10 Interior Trends That Reflect a New Way of Living
From soundproof desks to privacy screens, interiors brands are designing products that reflect a major lifestyle shift
Product offerings in the first half of 2021 reflect not just an aesthetic twist on the past, but a lifestyle shift. Brands usually get ready for the spring editions of major fairs, like the Salone del Mobile in Milan, by taking a close look at both new trends and the needs of homeowners worldwide. That’s why their product offerings are a glimpse at not only new pieces of furniture, but also objects and ideas that mirror who we are.
In a year with fewer fairs, we went directly to the brands to get an idea of this year’s product trends. So what have we learned? A home office is not an extra any more. A new modern style is being born – and, yes, it comes with a lot of references to colours and forms from the past. Like it or not, a new range of pastel colours – from greens to rose – is trending. Finally, the forest effect might just transform your house into a clearing in the woods.
In a year with fewer fairs, we went directly to the brands to get an idea of this year’s product trends. So what have we learned? A home office is not an extra any more. A new modern style is being born – and, yes, it comes with a lot of references to colours and forms from the past. Like it or not, a new range of pastel colours – from greens to rose – is trending. Finally, the forest effect might just transform your house into a clearing in the woods.
Toa table and folding screen designed by Robin Rizzini, art direction Studio FM, for Pedrali. Photo by Andrea Garuti.
Sound panels to create privacy at your table or desk and secret drawers to keep your work surface tidy are some examples of how companies are offering a new way to bring the professional office and home furniture together.
Sound panels to create privacy at your table or desk and secret drawers to keep your work surface tidy are some examples of how companies are offering a new way to bring the professional office and home furniture together.
Iren desk by Kensaku Oshiro for Poltrona Frau. Colours are based on the ColorSphere colour system from textile designer and colour expert Giulio Ridolfo.
Landa home office desk with storage drawers, designed by Samuel Accoceberry; and Lan chair, both from Alki
Alcove folding dividing panels for sofas and tables, by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra
Kaari Shelf, part of the collection designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Artek. This is the setup for The Club Office project by Vitra at its head office in Birsfelden, Switzerland, where the company offers employees a variety of flexible work spaces. The bookshelves are not a new product but have been updated to suit the new office – and home-office – culture.
Give me an office! Quick! Workstations that are easy to fit into any room and hide inside a bookshelf are a way to add an extra spot to work on a laptop when needed.
Give me an office! Quick! Workstations that are easy to fit into any room and hide inside a bookshelf are a way to add an extra spot to work on a laptop when needed.
Kaari Shelf, part of the collection designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Artek. This is the setup for The Club Office project by Vitra at its head office in Birsfelden, Switzerland, where the company offers employees a variety of flexible work spaces. The bookshelves are not a new product but have been updated to suit the new office – and home-office – culture.
Atal chair collection in oak and metal tubing designed by Form Us With Love for Alki. This range includes a lounge chair, stools and various models of stackable chairs.
2. Same, But Different: Crazy for Collections
Many companies are producing series of chairs that are similar in form and shape but not exactly the same. The idea of matching but not identical chairs is something we’re seeing over and over again this year, as manufacturers seek a style that, though not unique, can be tailored to the user and can reappear throughout the house. Instead of focusing on a single iconic piece, companies are designing collections that fit together and add special flair without leaning too much on a single shape or colour.
2. Same, But Different: Crazy for Collections
Many companies are producing series of chairs that are similar in form and shape but not exactly the same. The idea of matching but not identical chairs is something we’re seeing over and over again this year, as manufacturers seek a style that, though not unique, can be tailored to the user and can reappear throughout the house. Instead of focusing on a single iconic piece, companies are designing collections that fit together and add special flair without leaning too much on a single shape or colour.
Atal stackable chairs in oak and metal tubing designed by Form Us With Love for Alki.
Mixu chair collection by Arper in collaboration with Gensler. The seat, backrest, and base are separate, so the chair can be easily customised and disassembled. It can be personalised in a variety of colour and texture combinations.
Burraco games table in natural copper and DeErosion finish designed by Zanellato/Bortotto for De Castelli. The table’s design is inspired by card games. Four small serving trays can be extended from the table top.
3. Little Living Rooms Here and There
A living room that’s easy to set up anywhere or a corner for chatting or relaxing is a new need: homeowners are not only looking for a classic, styled living room, but also a series of potential living corners spread through the space – maybe one in the hall, another in the bedroom – which can serve as places to catch a quick break or have an informal chat.
What do you need for such a corner? A small sofa or a lounge chair, a little table with small chairs or a big sofa that can double as an informal spot for some quick work. Nothing is fixed in a single role any longer: neither people nor furniture.
3. Little Living Rooms Here and There
A living room that’s easy to set up anywhere or a corner for chatting or relaxing is a new need: homeowners are not only looking for a classic, styled living room, but also a series of potential living corners spread through the space – maybe one in the hall, another in the bedroom – which can serve as places to catch a quick break or have an informal chat.
What do you need for such a corner? A small sofa or a lounge chair, a little table with small chairs or a big sofa that can double as an informal spot for some quick work. Nothing is fixed in a single role any longer: neither people nor furniture.
