The beauty of all design is that it is always evolving. While a particular design may call back a previous era, I always view things through the lens of our present experiences and perspectives. After a year of tremendous pressure and challenge, I anticipate a significant evolution in the field of design. In an age when information is at our fingertips, the world of design is getting bigger and changing faster than ever before. The rules are being bent. People from all disciplines and walks of life are participating and there is a freer exchange of ideas.

The way we use spaces is evolving and changing. People are personally being asked to evolve the way they’ve always done things and consider new perspectives. From the highest levels of design to the most personal, 2021 will be about making sure you are ALWAYS EVOLVING.

Among materials, wood will rule 2021. I’ve seen Scandinavian simplicity and the concept of hygge gaining in popularity for several years now. Those factors, combined with a growing understanding of the power of biophilic design, will make PRECIOUS WOODs a major global design influence in 2021.

The best thing about natural materials, and wood in particular, is the variance – the veins and eyes, the multitude of shades and colors, the small imperfections – all of which lend to the uniqueness of each piece and offer endless opportunities for personalization. Far from the traditional matched-set approach of the past, I predict a more fearless, global approach to design with TIMBER WOOD, using different varieties and colors to create a more eclectic, hand-picked vibe.

More time spent at home has prompted a reevaluation of what we value in the places we inhabit. Along with the boom in home improvement and redesign projects, we’ll see a return to old ideas of SUBTLE LUXURY – with modern twists. Think organic palettes, semi-precious and natural stone accents, sprawling water features and design-embedded structured ceilings. The sophistication of the ‘20s coexists comfortably with the classics, contrasts beautifully with the minimalism of Scandinavian style and emphasizes the brutality of the loft. We expect to see a number of elements of Art Deco design – with symmetrical organization of spaces, gilded details, noble colors and plenty of mirrors – across mood boards in 2021.

We’ll also see a renewed focus on luxurious materials, from fabrics to marble, precious woods and metals. Velvet in sapphire, citrine, emerald and amethyst will continue to enjoy favor in everything from vintage finds to new designs.

One of the most important trends of this year will actually be the rejection of mass trends and a focus on curating hyper-individualized spaces. Everything that is dear to a person – their values, their interests and their lifestyle – can be manifested in the design of their space. The interior is no longer limited to one style, but instead to one’s style – reflecting the needs and preferences of the individuals who live there. There may be multiple styles mingling in one home, with one-off, custom or limited-edition pieces signaling a person’s taste and individuality.

In the mass market, we’ll continue to see products that allow the consumer to customize – changing color, material and finishes or the location of lamps, shelves, modules in a floorplan.

We will see a collective focus on nature in all its expressions in 2021. The events of 2020 reinforced the strong connection between nature and human health and wellbeing. I anticipate a renewed focus on using natural materials and design that supports a NATURAL HARMONY with the environment. Materials in their natural state – unpainted wood surfaces, textured stone, living plants, ceramics and wicker furniture – will take center stage.

As consumers become more broadly aware of the health and environmental impacts of not only the materials the use, but the materials they bring into their home, transparency and access to information regarding the makeup of products will become more important. Decorative elements and prints will also gravitate towards nature. Images of animals, birds, leaves and flowers are increasingly appearing in modern urban interiors. We will continue to see the evolution of vivid tropical motifs and floral prints on everything from walls to floors to textiles.

In addition to the home improvement projects we saw as a result of increased time at home in 2020, we will see a growing desire for personal improvement, and a renewed SENSE OF BEING, manifest in design.

From physical fitness to mental health and spiritual explorations, the influence of personal growth and awakening will influence consumer behavior significantly in 2021. In interior design, this will manifest in a greater focus on natural light, natural textiles, glass, metals, stone and crystal. Ancient concepts related to the energy and flow of a design will reach new audiences and we’ll see more of a focus on designs that celebrate the creative spirit and a sense of expanding consciousness.