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Often lumped into the Social Media category, Pinterest is in fact a search engine. And a powerful one at that. For professional and amateur creatives, Pinterest is the go-to place for inspiration. It beats social media platforms like Instagram hands down, because of its superior searchability.
And this amazing search function also allows Pinterest to predict trends.
“More than 400 million people use Pinterest to find tomorrow’s ideas. It’s a place to look forwards. That means that we know what’s going to be big in the future, even when it seems really small in the present. In fact, eight out of ten of Pinteret’s predictions for 2020 came true – despite it being the least predictable year in history.” ~ Andréa Mallard, Pinterest
And this week they announced their 2021 predictions. When it comes to the home décor trends, some of were influenced by the 2020 lockdowns, but not all.
On the home front, this is what they’re forecasting:
Less open-plan and more closed-off spaces.
The popularity of open-plan living areas has started to dwindle since Covid became a part of our lives. With all the working and schooling taking place at home, we’ve started to crave having separate spaces for separate activities.
So, instead of planning to take down walls and open spaces up, those who already have open-plan are likely to start separating, either physically or visually.
How to apply this: Bookshelf room dividers are up 150% in searches and this is an obvious way to create separation in open spaces. This could also be achieved with curtains or screens.
Cloffice…an office in a closet.
Working from the kitchen table was doable for a few weeks. But with a whole new outlook on working-from-home from so many employers, it’s looking like many of us will be in need of a home office for the long haul.
And this means we need a designated space that meets that function. In small homes without spare rooms that can be repurposed, carving out more fixed work nooks is going to be important.
Using an existing closet is ideal, if you can spare the space, as you can close the doors at the end of the work day – symbolic of leaving the office to head for home.
If you don’t have a built-in closet you can spare: Under the stairs, or any unused corner of your home can be put to work with a small desk and some overhead shelves. Or acquire a free-standing cupboard that you can DIY into a work station.
Kitchen Shelfies to take over from Gallery Walls.
If you follow home décor accounts on Instagram, this one will probably come as no surprise. Cute open plan shelving has been having a moment in 2020. And it’s going to be a big thing in 2021.
Unlike separated spaces and closet-offices, I personally predict this one will be a trend that will likely run its course in another couple of years. Open shelves aren’t the most practical in kitchens, but they sure do look pretty.
With all the extra time we’re spending at home, and many people working from their kitchen table, a desire for cuteness will win out in the coming year.
Adorn them with: coloured glass, clay tableware and copper pots if you want to be on-trend. And don’t forget to add some plants.
Japandi.
It’s a cross between Japanese and Scandinavian design and aesthetic. The look is minimal, neutral and tactile and its effect is a serene and calming environment. It might be a new one, but there’s no need to explain where this has come from and why it will be hugely popular in 2021. By this time next year, everyone will know what Japandi is.
How to achieve it: sparsely decorated walls and shelves, live plants, cosy throws, neutral colour palette.
Modern Mud Rooms.
This may be a luxury not everyone can enjoy, but searches have doubled for those who do have the space. A well designed mud room can bring so much calm and order to the rest of the home.
Properly organised coats, jackets, shoes, boots, umbrellas, shopping bags, and other paraphernalia that is easy to grab on the way out, and easy to put away on the way in, means for far less clutter gathering around the living areas of the home.
Deep Bathtubs and Bathtime Rituals.
Is the walk-in shower about to nose-dive in popularity? Probably not, for practical reasons. But the bathtub is rising in popularity once again, and not just for families with small kids.
Bathroom searches in general have been popular this year, and the idea of soak in the bath seems to have particularly gained ground. It’s more of the Zen-like qualities and activities we’re seeking as interest in self-care rituals is also expanding.
For deeper self-care: replace the glass of wine and Netflix on a tablet, with a guided visualisation or a calming chant. Incorporate a special bath into a new moon or full moon ritual to support your wellbeing and personal growth.
Vibey LED lights.
Especially popular among Gen Z folks, searches for neon rooms (up eight times on last year) and LED signs (tripled since last year) have increased significantly. It appears they’re going for a moody look, despite the bright lighting.
Personally, I’m glad it seems to be a generational thing that I’m unlikely to encounter too much of. I won’t be embracing the look in my home.
“This is not your typical year-end trend report. This is a not-yet-trending report. A window into the future from the platform where people go to plan it.” ~ Andréa Mallard, Pinterest
Generally, I don’t think it’s wise to be too governed by trends. But it is useful to know and understand what is evolving, and why. Many of the 2021 predictions for home décor trends are about more than the superficial look, and will serve our wellbeing. So, much to look forward to.
First published on Newsbreak.com
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