Birmingham Post

The next big thing

As the sun starts to set on summer, interior design hub Houzz shines a light on the decorating trends that look set to star in AW21. By

- SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

WHEN it comes to trends in the home, it’s safe to say the past 18 months have revolved around desks and work stations – but what next?

“As we move into the latter half of 2021, interiors look set to take a softly, softly approach, with a renewed focus on wellbeing and versatilit­y,” says Amanda Pollard, senior editor for home renovation and design platform, Houzz.co.uk

To get a feel for what the future holds, Amanda shares what’s popular, and which of these trends design profession­als in the Houzz community predict you’ll be seeing more of in the coming months...

GOODBYE OPEN-PLAN

“As homes have worked harder than ever over the last year, renovators are searching for stylish ways to divide up space for multiple uses,” says Amanda. “Fewer homeowners have been searching for ‘open- plan living’ on Houzz .

“Instead, as people search for ways to find a balance between separation and connection, search terms like ‘internal glass door’, ‘room dividers’ and ‘pocket door’ have seen a rise in interest (up by 109%, 29% and 15% respective­ly during 2021, compared to 2020).”

THE NATURAL CHOICE

“Over the past year, many of us have sought solace in the outdoors, and we’re seeing this translate into design trends, with homeowners favouring shades and materials we associate with the natural world,” adds Amanda.

“Comforting colours such as nudes, beiges and browns are a staple in many of the new featured photos, as well as textures like boucle.”

Green is also having a moment, particular­ly in the kitchen, overtaking blue as the hue of choice.

“It’s not just the kitchen getting the green treatment though, as the search terms ‘green bathroom’, ‘green living room’ and ‘green bedroom’ have increased in popularity since 2020,” adds Amanda.

PANELLED SURFACES

“Panelling has become more and more popular, up by 48% in searches

this year, we’re seeing walls adorned with a variety of styles.”

Surprising­ly versatile, Amanda says there’s a style to suit any room or home, from subtle shiplap, traditiona­l shaker styles, or more modern linear cladding designs. Also, interior designers report a rise in enquiries requesting panelling, especially for bedrooms and hallways.

USING UNUSED SPACE

“As homes take on more tasks, it’s perhaps not surprising homeowners have been making sure they’re using every inch of theirs.

‘Loft conversion’ saw a massive 107% increase in searches during the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2020,” Amanda notes. As an added bonus, loft conversion­s lend

themselves perfectly to decorative wallpaper, which accentuate­s the height and makes a feature of the eaves.

A multifunct­ional space, Amanda says the surge in using up all possible space is happening for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to create a home office, zen relaxation space, playroom or even a guest room that can be called on for self-isolation needs.

 ??  ?? BELOW: Savoy Oro porcelain tiles, £73.44 per box (1 box will cover 1.44 metres square), Porcelain Superstore
BELOW: Savoy Oro porcelain tiles, £73.44 per box (1 box will cover 1.44 metres square), Porcelain Superstore
 ??  ?? Effie armchair, ivory white boucle
and brass, from £349, Cult Furniture
Effie armchair, ivory white boucle and brass, from £349, Cult Furniture
 ??  ?? BELOW: Dutchbone Rumour room divider, £197.10 (was £219), Cuckooland
BELOW: Dutchbone Rumour room divider, £197.10 (was £219), Cuckooland
 ??  ?? POPULAR: Panelling is having a
moment
POPULAR: Panelling is having a moment
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? NEW CONVERT: Lofts are taking on different roles
Wisteria in latte/slate, £120 per roll, Woodchip
& Magnolia
NEW CONVERT: Lofts are taking on different roles Wisteria in latte/slate, £120 per roll, Woodchip & Magnolia

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