It wouldn’t be a January blog post here at John McClain Design without mentioning our favorite interior design picks for 2021. The new normal has affected every aspect of our lives, and interior design has been no exception. Our homes have become the focal point of our lives, and comfort, function and well-being have taken precedence over all else — but not at the expense of beauty. 

Most Popular: The Home Office

Across the board designers are seeing increased requests for home offices. We’ve even come up with our own term here at John McClain Design: Zoom Rooms. Clients are requesting updates to their interior backgrounds specifically for Zoom video calls. Our advice? Don’t seek to overpower a call, but still keep it interesting. Express yourself by communicating through wallpaper and accessory choice. And most importantly, make sure overhead lighting is being supplemented with key light to brighten up your face. Let’s zoom right on!

Biggest Comeback: Grandma’s Collection

This trend, known as “Grandmillennial,” is all about incorporating vintage pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Think vintage flower-patterned wallpaper and antiques juxtapositioned with contemporary pieces creating a chic Victorian vibe. Design elements like chintz, lace and wicker will be making appearances, but with more intentional placements than in the past. A fun way to hop on this trend is to invest in delicate china — the epitome of homeowner excellence!

Most Shocking: Mismatched Elements

Curated pieces that reflect upon homeowners’ personalities are all the rage. This is particularly true when choosing furniture by opting out of ready-to-buy furniture sets. Now more than ever personality is being reflected in our homes, and statement pieces offer the perfect opportunity to showcase our individuality. The best way to incorporate this trend into homes is to explore what brings our lives meaning and finding pieces that pay homage to that meaning. We predict that paintings that awe or intriguing sculptures from previous travels will be on the rise this year. One of my own personal favs? A Picasso-inspired accent pillow I found on a trip to Greece.

Best Coupling: Interior Design and Well-Being 

Pantone’s colors for 2021 are “Illuminating,” a bright vibrant yellow that brings about a sense of hope, and “Ultimate Gray,” offering the stability and calmness only a pastel neutral could accomplish. This winning combination demonstrates the effect interior design can have on feelings. You don’t have to stick to Pantone’s suggestions, but we can certainly take a cue from them. The movement toward integrating what makes us feel good is here to stay. Expect to see more breathable and durable fabrics, multifunctional furniture and colors that bring about a sense of ease. Consider what your needs are and start from there. If you and your significant other are spending too much digital time apart, consider adding a simple, quaint cocktail table fully stocked with goodies to inspire more time together.

We at John McClain Design are super eager to see the inspired creativity this year will bring!

Till Next Time…
Happy Designs!