2021 color trends (and what it means for interior design trends for 2021)

I’m excited to launch a new interior design series on Fab Everyday in partnership with Living Spaces! I’m going to be working with some of their interior designers to bring you tips and trends for home design and decorating your space. Today we’re sharing the first in our #FabLiving collaboration, brought to you from Living Spaces Interior Designer Brynna Evans. This one will help us to have our eyes on the future, to 2021 (and let’s be honest, it’s nice to think of anything but 2020 for a minute, isn’t it?). Sherwin-Williams has just announced their color forecast for 2021, and Brynna is sharing more about these colors and how the 2021 color trends can be incorporated into our homes, along with some key interior design trends for 2021 to watch. I’ve learned a lot from Brynna on this, and am LOVING the examples she’s sharing. I might be going shopping soon…

Here’s the first article in our new home design series with Living Spaces! Stay tuned for more interior design ideas and insights here on Fab Everyday, and follow @livingspaces on Instagram for ongoing home style inspiration. Want more like this? You’ll also want to check out this article on 2021 furniture trends.

Color Forecast 2021

By Brynna Evans, Interior Designer, Living Spaces

Lately I have been experimenting with different color palettes to brighten my home in these uneasy times. Like most people, I was on furlough during Covid, sitting at home for six weeks staring at the same walls over and over. I began to feel like I was missing pops of color in my otherwise monochromatic home. That is when the shipments started arriving at my door with different decor options.

Today I am going to help you get a head start on decorating your home using the Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2021 as our guide. They have chosen forty paint colors broken into four trends: Sanctuary, Encounter, Continuum, and Tapestry. Using Living Spaces Furniture I will focus on each area of the home and give you some tips as we go along.

Color Trends 2021: Sanctuary

Our first trend is Sanctuary. When I think of sanctuary, I am often inspired by nature. Using calming beige or grey color palettes accented with muted warm tones. Another thing that comes to mind is comfort and calming. Depending on your lifestyle that can be indoors or outdoors. It is important to create a space for yourself to unwind.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have created a collection for Living Spaces that will bring serenity to any home. The entire collection is focused around neutral toned upholstery with pops of color as well as natural wood tones. They have mastered their own distinct style mixing antique looks with today’s classic modern frames. The Matteo sofa pictured below with its shelter inspired cushion is the perfect place to take a nap, read a book or relax. With its muted hues, it is the perfect addition to any space.

Another beautiful way to capture sanctuary is by creating an outdoor sitting area. A lot of people do not think of creating monochromatic looks outdoors, carrying the living room beyond the home and into the yard or patio. The Boho Outdoor 4 Piece Lounge set is perfect for bringing the minimalist style to any home, at a price of just $495 that won’t break the budget.

Color Trends 2021: Encounter

Encounter is focused on using the past as inspiration for the style trends today. Most trends have a habit of resurfacing years later, much like the Mid Century Modern inspired pieces we see today. My home is filled with Mid Century antiques my grandfather passed down to me, that are actually on trend right now. By adding pops of color and reimagining the function of the items I am able to create an updated approach to the furniture handed down to me.

The Wesley sofa is the focal point of the living room below. It displays a modern tuxedo arm with metal legs inspired by the 50’s. All of the decor in the room follows along perfectly with the Encounter color trend. Using the 60-30-10 rule to help guide the design behind where the colors belong. 60% of the space is a dominant color, which happens to be white. 30% is the secondary color, the gold sofa. Lastly accent colors which make up 10% of the design.

Another way to add to a living space is by decorating with an accent item such as the Sinclair Blue Lagoon TV Stand. This will brighten any home with a pop of color, while adding functionality to the room itself. TV stands are multifunctional pieces that can be used as a buffet, entry, or sofa table. Don’t let the name of an item decide the way you use it in your home, every situation is different.

Color Trends 2021: Continuum

Continuum is the concept of living with technology and using it to inspire the design of your home. When we think of technology we often think of grey and modern styles. However by adding pops of color you can help create flow and movement throughout the home.

One item that often gets overlooked is the daybed. They are multifunctional and can be used as extra beds for overnight guests in a small space, or in an office space for relaxing between Zoom calls. The Brooklyn Daybed has a sleek modern frame with a cutout in the back. This concept is perfect for floating in the middle of a room to create a conversation grouping. Or it can be used as a divider among the living room and dining room, without blocking the flow with bulky items.

Technology is all around us in the 21st century, there is no avoiding it. With the Talin Reclining Sofa you get the best of both worlds, comfort and function. It is the perfect combination of mid century style and modern grey upholstery. An added bonus is the USB ports which allow you to be able to charge your phones and tablets while relaxing from a long day of work. This sofa is perfect for those of you who love to change your color schemes often. With its neutral grey upholstery, you can add almost any color to change the feel of the space.

Color Trends 2021: Tapestry

Lastly, for those that are not afraid of color, we have Tapestry. This trend will definitely help bring happiness and lighten up your life with these bright choices. You can express your individual style, adding a spark of joy to those areas you have been in 24/7 since quarantine and are now starting to notice.

The color pink is not common in every household, however it adds a vibrant focal point to any home. Through our special order program at Living Spaces, we have curated a wide variety of sofas, sectionals, and accent pieces available in many different colors and textures at no extra cost to you. The Adeline Sofa has a sleek frame, deep seating, and down alternative cushions. This is a perfect compromise when wanting a trendy style, while still getting the comfort of those oversized pieces you love. Special orders are the perfect way to create your own design preference.

When decorating a space you can never forget about accents!  Area rugs can tie together a room by adding either pattern, color, or texture. They can also create individual sections among a great room to separate the living and dining spaces. Or add color to a rental where you can’t change anything but the furnishings. The Katari Pink/Multi rug uses all the colors from the Tapestry line, while adding the pop of color to an otherwise black and white room. A favorite rug or art can be transformed into the inspiration for a room, designing backwards in a sense.

I hope 2021 brings brightness and comfort to your lives! Until then focus on your spaces and use the colors that inspire you to decorate your home the way you want.

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