Egon sofa designed by Iratzoki Lizaso for Alki
Hemicycle sofa by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset
Soft Work sofa by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. Designed in 2018, this sofa is part of Vitra’s lifestyle-driven approach to work from home. It offers a relaxed and flexible space for leisure or work on a laptop.
Soft Work sofa by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. Designed in 2018, this sofa is part of Vitra’s lifestyle-driven approach to work from home. It offers a relaxed and flexible space for leisure or work on a laptop.
Alpha table, designed by Martinelli Venezia for De Castelli. Its copper surface is left untreated, to preserve its antimicrobial properties. This hexagonal table with built-in storage space can be used as a single piece or its modules can be rearranged.
4. Creative Storage
There is never enough storage, and brands are offering new solutions for adding storage or decluttering opportunities into spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. Secret drawers are more than welcome.
4. Creative Storage
There is never enough storage, and brands are offering new solutions for adding storage or decluttering opportunities into spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. Secret drawers are more than welcome.
Passepartout side table by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset
In the Mood sofa, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau – now with a new small storage cabinet on one side. A small wooden tray can be pulled out when needed.
The Dancing Wall office dividers, designed by Stephan Hürlemann for Vitra, were created primarily for office use but can be adapted to other contexts. This moving wall designed in 2018 is also part of a new office collection that rethinks the office. It offers both storage and a white board for writing.
Kata solid wood armchair by Altherr Désile Park for Arper. The frame is in FSC-certified oak. The 3D-knit cover is created from recycled polyester. The knit is tailored to the frame to avoid producing material offcuts.
5. Oldie But Goldie: Vintage Colours in New Combinations
Green + wood or metal. Many companies have gone for colours that have a vintage flair and could become new evergreen trends. For example, with their relaxed palettes, these armchairs combine light wood and pastels, or soft wood with velvet and metal.
5. Oldie But Goldie: Vintage Colours in New Combinations
Green + wood or metal. Many companies have gone for colours that have a vintage flair and could become new evergreen trends. For example, with their relaxed palettes, these armchairs combine light wood and pastels, or soft wood with velvet and metal.
Blume chair by Sebastian Herkner for Pedrali.
Intellimix touchless tap by Ideal Standard
From orange to pink. Many brands are turning to a palette of warm and delicate colours ranging from light orange to soft pink, passing through salmon, copper and powder pink. In this photo we see an all-orange bathroom with a very 70’s vibe, which was used to introduce a new smart and touchless faucet to the market.
From orange to pink. Many brands are turning to a palette of warm and delicate colours ranging from light orange to soft pink, passing through salmon, copper and powder pink. In this photo we see an all-orange bathroom with a very 70’s vibe, which was used to introduce a new smart and touchless faucet to the market.
Intellimix touchless tap by Ideal Standard
Blume chair designed by Sebastian Herkner for Pedrali.
Find an interior designer from the Houzz directory to design your home
Find an interior designer from the Houzz directory to design your home
A table lamp from the Ghost collection designed by Arik Levy for Vibia. The black band is a touch dimmer.
Barista copper mobile bar, designed by Adriano Design for De Castelli. The ribbed effect creates an irregular texture. The interior is stainless steel with a mirrored finish.
Atrium Outdoor textile palette by Patricia Urquiola for Kvadrat. The palette includes rose and terracotta as well as a spectrum of green shades.
Atrium Outdoor textile palette by Patricia Urquiola for Kvadrat. The palette includes rose and terracotta as well as a spectrum of green shades.
Sama and Matrix carpets, by Golran for Moroso. Photo by Alessandro Paderni.
Sesi table and Tracce tiles, part of the Pantelleria project by Martinelli Venezia Studio for the Sicilian brand Lithea. Both are made of Nero Maquina marble.
Back to black. An exception to the obsession with pastel we’re seeing in most new products: some statement furniture pieces are going black. From tables to armchairs, black furniture is heading back into our homes.
Back to black. An exception to the obsession with pastel we’re seeing in most new products: some statement furniture pieces are going black. From tables to armchairs, black furniture is heading back into our homes.
Kata armchair designed by Altherr Désile Park for Arper. The frame is made of certified FSC oak. The cover is knitted recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic.
Kyoto coffee table designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Poltrona Frau.
Kyoto coffee table designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Poltrona Frau.
Mesa Due coffee table, produced by Poltrona Frau based on original drawings by Lella and Massimo Vignelli.
Amira chest of drawers in walnut from Heals, made of solid walnut with round grips in a retro design
6. New Modern
A new style is being born. It might echo vintage midcentury modern, but if you look closer these beds and cupboards mix a minimalist shape with an elegant flair. Look for classic and sober furniture pieces that nonetheless create a relaxed atmosphere.
6. New Modern
A new style is being born. It might echo vintage midcentury modern, but if you look closer these beds and cupboards mix a minimalist shape with an elegant flair. Look for classic and sober furniture pieces that nonetheless create a relaxed atmosphere.
Amira chest of drawers in walnut from Heals, made of solid walnut with round grips in a retro design
Lola Darling bed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau. This bed is inspired by Poltrona Frau’s classic capitonné.
