Home decor trends: seven looks to watch in 2021

Natural materials, travel-inspired decor and OTT glamour are among the hottest styles for 2021. Read on to get inspired!

Published: December 23, 2020 at 8:00 am

Many of us have been spending more time than usual at home, so if you're getting a little bored of looking at the same walls every day, a seasonal refresh will give your wellbeing a much-needed boost, too.

Last year, we loved seeing Santa Fe style and urban jungle looks sweep the interiors scene. So what's in store for 2021? Decor trends are turning towards diverse new looks, inspired by nature, lavish glamour or simple, home comforts. We've done the research to share seven looks that we're loving this year, as well as tips on how to use each one in your home.

So, if your space is in need of an update, why not get ahead of the curve by embracing one of the trends getting hot right now:

Nature-inspired decor

Nature-inspired decor is a favourite theme at YourHomeStyle HQ, and the fall-flavoured take on the look emphasises warm colours and comforting textures to create a calm haven for hibernation!

William Morris Compton Amber roller blind, from £34.40, Blinds 2go
Make a feature of this patterned blind by combining it with dark blue walls – these intense hues will create an inviting retreat. William Morris Compton Amber roller blind, from £34.40, Blinds 2go

To capture the seasonal shift, bring in rich, intense hues such as sage, damson, berry, peacock blue, russet and ochre.

Moodboard

Mirror the materials and textures found in enchanting forests and rugged British landscapes by blending these characteristic colours with ute, wool and rustic fabrics and materials such as untreated wood or natural stone like travertine.

Bring in rustic textures and leaf motifs with these autumnal placemats.
Bring in rustic textures and leaf motifs with these autumnal placemats. Seagrass leaf placemats, £10.95, Graham & Green

Although nature is starting to wither, it doesn’t mean you can’t preserve some of its beauty. Display dried and pressed grass and flower arrangements to bring a spot of nature into your living or dining space.

Our expert says...

‘After spending more time at home this year, it’s natural that our interiors take on an even greater importance. A desire to feel connected and closer to nature is becoming evident as people try to strike a balance between well-being and productivity. There’s also a tendency towards biophilia and bringing the outside world into the everyday; people are introducing dried plants into their homes and combining these with flora and fauna motifs on wood and wool. Organic, undyed shades can be paired with an autumnal colour palette to create snug sanctuaries that feel full of life.’ - Jemma Dayman, Junior Buyer at Carpetright

Autumn/winter 2020 home decor trends

You also won’t be surprised to hear that a plethora of wild creatures feature aplenty in this scheme; welcome soft furnishings and artworks with motifs such as owls, deer, hedgehogs, badgers and foxes to channel this charming rural theme.

The Green Indoors trend, inspiration from Furniture Choice
Hang up a few dried flowers and grasses or place them in a vase on the mantelpiece or coffee table to welcome nature into your home. The Green Indoors trend, inspiration from Furniture Choice

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Grown-up glamour

Luxurious, lavish and dramatic are three words that epitomise this deco-inspired scheme.

The trend isn’t for the faint-hearted – it radiates confidence with lashings of bold block colours including midnight blue, deep teal, blush pink and jet black, as well as signature autumnal hues of russet, rust and berry.

Library monogram mugs, £14.95; This is my Happy Place metal word art, £45, both Bombay Duck
You can’t go wrong with a touch of gold in this extravagant scheme. Library monogram mugs, £14.95; This is my Happy Place metal word art, £45, both Bombay Duck

Moodboard

The furniture designs of Grown-up Glamour are no less opulent, as they take inspiration from 1930s elegance with fluid lines and flowing curves. Think show-stealing scallop-back chairs styled with unique lamps and polished vases. The geometric fan shape, typical of the art deco period, features in abundance on luxe wallpaper, soft furnishings and abstract prints.

Belgrave medium two-seater sofa in Erin Midnight, £1,599; Design Project by John Lewis cushion in Burnt Orange, £60; Rib knit throw in Navy, £50; Rubin side table in Black, £199; Neo mug in Putty, £8; LSA International Utility tealight holder, £25 for a set of two; Huxley task lamp in Smoke/Antique Brass, £70; Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera, £529.99, all John Lewis & Partners
Dial up the glam factor with tactile velvet furnishings and metallic accents. Belgrave medium two-seater sofa in Erin Midnight, £1,599; Design Project by John Lewis

Dramatic style rules this scheme, so show off your flamboyance with art deco patterned wallpaper, plush velvet, silk accessories, gold-edged mirrors, grand sideboards, and richly coloured accent chairs and sofas.

Our expert says...

