The 2021 trend guide

Local design experts forecast the style patterns we’re going to be seeing this year.

After spending a lot of time in our home during 2020, this year brings a refreshed design lens to the spaces we live in. With the mass revival of interior decorating and renovating act to continue, it’s our lifestyle that is dictating the way our home (and Instagram feeds) will look. Forecasting the interior trends that should be on your radar, are Dubai-based style experts who have their finger on the pulse ahead of the curve.

Tactile design

Pallovi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of Design by Roar

The pandemic has deprived us of one of our most important senses – touch. In response to that, it has become increasingly important to make use of rich, textured materials that bring tactility to the interior palette. Plus, as the home is now where we live, work, exercise and teach our children, this year will see a demand for improved acoustics to accommodate different layers of textures that can really help improve how sound travels.

How: The obvious options are rugs, cosy furniture and upholstered surfaces, but undulated finishes on walls or elements that feature depth can also muffle noise and add warmth. There are great products on the market, such as the Kvadrat clouds or soft cells – adding these as light features or wall panelling will allow you to soundproof any space in style.

Back to Nature

Lindsay Campbell Crafts, Blogger and stylist at Love at Home

Natural fibres, dried floral arrangements, soft cotton and linen are going to have a serious moment on our Instagram feeds this year.

Nature has invaded the home, and it is here to stay. By adding just a touch of this relaxed, ‘imperfect’ trend you can add depth to your interiors.

How: Jute floor cushions are fantastic for in or outdoors along with rattan and linen furniture. Add some large pampas grass or dried flowers to a clay vase, and you’ll have the trend sussed. Creased unbleached linen curtains are a bold addition, and yes, the more creased the better with this trend.

Luxurious Neutrals

Cynthia Salloum, Home Stylist from White Haven Decor

After spending time decluttering last year, this year it’s about making our homes feel more refined using high-quality materials and soft hues. A muted palette – is going to be on trend this year as it brings peace in stressful situations.

How: Incorporate natural materials like wood and stone. Marble is a great way to elevate a room while ramping up the chic factor. I recommend keeping your accessories to a minimum and sticking to hues of black and white to keep the classy tone running throughout.

Transitional spaces

Matt A Matouk, Head of Design at MDO Landscape

As most people have been doing essentially everything at home for nearly a year, creating a natural flow between indoors and outdoor will not only maximize the home’s space, but it will also give a much-needed boost of well-being. By using biophilic design, you can increase your connectivity to nature through architecture.

How: For a seamless transition between outdoor and indoors, try approaching the garden as if it were an extension of your living room. Having the same flooring can really help with this. Plus, adding a folding glass door and windows, will help create a seamless integration between the two.

Retro Minimalism

Amy Mill, Founder of Custom No.9

Prepare to see minimal form combined with retro shapes and materials. We’re predicting lots of shapes and angles, with age-old materials like cane still on their comeback growth curve. Less is going to continue to be more, and we think this marriage of nostalgia and modernity will be key in 2021.

How: To achieve the retro minimalism look, focus on the feature pieces. Choose dining tables, desks and beds that will make a statement in the home, then compliment them with softer furnishings and materials. Custom No.9’Joni dining table works well as it embraces a curved steel frame and 60s style terrazzo.