos of the brands behind them. 

Bamboo and hemp sheets were the bedding of choice, offering a sustainable yet soft alternative to cotton.

3 Trends That Dominated in 2021

Neotenic Design

Neotenic design embraces child-like forms and softer structures and it was everywhere in 2021. You couldn't scroll through Instagram for 30 seconds without seeing squiggly patterned cushions and fuzzy, bear-shaped armchairs. Designers used references from childhood to create spaces characterised by curiosity, playfulness and creativity.

Classical Arches

Arches literally put the 'arch' into architecture in 2021. From doorways to showers to windows, everything that could curve did so with gusto, adding a classic feel to modern buildings. Arched windows have a sense of drama and also let more sunlight into a space, integrating nicely into nature indoors trend by increasing natural light.

Warm & Cosy

Bouclé fabric, sofas you can sink into, sherpa blankets and warm wood textures; cosy design peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue this year. Dwellers were gravitating towards warmth and comfort with an emphasis on texture.

Looking Ahead to 2022

So what's on our hot list for 2022? Our designers weigh in on emerging design elements.

Despite offices opening up and many people returning to work, new flexible work patterns and increased freelancing means many people will still be spending a lot of time at home. Design essentials this year will continue to create safe, comfortable spaces that are sanctuaries from the ever-changing world outside.

Rosy terracotta, earthy browns and caramel shades are rising stars on the colour palette, providing relief from stark minimalism yet enhancing the trend of bringing nature inside.

Curved furniture and sensual, contoured architecture will stay on the menu as people associate these shapes with contentment and calm.

Demand for beautiful, sustainable outdoor furniture will continue to increase, with innovative, eco-friendly ranges from the world's best brands on the rise.

Functionality is a key trend, with every room and object in it serving a purpose, whether it is practical or emotional.

FCI London's Trade Services

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