Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1371145
NWA Home Show presented by NWA HBA NWA Democrat-Gazette | Sunday, May 16, 2021 3 T he coronavirus pandemic has impacted many industries, and the home space is no exception. As many people spent more time indoors throughout 2020, not only were they craving more comfort — they were also forced to reimagine their spaces to meet the demands of their new lifestyle. Whether that called for creating a functional home office, designing a living room for Zoom and remote learning, or pinpointing a smart pantry organizing solution, just about every area of a home likely required a refresh. With this in mind, we couldn't help but to check in with a selection of top design experts to find out the top home decor trends for 2021. If you're a design buff, keep clicking to learn what can be expected from the world of design, including chic paint colors, durable fabrics, indoor plants, smart lighting, and more. LUXURY LIVING "I think 2021 is going to be all about livable luxury, and versatility in design. So many people have had to transition over the past year, that they are rethinking less-used spaces and embracing furniture concepts that play double duty. Next year will be all about durable fabrics, comfortable upholstery, and furniture pieces that are versatile and chic." — Kate Lester PANTONE 2021 COLOR OF THE YEAR: ULTIMATE GRAY AND ILLUMINATING "The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect." — Pantone Color Institute's Laurie Pressman INDOOR PLANTS "Indoor trees and plants are going to continue their ascent into home design mainstay. They freshen indoor air, bring the clarity and calm of nature indoors, act like sculpture on a shelf or table top, and caring for them is grounding and life affirming. Developing a collection of interior plants wins on all levels: Aesthetic, functional and mental." — Emilie Munroe DARK HUES "Dark is where it is at! My color for 2021 is Benjamin Moore Century Darjeeling. I recently had the opportunity to use this expressive color in a guest bedroom for a private residence in Princeton, New Jersey. This color did not disappoint, being the perfect backdrop for the headboard and artwork. It takes your breath away." — Gail Davis KNOTTED LIGHT FIXTURES "We've always believed a statement light fixture can tie any space together, and one trend we've loved lately is light fixtures using braided and knotted textiles. We designed a whole space around a handblown glass light from Longhouse with knotted rope by artist Windy Chien. They are the perfect addition to a neutral space, because they offer plenty of natural, organic texture and visual interest while staying within a neutral palette. They offer a hint of coastal aesthetic — which many of our clients are asking for—without feeling overly nautical." — Andrea Goldman BIDETS "Believe it or not, bidets will be popular. The toilet paper gate of 2020 scared us all, and lately my design firm has been getting a couple of inquiries about our thoughts on bidets." — Tiffany Leigh DECORATIVE SMART LIGHTING "As we head into the new year, people will look for ways to make their home a comfortable and functional living space. For instance, swapping out regular incandescent bulbs for smart lighting options allow you to set schedules and create an ambience to fit your needs – whether that's Zoom school, cooking prep for a family gathering, or just relaxing in the living room." — Breegan Jane DURABLE FABRICS "Fabrics that are durable, wear well, and can be washed multiple times (linens and slipcovers, for instance) will be more important as we spend more time at home for work and learning." — Holly Waterfield DIAMOND PATTERNED FLOORING "All of a sudden, I am seeing large-scale diamond patterned flooring. My favorite (and seemingly most popular version) is when the diamonds are painted onto wood flooring. I know it sounds a little wild, but it feels rustic yet refined and is still in the vein of the eclectic English granny trend (as we like to call it) that exploded this year. I personally love it when the diamonds are blue or white, which, if you know me, is no shock at all." — Emily Henderson GEOMETRIC SHAPES "One thing is for sure: postmodern and 1980s Memphis-inspired pieces are here to stay! We're wild for hard edge geometry that adds dramatic tension to a space." — Chairish's Anna Brockway BLUSH "Millennials may have named the color, but for this designer, blush tones are now considered a neutral. I expect to see more of this in 2021 in spaces that used to be reserved for white paint only." — Lori Paranjape 15+ Inspiring Home Decor Trends You'll Be Tempted to Try in 2021