Hello again! After a 2 week break with lazy days, gift wrapping, hot chocolate, and a Friends marathon, I’m back and ready to tackle 2021 like a boss! Who’s with me!?
Normally right about now, I “should” be posting a blog all about which trends I think will catch on in 2021. But let’s be real…I’m not as gifted in predicting trends as I am in seeing what’s catching on at the moment and conceptualizing design ideas that I’m learning to love. So rather than a 2021 trend prediction post, I’d love to share 10 things I’m crushing on right now – styles, products, people, and maaaybe I’ll sneak in a couple trend predictions for the fun of it!
Blanket on the Back of a Couch
This is one of those things that’s clearly not a new concept, it’s been done for years, but I’m just now appreciating that subtle layer of interest it adds. When a sofa back (or even a chair back) is facing an open room, drape a patterned blanket over the back. You don’t notice when it’s not there…but you always notice when it is! (Note: this trick is especially useful if the back of your sofa is not upholstered to your liking – i.e. unfavorable piping, a different fabric, or gaps from a sectional.)
Muted Jewel Tones
I *think* I will always love white walls (or a similar putty color) for the main living areas. It serves as a perfect neutral foundation, but I love playing with color in the offshoot rooms. We’ve seen a rise in color for a while now, but which colors are catching my eye the most? Well, at the moment I couldn’t love muted jewel tones more! The slightly less vibrant version of blues, yellows, purples, greens, and even reds are absolutely beautiful when done right.
Whitewashed Wood Bowl
This oval wood bowl has quickly become the most versatile decorative piece I own! It’s made its way into almost all my photos and has the most beautiful handmade quality to it. Shop the wood bowl here.
Carlay Page Summers
I have been a major fan of Carlay for years, but as of lately I’ve been so drawn to her eclectic and old world style. She’s both an incredible designer AND interior photographer and her curated style makes me pause to dissect every inch of the room. A must follow for sure – @carlaypage.
Rustic Design
The other day I was flipping through an old interior design book and I was so surprised to find myself held up over photos of a rustic cabin. The weathered wood furniture and historic beams drew me in like they used to 7 years ago. I suppose now that our exterior feels more like a cabin, I’ve got rustic design on the brain. If I were to make just one prediction for 2021, I think we’ll see a lot more rustic design, wood, and furniture in our future.
Design by Amber Interiors. Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Weathered and/or Oval Coffee Tables
Speaking of rustic, I’m more in love with antique coffee tables than I think I have ever been before! I’ve missed the charm that weathered wood brings to a home and I’ve been scouring every antique shop in town for months in search of the perfect weathered coffee table. Crossing my fingers I find it soon! But if all else fails, I’m equally in love with oval coffee tables at the moment. This black stained coffee table designed by Amber Lewis for Anthropologie is so dreamy and could be a good DIY project! Plus black stained wood appears to be on the rise at the moment!
Vertical Planks & Wide Plank Beadboard
TREND ALERT! After the overwhelming shiplap craze, I swore I’d never like shiplap again. But I guess all you had to do was rotate the planks vertically and I’m a fan again! What I love about vertical planks is that it’s super versatile in style. I’ve seen it in traditional homes, rustic cabins, European cottages….I even saw it on Toy Story and Friends the other night. Wide plank beadboard is another slightly more decorative alternative to shiplap, yet it’s just as versatile and inexpensive. Between vertical plank wainscoting, planks stretching to the ceiling, and even kitchen backsplashes…I feel like vertical paneling has quietly been with us in one form or another for the last few decades and I’m just now paying attention to it!
Patterned Quilts
Who knew the quilt my Grandma sewed for me back in 2010 would be so on trend 21 years later! I can’t get enough of patterned quilts with little mosaic patterns or flowers! They give me major Heidi Caillier vibes and create the perfect opportunity to practice pattern play. I have my eye on this quilt too from Target which has a beautiful print and a reversible striped blue fabric on the back!
“100 Interiors Around The World” – 2 Volumes
Remember the interior design book I mentioned above, this is it! It comes with 2 volumes and features…you guessed it…100 interiors around the world! I was so surprised how much inspiration I gathered from the unexpected designs featured in these books. It certainly doesn’t highlight many “typical” or “trendy” homes which I actually find really refreshing. Even the homes that I’m not particularly drawn to, I like to dissect the images to find at least one thing I like…and sometimes those discoveries help broaden my design eye. Shop the books here.
Design by Chris Graves. Image via House And Home
Diamond Tile
Diamond patterned tiles have been popping up on all my feeds lately and I couldn’t love them more! They’re simple enough to maintain a timeless traditional style, yet depending on the material of tile, they can be either rustic or polished with plenty of character to draw the eyes down. Saving this as inspo for the day when we tackle our laundry room or bathroom!
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