Being at home this year has enabled me to take a closer look at the spaces that I spend the most time in and contemplate how they’re being used. Like everyone else, I feel very excited about shedding the 2020 vibes and embracing all that the new year has to offer. As I have paid more attention to my living areas, I have also wondered how my spaces should change in the coming year.

As an artist, I frequently find myself drawn to home décor art and wall art. How are these trends evolving and fitting into spaces? How are people’s tastes changing from year to year? These are especially interesting questions to ask as interior design can often be a reflection of our attitudes and perspective of what is going on around us.

Seeing as this year has kept many of us isolated or stuck inside our homes, I have found myself more curious than ever about how this shared experience will affect how we view our spaces. What will we want to change, and how has the functionality within our living areas changed?

As I researched tiles, new lighting, and warmer, more comfortable furniture for my own home, I noticed many of the designers who were predicting trends for 2021. As I did a deep dive into home décor trends, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ones - and what kind of art pairs well with them.

Natural And Sustainable Materials

Pieces made with natural materials tend to have their own unique patterns, such as woven or braided, that can be complemented by artwork exploring similar textures.

I love art that amplifies the soothing effects of natural environments, like ocean waves or tropical rainforests. I recently discovered Nanci Amaka’s ethereal photography, which conflates the boundaries between the natural and human-made.

This trend reminds me of the design that I experienced while traveling in Vietnam. In early 2020, my husband and I got married in Vietnam, where we were surrounded by rattan and wicker furniture. It was lightweight and looked natural in the many indoor/outdoor spaces that are found along with the river town, Hoi An, and our seaside resort in Da Nang.

Another decorating option that you can try to keep the feeling of natural space within your home is placing some plants or a collection of plants throughout your home. This will literally enliven your rooms and nourish the biophiliac inside you. Note: I just learned about biomimicry - the design philosophy that emulates nature - from this AD article.

One last option is to leverage natural light, which will improve your circadian rhythm. My first job out of college was at a sleep company, so if design can be aesthetically pleasing and health-centric, it’s a winning combination.

Warmer And Joyful Color Palettes

I personally am not a huge fan of all black-and-white spaces, as the monochromatic look seems sterile. I prefer a space that is organic and engaging, with earthy materials like terra-cotta and travertine over steel and marble.

My family owned a jewelry store for many years; I grew up surrounded by minerals and gemstones that responded to human warmth and touch. I remember a customer who accused us of selling her a fake bracelet when it turned out her body heat had turned a pale jade bangle into an imperial emerald hue (one of the most expensive shades of jade).

She was flabbergasted when we told her how her body had literally alchemized the material into something expensive and luxurious. If only everything we touched responded similarly!

Art with warm colors - reds, oranges, and yellows - lends energy that can be reminiscent of fire or the sun. Art with soft or dynamic brushstrokes can also add a level of playfulness or dynamism, creating an environment that engages with anyone who enters. I just discovered Shara Mays’s work, which is beautiful and dynamic: an explosive riot of colors.

That said, if your room already has a lot of color, some black-and-white pieces by Angel Satya Trimble-Yanu can provide classic and timeless touches. A few simple black and white pieces can add dimension and tie the room together without losing that sense of warmth and joy in a room that is already full of personality.

Curated Pieces With Personality

Nooks and bookshelves provide a perfect stage to show off your mementos and personal pieces. This includes everything from meaningful smaller original art to sculptural pieces, like Shamona Stokes’s Venus sculptures.

If you are feeling bold, you can go big with a statement piece like one of my works to capture attention as soon as someone enters the room.

Scattering these expressive pieces throughout your home brings a sense of life to your spaces and gives your living areas a personal touch that is unique to your style and design taste. This is undoubtedly a trend that will help to add more life to your home in the new year.

Moveable Wallpaper

The first time I encountered a peel-and-stick wallpaper that I absolutely loved was a black-and-white photograph blown up for a bathroom by an Airbnb host who was a famous New Zealand designer. I love this idea for folks who want an easy, temporary solution to personalizing space.

While a wall-sized original artwork might cost in the tens of thousands, printable wallpaper usually costs under $1000 to produce (excluding the cost of the design itself). Production companies no longer require adhesive to tack it on; they are printed out in vinyl squares that one person can install by themselves. When it’s time to remove the panels, they just peel off the wall.

The great thing about this trend is that it is reversible; if you want something abstract and colorful one year, and the next you are looking for something more personal – like a black and white photograph, the transition can be implemented without costing too much - and in fact, could be reused for another room.

If you are interested in a bespoke wallpaper design or custom digital mural, I’m offering digital illustrations starting this year. So if you’d like to work with me, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t Be Afraid To Combine Trends

I know this goes against traditional style advice, but you shouldn’t be afraid to incorporate a couple of these trends in the same room. Experiment with a warm and playful wallpaper with a big, green palm in the corner. Or natural materials, plant art and a personalized bookcase full of art and artifacts.

These trends play well with each other as they all seem to be headed for the same vision of spending more time at home. As a homebody, even I needed to take a good, hard look at the comforts of home. If anything, this perspective has made me appreciate my house’s flaws, from its uneven baseboards to odd corners.

Looking Towards 2021

I think that we can all agree that we are all ready to look towards 2021 with optimism, and this outlook is sure to shine through in our décor and design choices. Our spaces will likely lean towards feelings of openness, warmth, and calm.

Bringing a sense of sentimentality or personalization to your space will really help to make it feel more like your own personal corner of the world, rather than just your typical living space.

What are your favorite trends for 2021? Is there anything you’d add? Let me know.