‘If you’re colour confident, then this autumn is the time to take the plunge and redecorate at least one room in a rich hue. My favourite way to achieve this look is to go bold. For the ultimate statement, create an ultra-luxe, all-encompassing, floor-to-ceiling finish in one colour. Using a single shade to cover the skirting boards, walls, ceilings and window frames adds a sense of grandeur and creates a boutique hotel look, which provides a backdrop for sophisticated furnishings and accessories.’ - Helen Shaw, Director at Benjamin Moore

Incorporate a nod to autumn with rust and berry coloured cushions

This interior also demands a dose of bling, so bring in touches of metallic gold, rose, brass, bronze and copper – all things shiny and elegant will complement this look. You can introduce these glistening pieces with a luxe drinks trolley alongside striking lamps and pendant lights.

Rupa tall sculptural ceramic vase in Grey, £39, MADE
Be inspired by the art deco period and include flowing lines and curves with ceramic vases. Rupa tall sculptural ceramic vase in Grey, £39, MADE

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Cottage decor

Escape to the country with a this traditional look, packed with rustic charm and heritage details.

Roma 596 Eleanor vinyl, £22.99 per sq m, Carpetright
Roma 596 Eleanor vinyl, £22.99 per sq m, Carpetright

This look is defined by matt, soft-hued finishes that bring out the delicate details of Shaker-style cabinetry and wood panelling. Colours are kept muted, with classic blues and whites warmed up by sage green and mustard yellow. Red accents add depth and richness.

Arts and crafts tea towels, £6 for three; T&G acacia chopping board, £20; acacia board with handle, £11, all Dunelm
Arts and crafts tea towels, £6 for three, Dunelm

Pattern is used sparingly to create small areas of contrast against the clean, pastel paintwork. Consider using stencilling on walls and woodwork for a traditional feel.

Bee vase, £10; house tealight holder, £12 for a set of three, both George Home
Image by George Home

It’s a look that’s practical as well as pretty, as the pared-back style is easy to clean. Hard-wearing fabrics cover furnishings and additional accessories are easily thrown in the washing machine. Nicks and scuffs can be sanded back and repainted. This look really stands the test of time.

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Global glamour

Travel the world from home with a look inspired by traditional crafts from around the globe.

Embossed canvases, £180 for set of three; mini tufted spot cushion, £8; elephant cushion, £16; luxurious pompom throw, £40; hotel chevron embossed bedspread, £48; macramé rug, from £85, all Next
Embossed canvases, £180 for set of three, Next

In this trend, subtly textured walls, large furnishings and carpets provide a blank canvas for irresistibly tactile accessories. Bobbles, knots, tufts and tassels are everywhere.

Amelia butterscotch throw, £18; retreat abstract cushion, £12; global enzo cushion, £16, all Dunelm
Amelia butterscotch throw, £18, Dunelm

Comfort is key, so pile up floor pillows, pouffes and cushions to create a relaxed and low-profile look you can recline into. Fill rustic ceramic pieces and vases with natural materials to bring charming irregularities and rich visual interest.

Keep this look chic with a restricted palette of delicate earth tones, while a flush of dusky pink gives a feminine edge. Strong geometric patterns created by the thickly woven textiles are complemented by abstract, hand-drawn prints. The Japandi style is a prime example of global glamour.

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Grandmillennial style

Revel in the eccentricities of this wildly eclectic look that’s a flamboyant feast for the senses.

Nesa gold and green velvet touch lamp, £55; Rupert two-seater sofa, £549; ink blue Clara velvet cushion, from £12; Harewood cushion, £25, all Dunelm
Nesa gold and green velvet touch lamp, £55, Dunelm

Floral patterns on a variety of scales are mixed and matched with abandon. Tropical blooms are paired with dainty cottage garden plants and big, blowsy roses. Intricate Persian-style rugs add to the fascinating jumble of prints.

Dramatic jewel tones give the look richness and depth. Forest green makes rose pink really pop and regal purple brings out the luminosity of mustard yellow.

Fringe shade, £25; ribbed glass lamp, £14; embroidered throw, £25, all George Home
Fringe shade, £25, George Home

Fringing and velvet are the key textures of this look, they’re combined with the subtle sheen of eggshell emulsion and sateen that reflects light without gloss.

Geo metal shelf, £28; metal lantern, £18; ‘It’s just a phase’ cushion, £10; floral cushion, £14; Wonderland velvet cushion, £12, all Matalan
Floral cushion, £14, Matalan

Embossed glass and metallic finishes create twinkling highlights that glitter against the dark-hued colours.

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Simple Comforts

If an escape to the simplicity of the countryside is what you’re after, then this trend is for you. Understated, honest style is at the heart of this comforting scheme, with its emphasis on pared-back pigments, natural woven textures and unfussy furnishings.

