4 Trends That Are Already Blowing Up In 2021, According To Chairish
After heavily retreating into our own private bubbles over the last 12 or so months, many homeowners may feel a sense of "same old, same old" setting in. So it can be refreshing (and even enlightening) to get a glimpse of what's been happening outside our ever-smaller circles. Since we haven't had the luxury of seeing new pieces and creative spaces IRL in quite a while, one might wonder if the outside world — in particular, the design world — has just stood still as things in our homes have. Thankfully, that's far from the case.
According to the design experts at Chairish, the design world has been pretty busy indeed. And these trends prove it. Up-and-coming decor directions are influenced by eras spanning from the late 1800s into 1980s. Favored shapes and it-colors have a healthy dose of whimsy — just what many of us may be longing for after such a dire year. And as always, a significant helping of touchable texture is a necessity. Here are four top trends to look for as we go into the months ahead. And if you ask us, they're just what we need to keep our homes feeling fresh and new.
Celery Green
After a long winter, it's no surprise we find ourselves gravitating toward the fresh and verdant hues of spring. Enter, celery green — a cousin of ever-popular sage and recently trendy chartreuse. This vital and energizing color feels unexpected yet surprisingly easy to incorporate into your decor, especially for those who favor midcentury design (or even the recent French Country revival). "This is just the pop of color we need right now!" says Chairish co-founder Anna Brockway. "We love this fresh and lively hue because it's bright without being overpowering, and plays well with other colors. Consider celery your new 'neutral' in 2021," she says.
Shop the trend:
1. Liz Roache The Interaction of Green and Teal Fine Art Print, $185
Chairish
These bold art prints are like an instant infusion of energy for any space.
2. HAY Paraffin Wax Candles (set of 6), $35
HAY
A fresh set of candlesticks can elevate any dining table—and these, in an unexpected spiral shape, will breathe new life into whatever vessel you place them in.
3. Casa Cosima Flutter Console, $1,087
Chairish
The traditional lines of this console table are timeless, creating some cool contrast with the playful hue.
4. Hawkins New York Chroma Small Glass Tumbler (set of 6), $60
Verishop
For sipping springtime cocktails — an optimistic thought of things to come.
5. Cold Picnic Polar Bear Rug, from $135
Coming Soon NY
A decidedly fun take on the "pelt" rug.
Geometry Class
"One thing is for sure: postmodern and 1980s Memphis-inspired pieces are here to stay!" Brockway says. "We're wild for hard-edge geometry that adds dramatic tension to a space." Try mixing up angular shapes with softer ones, like crescents and circles, to really master the look and add some artful juxtaposition to your home. Or, dip your toes into the trend with uniquely shaped throw pillows — a low-commitment way to get the look.
Shop the trend:
1. Tubular Chair after Joe Colombo, $4200
Chairish
The very definition of a statement piece.
2. Light & Ladder Saturn Ceramic Bowl, $210
Coming Soon NY
This sculptural bowl would instantly upgrade any coffee table arrangement.
3. Jonathan Adler Torino Windows Pillow, $108
Jonathan Adler
A little optical-illusion appeal — with a color palette we could model our entire living rooms after.
4. HAY Kaleido Trays, from $28
HAY
There are almost endless ways to arrange these tessellating trays ... which come in handy for WFH setups, too.
5. Peter Shire Postmodern Side Table, $2,400
Chairish
Feels a bit like it belongs in The Queen's Gambit.
New Victorian
"We've been watching this trend in fashion for some time now via lace collars, rich velvets, and ruffles, but this year, the 'old-world meets new' trend has stolen our hearts," explains Brockway. "Contemporary takes on Victorian-era styles like gilt, ornamentation, verdant florals, and découpage add instant old-world whimsy to your space." If you're a fan of glam velvet or gold accents in your decorating, you're well primed to incorporate some New Victorian vibes.
Shop the trend:
1. Brownfield Pottery Fuchsia Jug (1859), $750
Chairish
For authenticity sticklers: a true-antique piece with surprisingly modern lines (peep that knotted-style handle).
2. Victorian Condiment Cruet 5-Piece Set, $172
Chairish
Forget the oil and vinegar — we'd put this on the bar cart to hold simple syrup and other infusions.
3. Soho Home Arielle Large Entryway Mirror, $1,105
Soho Home
A great mirror that will never go out of style.
4. Anthropologie Lars the Llama Table Lamp, $228
Anthropologie
The juxtaposition of prim-and-proper fringe and the whimsical llama base is pretty irresistible.
5. Soho Home Barwell Cut Crystal Coupe Set, $99
Soho Home
Dresses up even the most humble corner-store Champagne.
Two-Tone
"Double the color means double the fun! This nuanced take on color blocking combines complementary or contrasting colors and crisp lines to bring playfulness and wit to your home," notes Brockway. The two-tone trend is compelling because it's so versatile — you can go for extra-bold contrast in bright lucite or lacquer, or keep things subdued and semi-traditional with fabric color blocking. The options are endless and well-suited to many different design styles.
Shop the trend:
1. Elena Salmistraro Jimi Sofa, $2,600
Chairish
We can just picture this in an entryway with a telephone table at its side.
2. Quiet Town The Orient Sun Shower, $62
Quiet Town
Cheerful color blocking that'll wake up your AM routine better than any cup of coffee.
3. Element de Base MoMA Two-Way Side Table, $195
MoMA Design Store
A three-for-one, trend-wise: celery-esque green, two-tone, and geometric shapes. As a bonus, it can be turned on its side to hug the arm of a couch, too.
4. Morihata International Linen & Cotton Colorblock Towels, from $28
Food52
A softer take on the trend (in more ways than one).
5. Pentreath & Hall for The Lacquer Company Medium Olive and Orange Tray, $435
Chairish
The British brand Pentreath & Hall is known for its slightly eccentric, colorful goods — and this collab really delivers.