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Writer's pictureShidonna Raven

5 Design Trends That Will Dominate 2021, According to 1st dibs: Warm Colors, Earth Tones, and More

Updated: Dec 28, 2021

December 11, 2020

Source: Architectural Digest Photo Source: Bia Andrade

There’s something about the end of the year that tends to make many people pause and take stock of all things trends. But whether that means looking back or thinking forward—or just taking note of the new Pantone colors of the year—there’s no reason not to trust the experts and look more carefully at some data.


This week, 1stdibs has made that a bit easier, thanks to the release of its annual designer survey results. The survey, which focuses on 2021, reached out to hundreds of interior designers who hail from countries all over the globe. “In the past year, our relationships with our homes have evolved dramatically,” Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director and director of fine art for 1stDibs, reflects. “We’re spending so much more time thinking about the spaces we love…and also about how design helps us meet the needs of everyday life.” Freund added: “The designer survey provides us with insight into interior trends that represent our shifting decorative preferences and our new attitudes toward pursuing work and leisure activities at home. It’s been a year of big changes, to say the least, and the survey results reflect that.”


The online survey broke down results into five key categories. It established that warm and earthy tones, nature-geared patterns, and “artisanal” furniture are all likely to be big factors in home decor come next year. The design marketplace also states that while the popularity of contemporary pieces shows no signs of slowing down, a 1970s aesthetic is likely to be once again in vogue. Below, AD PRO walks through the results, while providing ideas for how to bring each trend home.


Nature-Inspired Patterns

A quarter of decorators polled indicated that nature-inspired patterns are likely on the rise. “We inherently have a connection to outdoor spaces and often find inspiration in nature,” designer Laura Hodges told 1stdibs. “Increasingly, we’re finding ways to bring that natural beauty indoors with botanical wallpapers and hand-painted nature-inspired murals, as well as potted plants, trees, and vertical gardens.”


Warm Colors and Earth Tones

Emerald, cobalt, burnt orange, and mustard yellow are all hues that received top marks. “What I find telling is how as people have spent more time indoors, the desire to embrace the outdoors by using more grounded colors to evoke a sense of calm and comfort is, just that, comforting,” Gil Melott commented to 1stdibs. “There seems to be a subtle shift toward the humbler earth tones, and we believe richer hues will redefine how the whole home feels—comforting, safe, and inviting.”


1970s

29% of survey participants predicated that the 1970s was the decade most likely to feel on point for 2021. “If I had to pick a favorite decade, the 1970s might be it,” designer Angie Hranowsky said to 1st dibs. “From the fashion to the earthy color palettes to the sense of freedom and individuality, I have always found inspiration in this bohemian decade. But it seems to be having a renaissance. Whether it’s modern furniture or traditional details like floral and fringe, we can see these now through a more modern lens.”


Contemporary and Artisanal Furniture

31% of respondents picked contemporary as their style of choice out of a total of 14 options. 61% of participating decorators said that when buying new pieces, they would aim to make purchases from artisanal designers.  


There are many ways to approach creating a statement for a space. Above are a few trends that will help guide you. Which trend resonates with you the most? Why? Which ones will you apply in the upcoming year?


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