5 Trends We Can Get Behind In 2021
Let’s be honest, most Kiwi’s don’t worry about what’s happening on the runways in Paris or at the design fairs in Milan… as long as it looks sharp, works well and doesn’t break the bank- we’re happy. But, whether we are aware of it or not, trends do make their way here in time. It’s up to us which ones we run with, and which ones we leave to our fancy friends across the globe. Today we’re front-footing some of the upcoming design trends that we can definitely get behind in 2021.
Curves ahead:
From cups to coffee tables, there are curves everywhere. The hard lines and sharp edges of the last decade are being ditched in favour of curves and organic waves. The subtle use of natural shapes enhances our connection to nature - and after varying periods confined indoors, we’re looking for all the nature we can get. With so many straight lines in the architecture we live in, it is fun to break out of those lines once in a while.
Eye-catching Colour:
After all that 2020 threw at us, people are ready to have fun with colour. Paint companies are reporting a huge surge in the sale of blue and green hues; and a spike in pinks, oranges and yellows too. Think beyond the ‘feature wall’ of the nineties and noughties, towards more creative applications - adjoining walls, hallways, unexpected nooks, joinery - sometimes all it takes is a well-placed vase or print. When it’s done right, colour is by far the most effective way to inject some personality into your space.
The Dark Side:
Kitchens are shifting away from the long-time classic white, towards deeper and darker tones. Thankfully, the dark kitchens we’re seeing today aren’t the super sterile, mega-modern designs we’ve seen in the past; these are comfortable, grounding spaces with texture and warmth. This trend is a great way to create a distinction between a kitchen and living area in an open-plan space without needing to put up any walls. If you’re dealing with a smaller space, consider dark lower cabinets with a lighter colour, or open shelving for the uppers so that the effect isn’t overwhelming.
Spa at Home
A rising emphasis on self-care means people want to feel relaxed and at peace when they’re home. Bathrooms are no longer cold, utilitarian spaces - instead, there is a focus on texture and ambience to create a more welcoming space. With this architectural trend we’re seeing more timber, glossy tiles with a handmade feel, and unique finishes for tapware. It makes total sense to give this much-used room some loving and treat it with as much care as we give the rest of the home.
Brick is Back
The humble brick is back and better than ever! Brick has always been a dependable choice for exterior cladding with its insulating properties and a reasonable price tag; now, thanks to new manufacturing techniques, it’s available in a vast array of colours, formats and finishes. There’s particular emphasis on elongated European style bricks, bag-wash finishes for texture, and patterning to create airflow and interest. With zero maintenance, this is definitely a trend Kiwis can get behind!
You’ll be seeing each of these trends in our upcoming builds - keep following our social channels for exciting updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. If you’d like to incorporate any of these ideas into a new build of your own, get in touch below - we’d love to work with you.