Decor+Design: Top 4 Australian Interiors Trends for 2021
The colours, shapes, materials and homewares that the interiors experts say will impact our lives in 2021 and beyond
Vanessa Walker
3 October 2020
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
This year Australia’s best homewares, furniture and design minds met online to reveal the direction of our homes’ decor for 2021 and 2022. Here, we report on the coming years’ projected colour and materials palettes, shapes, and design directions. Read on to see what you can expect and why, with insights from futurist Victoria Redshaw of trend-forecasting company, Scarlet Opus.
Silver grass by Abigail Ahern
1. The rise of a subdued natural aesthetic
As a counterbalance to technological advances (such as the commercialisation of space travel), in the near future our homes’ looks will lean toward down-to-earth interiors. Think decor that promotes balance and wellness, acceptance and calm, alongside an understanding that simple, decluttered spaces are healthful mentally and physically. Expect this to be seen in the rise of:
1. The rise of a subdued natural aesthetic
As a counterbalance to technological advances (such as the commercialisation of space travel), in the near future our homes’ looks will lean toward down-to-earth interiors. Think decor that promotes balance and wellness, acceptance and calm, alongside an understanding that simple, decluttered spaces are healthful mentally and physically. Expect this to be seen in the rise of:
- Shimmering metallics, including an increased use of copper, which has antimicrobial qualities, to rival black as an accent colour in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Neutral colours and earth tones.
- Natural materials.
- Simple chunky shapes.
- Elemental patterns in art and design.
The Crest pendant light, by Morgan Doty & Ash Allen, was inspired by the crests of the Simpson Desert
2. Colour palettes that embrace browns, soft terracottas, and muted-stone hues
In line with embracing a natural aesthetic, colour palettes will begin to reflect more warm earth-fired colours such as metal ores, russet shades, soft terracotta and browns.
These grounding colours work well with our bright, light-filled homes and predominantly white or neutral-hued interior walls.
As Victoria Redshaw noted, there is a tactile and visual dryness to these colours, which reflects the wider Australian environment of the bush and desert.
2. Colour palettes that embrace browns, soft terracottas, and muted-stone hues
In line with embracing a natural aesthetic, colour palettes will begin to reflect more warm earth-fired colours such as metal ores, russet shades, soft terracotta and browns.
These grounding colours work well with our bright, light-filled homes and predominantly white or neutral-hued interior walls.
As Victoria Redshaw noted, there is a tactile and visual dryness to these colours, which reflects the wider Australian environment of the bush and desert.
Dulux ‘Brave Ground’
The emergence of browns was also noted when Dulux named ‘Brave Ground’ – a reassuring earthy beige – as its Colour of the Year for 2021.
Looking to integrate seasonal trends into your home? Find an interior designer on Houzz to help
The emergence of browns was also noted when Dulux named ‘Brave Ground’ – a reassuring earthy beige – as its Colour of the Year for 2021.
Looking to integrate seasonal trends into your home? Find an interior designer on Houzz to help
The Kites Collection from Basant
3. Shapes and forms that reference a kind of ‘primitive minimalism’
Expect a rise in ‘caveman’ aesthetics and rustic minimalism in the near future. To some extent this reflects the collective psychological state of people who, having experienced Covid-19 lockdowns, are seeking products that can tangibly help them endure challenges.
Aesthetically this means a return to ‘basic-ness’ of style. Except, unlike the past when this celebrated mass manufacturing, inherent in this trend is the rejection of disposable culture and instead an embracing of artisan-made, ethically produced, imperfect-looking pieces that are robust and enduring.
3. Shapes and forms that reference a kind of ‘primitive minimalism’
Expect a rise in ‘caveman’ aesthetics and rustic minimalism in the near future. To some extent this reflects the collective psychological state of people who, having experienced Covid-19 lockdowns, are seeking products that can tangibly help them endure challenges.
Aesthetically this means a return to ‘basic-ness’ of style. Except, unlike the past when this celebrated mass manufacturing, inherent in this trend is the rejection of disposable culture and instead an embracing of artisan-made, ethically produced, imperfect-looking pieces that are robust and enduring.
The Livorno Boulder coffee table by GlobeWest
Expect to see:
Expect to see:
- Exaggerations of scale.
- Chunkiness of form.
- Seating that is generously proportionally and sometimes deeply patterned.
Miini + Jiinda Multi ‘Lowanna’ Quilted Bedlinen. Photo from Adairs
4. Indigenous patterns, natural materials
Another important development is the display of materials and textiles that have a vegetal rawness and show the hand of people in their creation. Think wax-resist dyed fabrics, batik and Malian cotton.
Expect to see:
4. Indigenous patterns, natural materials
Another important development is the display of materials and textiles that have a vegetal rawness and show the hand of people in their creation. Think wax-resist dyed fabrics, batik and Malian cotton.
Expect to see:
- More Indigenous patterns and respectful references to Indigenous art.
- It must be said that intention and authenticity are of prime importance, as is buying directly from, or to benefit, First Nation peoples and businesses. A good example in Australia is Blak Markets.
Miini + Jiinda ‘Nyami’ printed sheet set. Photo from Adairs
An instance of this reaching the mainstream is the recent collaboration between Indigenous mother and daughter Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood of Miimi + Jiinda, who have produced printed bedlinen and homewares for retailer Adairs. We will leave the last words to them: “The Nyami design is inspired by our beautiful Gumbaynggirr Nyami (women). Gumbaynggirr people are culturally matriarchal and the women are revered; holding a sacred and important place within our communities”.
Your turn
What do you think of the trends coming your way in 2021? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on next year’s design trends? Take a look at last week’s story: Maison & Objet 2020: Highlights from France’s September Fair
An instance of this reaching the mainstream is the recent collaboration between Indigenous mother and daughter Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood of Miimi + Jiinda, who have produced printed bedlinen and homewares for retailer Adairs. We will leave the last words to them: “The Nyami design is inspired by our beautiful Gumbaynggirr Nyami (women). Gumbaynggirr people are culturally matriarchal and the women are revered; holding a sacred and important place within our communities”.
Your turn
What do you think of the trends coming your way in 2021? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on next year’s design trends? Take a look at last week’s story: Maison & Objet 2020: Highlights from France’s September Fair
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Yes andybron, the colours are similar to the 70s but now we use contemporary design with organic shapes and textures and amazing First Nations fabric prints.
I am really liking the indigenous earthy colours! 😍
Glad to see Aussie designers with our particular slant on high-end and everyday items...colours of Australia rule 🌏