Lola Darling bed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau. This bed is inspired by Poltrona Frau’s classic capitonné.
Emilie sideboard from Heals.
Alando sideboard designed by Eric Jourdan for Ligne Roset
Mi sideboard designed by Neri & Hu for Poltrona Frau
Paravent by Marie Christine Dorner for Ligne Roset
7. The Much-Needed Folding Screen
Many homeowners have been looking for light dividing features. The age-old folding screen makes its comeback as a charming way to create more privacy inside the home.
7. The Much-Needed Folding Screen
Many homeowners have been looking for light dividing features. The age-old folding screen makes its comeback as a charming way to create more privacy inside the home.
Plot folding screen designed by GamFratesi for Poltrona Frau
Taru sofa by Sebastian Herkner for Ligne Roset
8. Couches Are Reaching Peak Cosy
Egg shapes and rounded angles are the new experimental forms for couches. These cocooning new sofas take on the less structured and more comfortable role of a day bed.
8. Couches Are Reaching Peak Cosy
Egg shapes and rounded angles are the new experimental forms for couches. These cocooning new sofas take on the less structured and more comfortable role of a day bed.
Pacific sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso. Photo by Alessandro Paderni
Gogan sofa and armchair by Patricia Urquiola; Cloud small tables by Nendo; Matrix and Himalayan rugs; Frame-Shift bookshelf by Oscar and Gabriele Buratti; all for Moroso. Photo by Alessandro Paderni
Re-release of the Archibald armchair, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud in 2009 for Poltrona Frau
Sam Son low armchair by
Konstantin Grcic for Magis
Curvy chairs. Taking rounded shapes to the extreme, these fun chairs expand the paradigm of furniture you can sit on.
Konstantin Grcic for Magis
Curvy chairs. Taking rounded shapes to the extreme, these fun chairs expand the paradigm of furniture you can sit on.
Voido rocking by Ron Arad for Magis.
Ambrosia ceiling lamp by Ciszak Dalmas for Marset. The LED light tube is dimmable and available in three warm colour temperatures
9. Minimalist Lighting
Lighting has gone minimalist, from an almost invisible wand of light suspended from the ceiling to a very simple, deconstructed form recalling a massive, traditional chandelier. The lines of structural supports and cords almost disappear, leaving nothing but seemingly pure light in the room.
9. Minimalist Lighting
Lighting has gone minimalist, from an almost invisible wand of light suspended from the ceiling to a very simple, deconstructed form recalling a massive, traditional chandelier. The lines of structural supports and cords almost disappear, leaving nothing but seemingly pure light in the room.
Soffi chandelier by GamFratesi for Poltrona Frau
Soffi chandelier by GamFratesi for Poltrona Frau
Ghost light collection designed by Arik Levy for Vibia.
Ghost light collection designed by Arik Levy for Vibia.
Papiro LED light designed by Sergio Calatroni for Pallucco in 1989 and updated with LEDs.
Papiro LED light designed by Sergio Calatroni for Pallucco in 1989 and updated with LEDs.
Design by Nature by Front for Moroso. Swedish studio Front used 3D-scanning of actual forests to create these furniture items. Photo by Andy Liffner
10. Forest Effect
One might say this is a nice side effect of the pandemic. The need for nature and the role of green and plants in our homes is a trend that started even before this difficult year, but which has been drastically accelerated over the last few months.
New innovations in patterns and fabric by Italian brand Moroso shows how the ‘forest effect’ can shape our homes with a series of trompe l’oeil fabrics that make the couch part of the forest environment.
Other companies are also picking up on this trend. For example, Italian brand Poltrona Frau has introduced an elegant modern vintage table with a shape that is more organic than geometric and with branch-inspired table legs.
10. Forest Effect
One might say this is a nice side effect of the pandemic. The need for nature and the role of green and plants in our homes is a trend that started even before this difficult year, but which has been drastically accelerated over the last few months.
New innovations in patterns and fabric by Italian brand Moroso shows how the ‘forest effect’ can shape our homes with a series of trompe l’oeil fabrics that make the couch part of the forest environment.
Other companies are also picking up on this trend. For example, Italian brand Poltrona Frau has introduced an elegant modern vintage table with a shape that is more organic than geometric and with branch-inspired table legs.
Design by Nature by Front for Moroso. Swedish studio Front used wood inspired 3D-scanning of actual forests to create these furniture items. Photo by Andy Liffner
Infinito table by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau. It is made from a single piece of marble, and only available as a limited series.
Tell us:
Which trends are welcome and which are not? Share in Comments below.
Tell us:
Which trends are welcome and which are not? Share in Comments below.
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1. Home Office Revolution
This year as never before, a variety of companies presented iconic pieces of home office furniture. The style and flair might vary from company to company, ranging from classical to colourful contemporary, but there is a clear effort to present homeowners with tables and chairs that fit the home environment and match their style.
The home office is no longer an extra, but rather one of the many needs our homes have to address. It also means searching for dedicated space, as not all homes have an extra room for this purpose. This is where the right chair or the perfect table come in.