Amara’s autumn/winter Country collection draws on a refined rustic theme to give rooms a cosy update with touchable textures and soft neutrals. Striped wooden pot with lid, £24; Circle spotlight table lamp, £60; Wood table with woven storage base, £120; Embroidered Ring cushion, £40; Cable-knit pouffe, £80; Kids blue stripe pouffe, £80, all Amara
Amara’s autumn/winter Country collection draws on a refined rustic theme to give rooms a cosy update with touchable textures and soft neutrals. Cable-knit pouffe, £80, Amara

The homely look is best suited to a place with character, one that boasts bare brick walls, parquet flooring and exposed wooden beams.

Moodboard

Simple Comforts is a look that’s easy to replicate in almost any room by using a mixed palette of warming neutrals, including oatmeal and beige, as well as a few cooling greys to add balance to the scheme.

Dunelm’s new Retreat range aims to create a calming sanctuary with a mix of neutral and typically autumnal colours, alongside natural textures such as jute, wood and rattan. Franco side table, £69; Dayo Jardinere glass table lamp, £28, both Dunelm
Dunelm’s new Retreat range aims to create a calming sanctuary with a mix of neutral and typically autumnal colours, alongside natural textures such as jute, wood and rattan. Franco side table, £69; Dayo Jardinere glass table lamp, £28, both Dunelm

Intersperse these hues with subtle hints of dusky pink, sage green, rust and terracotta, along with a dark accent hue of navy blue if you want to further emphasise the feelings of serenity and calm.

Our expert says...

‘Having spent a lot of time around the house recently, comfort has become more important than ever, so investing in high-quality furnishings that are cosy and well-made is a must. If you’re not looking to replace your seating, you can achieve a feeling of being cosseted by investing in other items of furniture or accessories. You may notice that you’re missing the feel of a soft rug underfoot, or that you need a side table for your drinks and magazines, or a floor lamp that emits a soft glow.’ - Suzy McMahon, Buying Director at Sofology

Use tactile floor textures such as woven wool and natural-coloured jute to bring cosiness and comfort to this simple scheme. Rugs, from £39.99; cushion covers, £3.99, both H&M

This trend draws its textures from nature, with woollen throws, sheepskin accessories, cable-knit cushions, Berber carpets, jute rugs and weathered wood tables.

Go beyond a Berber rug and spread this woolly textile across the whole room for cosy and stylish warmth underfoot this winter. Auckland Berber wool carpet in Stone, £14.99 m sq, Carpetright
Go beyond a Berber rug and spread this woolly textile across the whole room for cosy and stylish warmth underfoot this winter. Auckland Berber wool carpet in Stone, £14.99 m sq, Carpetright

Blend these with other snug furnishings such as sofas you can sink into and cream-coloured, brushed linens. This combination of tactile textures, comfortable furnishings and soft colours will create a safe, hygge haven in which you can relax and unwind.

When the weather gets chilly and dark, a calm and therapeutic bathroom, like this one, which uses pieces from Dunelm’s Reluxed collection is just what you need. Romano silver Roman blind, from £30; Marble-effect top bath table, £35; Marble duck tealight holder, £5; Aura marble silver wallpaper, £10 per roll; Sheared stripe bath towel, £16; Glass cylinder vase, £12, all Dunelm
When the weather gets chilly and dark, a calm and therapeutic bathroom, like this one, which uses pieces from Dunelm’s Reluxed collection is just what you need. Marble-effect top bath table, £35, Dunelm

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Bold gold accents

Channel your inner diva with an unashamedly luxe look that’s full of sumptuous details.

Antique bronze palm leaf floor lamp, £365; Marilyn velvet armchair, £545; leopard standing vase, £55, all Audenza
Antique bronze palm leaf floor lamp, £365, Audenza

Palm leaves, leopard print and starburst motifs bring to mind the icons of classic Hollywood. Consistent gold finishes on furniture, textiles and even the wallpaper tie the look together.

Faux fur and shearing textures make luxurious additions. You’ll find them covering floors and bedding everywhere this season.

Farhi by Nicole Farhi collection, all at Matalan
Farhi by Nicole Farhi collection, all at Matalan

Statement lighting creates a sense of high drama. Chandeliers, elaborate floor lamps and shimmering candles bring out the golden glow of the rest of the room.

This look will bring extra glitter and an instant party atmosphere to festive schemes later in the year.

Amira sideboard, £139; Harper drinks trolley, £129; Tove wooden light pendant, £55; Fogarty soft touch duvet cover set, from £16; faux sheepskin rug, from £39; teddy storage bench, £79, all Dunelm
Harper drinks trolley, £129, Dunelm

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