2021 Design Trends That Will Last, According to a Design Expert

When spending time and money on our home’s interior, we want to feel confident that our choices follow current interior design trends – but also that they’ll feel fresh into the future. As an experienced interior designer and stylist Becky Freeman, founder and owner The Property Stylist Inc., knows which interior design trends of 2021 will stand the test of time.

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Landing Pad

Interior stylist Becky Freeman is confident kitchens will always be the hub of the house, so durable materials will always be in demand. “Since they are a constant landing spot for the hustle and bustle of life, we’re seeing the lasting trend towards low-maintenance, high durability counter surfaces such as quartz and now porcelain veneers.”

Beautiful white kitchen with white cabinets, countertop and bar stools sitting at a white island with reclaimed barn wood paneling and a large wood clad beam with two statement pendant lights

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Lighten Up

Statement lighting in the kitchen is an interior design trend in 2021 that Freeman sees going the distance: “This trend is here to stay, especially paired with the more neutral backdrop of cabinetry and counters.”

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Location, Location, Location

When thinking about lighting placement, Freeman has the goods. “The top spots to inject some personality with lighting are over the island, an eat-in table, or even hinged sconces above open shelving for this hit of character and impact.”

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Lite Brite

“Light and bright is the feeling the majority are still leaning towards in kitchen design,” says Freeman. “While the look of a classic white on white pairing of cabinetry and counters will never expire, the addition of texture can add interest through the integration of a great backsplash tile or a dramatic marble veining pattern in the counter.”

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Main Feature

While feature walls throughout the home have all but disappeared in contemporary designs, Freeman says they’re still going strong in bedrooms. “The headboard wall is still a great location to add a feature wallpaper, wall panelling or a simple tonal accent in the room. It distinguishes the bed, wrapping it in warmth, and positions it in the room.”

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Mount Up

To further anchor a feature wall, Freeman suggests using wall-mounted lights or sconces instead of traditional bedside lamps – she believes it’s a strong lighting trend that homeowners will keep enjoying for years to come.

Modern bathroom with exposed rock walls, a large rectangular bathtub, wood and black tile floors, a large open shower and a floating vanity with a black vessel sink

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Only Organic

When it comes to bathrooms, Freeman sees them as places of restoration and balance, which is reflected in the rise of organic, calming aesthetics. “The design is trending towards using organic materials such as woods for custom cabinetry to styling with stone or concrete elements to emulate a natural spa experience to support tranquility.”

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Undeniable Undermount

“I’ve never been a fan of vessel sinks, as they leave the chance for hidden bathroom debris to lurk behind the basin,” says Freeman, who has seen the rise of undermounted sinks in bathroom design, not just the kitchen. “Integrated with the countertop at installation, they provide a clean and seamless aesthetic, also very practical for ongoing maintenance.”

Small white bathroom with large grey star statement tile on the floor, a bathtub shower combo with small grey and white penny tiles, and two framed prints above a white toilet

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Totally Tiled

With its big décor impact even on a small budget, statement tile on bathroom floors is a current interior design trend that’s here to stay. “A smaller square footage in bathrooms also offers an opportunity to splurge on a perhaps unapproachable price-per-square foot in other areas of the house,” says Freeman. “Paired with clean design elsewhere in the room, statement flooring is the perfect hit of drama for a fun balance.”

Chic minimalist living room with a deep beige couch, round wood coffee table, green and teak armchair, a window wall with black metal frame, and a white wall with a large print and potted palm plant

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To the Minimum

When it comes to big design ideas this year (and beyond!), less is more. “Design layout in 2021 continues to lean towards minimal furniture and fixtures in a room to create a serene and clean atmosphere throughout the home,” says Freeman.

Blue home office designed by Jonathan and Drew Scott for HGTV’s Property Brothers features peg boards, wall organizers and calendar

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Work From Home

Interior design trends in 2021 also reflect the age we live in: “As we continue to live and work in our homes, the best design tip is to keep distraction and overwhelm at bay by minimizing the visual weight,” says Freeman.

An art filled sunken living room with a blue sectional couch, wood floors, an open fireplace and a large art canvas on the wall

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Get Down Get Down

Trends that look ahead also tend to look backwards – 2021 is no different. “The 1970s retro vibe is hitting the fashion scene as strong as we’re seeing in the interior design industry lately,” says Freeman. “We’re embracing elements like classic wood panelling [and sunken living rooms] and making it sexy again with an urban appeal… maybe Austin Powers was onto something we didn’t see coming!”