Share

Home décor trends for 2021, featuring Pantone's colours of the year Illuminating and Ultimate Grey

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
  • Are you a Grandmillennial? Feelings of nostalgia will likely bring the granny chic trend to your doorstep.
  • Pantone's Illuminating (a zingy yellow) and Ultimate Grey are described as warm and optimistic, giving us hope for the year ahead. 
  • Also, it's always a good idea to consider buying local as well as ethically and sustainably sourced materials.

The start of the new year is always an opportunity to hit the reset button, and this year, more than ever, we need to embrace renewed energy, restored hope and positivity.

The team from Volpes and Biggie Best, SA’s much-loved home décor brands, give us insights into the home décor trends we can expect to see in 2021, as well as tips on how to incorporate these into our homes.

1. Multipurpose spaces in our homes

Many of us have had to transition this last year, and our homes have become more than a place to rest our head. Classrooms, gyms, offices, we've had to adapt to functional living. There is no doubt that 2021 will see more thought given to people's spaces and their immediate environment.

  • Baskets for storage in varying shapes and sizes to keep a room multi-functional and organised.
  • A big dining room table is a must - even if you have a home office, with multiple people trying to work at home, this allows you to work in peace.
Portrait of a beautiful afro women in a luxury hot
All images supplied by Volpes and Biggie Best

READ MORE| Do you know which hot décor trend suits your personality? 

2. The Revival of 'Granny Chic.'

The "Grandmillennial" trend is here to stay, an ode to the old school, it sees the modern revival of décor that you may find in your grandparents' homes and evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia and tradition. 

Quilts are an age-old craft that dates back centuries and have evolved adding colour, pattern and personality to a bedroom.

  • To accentuate a contemporary quilt's designs, repeat the shapes and patterns, such as squares, rectangles or circles with other pieces of furniture, scatter cushions, accessories, mirrors, or rugs in the room.
  • For a sense of nostalgia connect the quilt with your unique style and personality by adding keepsakes, sculptures, artwork or pottery from your life, travels or dream destinations.
  • Combine a floral print on a sofa with modern pieces and accessories.
Portrait of a beautiful afro women in a luxury hot

3. Colour Trends

We are spending more time in our homes, so choosing a colour palette is important. More than purely decorative, colour is emotive and can enhance how we feel about our environment. 

  • Pantone recently announced two colours as their shades of the year: Illuminating (a zingy yellow) and Ultimate Grey - described as a practical and solid combination that is also warm and optimistic giving us resilience and hope for the year ahead.
  • Dulux's Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground is comforting and grounding and can be paired with various colour options.
  • There will be a trend for pops of bright and warm colours such as mulberry tones, warm reds combined with patterns and prints that evoke happiness and cheerfulness.
  • Green is the new grey as it has a restorative quality - lookout for Sage Green that will make a strong appearance in 2021
  • Ocean blues, from deep inky tones to soft aquas and teals, are the perfect colours for creating a tranquil and peaceful home.

READ MORE | Fifty shades of pink! This Swiss woman's entire house and wardrobe is the same colour

4. Natural, ethical and sustainable materials

Sustainability is a buzz word, and there is a huge focus on products that will last longer and not harm the environment. With this growing awareness, there will be a demand for more natural and recycled textiles.

  • 100 percent cotton linen is a pure, natural, breathable material and will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
  • Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, so has a limited association with any allergies - there is no better feeling than getting into a bed with fresh, clean, cotton sheets.
  • Although cotton linen can be an investment, it is believed to last almost twice as long as cheaper human-made alternatives, so you won't need to replace it as frequently.
Portrait of a beautiful afro women in a luxury hot

5. Bringing the beauty of nature indoors

All things related to gardening will see a huge comeback, together with new ways to incorporate greeneries inside homes. Also, vertical gardens and indoor gardening will have a boom.

  • Expect to see aspirational images with natural elements and celebrations of the natural world brought into interiors.  Incorporating florals into your home décor is an easy way to celebrate nature.
  • Natural wood furniture and accessories will help bring the outside, such as a pedestal, simple stool, mirrors or even picture frames.
  • Beautiful faux botanicals such as faux orchids, hydrangeas and proteas are the perfect solution for busy households, as they require little upkeep, maintenance and are Waterwise.
Portrait of a beautiful afro women in a luxury hot

6. Mindfulness and Wellness

The wellness principles start with our personal spaces, and there are simple ways to use home décor to inspire mindfulness in everyday life. By creating quiet places and peaceful sanctuaries throughout your home, you can be fully engaged and present in the moment.

  • A beautiful spa-at-home bathroom is an ultimate space to unwind after a long day and luxurious towels, candles and fragrances will make the room more inviting.
  • Use every little nook and cranny in your house to create different 'zones' – for reading, relaxing or merely retreating - a comfortable chair is a non-negotiable and a simple lamp will help define the space.

READ MORE | Would you stay in a real-life Barbie house Airbnb for R880 a night?

7. Support Local

There is massive support for local, homegrown businesses at the moment, and this growing trend will see a revival and recommitment to much-loved South African home décor brands.

  • Seek out local brands that are proudly South African and have a nod to heritage in everything they do - this includes choosing brands that manufacture items locally and support local communities.
  • An easy way to incorporate 'local' into your home décor is to choose fabrics, upholstery and scatter cushions that showcase iconic African prints, illustrations or symbols, and dot these throughout your home.

Source: Volpes and Biggie Best

Do you have a story to share with us? Tell us about it here.

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

Sign up to W24's newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our stories and giveaways.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE