Interior Design Trends 2021 – Comfy Durability (or is that Durable and Comfy?)

Interior Design Trends
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The age-old chicken/egg question persists, even when it comes to interior design trends for the new year. Whether you blame it on the pandemic itself, or the restrictions placed on businesses and the public, “livability” has replaced style in the hierarchy of needs for many homeowners. That is comfortable spaces that enhance the increased use of the home as a round-the-clock business and social environment.

Can it be said that trendy is no longer “in vogue”? Funny you should ask…

24/7 Livability is Trending: with Comfort First

According to an article at Vogue.com, and the designers they spoke with, it appears that comfort precedes durability. And yes, an increased focus on both seem to be shifting fashion and/or style toward the back burner.

“What does comfy look like, exactly?” they ask. “Think plushy, sink-into furniture,” they then answer themselves, “[with] chestnut woods, warm colors, overflowing bookshelves… Less mass-produced furniture and more reworking of passed-down family pieces or ones you already own. Fluffy towels, luxurious candles, objets d’art from local artisans rather than e-commerce giants.”

If you need more proof that top designers are already making the shift toward comfortable furnishings over trendy styles, the article does not hesitate to provide it:

  • “Comfort, practicality, and making your home your sanctuary on every level,” says Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

  • “Comfort in all forms is becoming more paramount,” says Timothy Corrigan.

  • “Comfort over concept,” says Roman and Williams co-founder Robin Standefer.

  • “The importance of comfort, wellness, and sustainability will continue to be a priority,” says Sheila Bridges.

“Essentially: ‘The trend is to embrace what lasts, what’s well made, and what makes you smile,’ says Standefer.”

This leads us to the next design trend for 2021.

Make It Last (and last, and last)

Living, working, exercising, and socializing (when and if possible) from a single location, not to mention doing it all from home, requires a new standard for furnishings. This is not to say that all sense of style should be abandoned, but increased use demands greater strength and resilience in everything from rugs and furniture to lighting and accessories.

“With everyone spending more time at home, there is a renewed emphasis on rooms that not only look good but can live up to increased use. Durability will continue to be more important and we will see a rise in using outdoor materials inside the home: there are so many great outdoor fabric options that allow you to make a mess and not worry about the clean-up, without having to sacrifice beauty,” explained Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc.

If form follows function, then need determines the purpose, which will also be a priority for the foreseeable future.

“Out for 2021. . . rooms with no purpose, rooms only used for high days and holidays, furniture that has no other function but to make a statement. In 2020 we learned our lives are for living and need to be lived out in the best way we possibly can. Needless excess is out, functionality and duality in the home is in,” according to Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design

And yet, the clever designer will not forget that previously loved trends, such as monochromatic colorways and bare surfaces can become oppressive when a homeowner feels trapped. As a result, once comfort and durability are taken care of, adding bits of color, pattern, and statement pieces can relieve those feelings.

Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.