Trends

Blend your decor ideas with our annual trends forecast and cherish a space like never before

JAN 9, 2021 | By Sonia Dutt and Anamika Butalia
Biophilia Table Series by Stoft Studio; Photograph by Ulrika Kestere
Karim Rashid's Bump wall charger, cable holder and power bank; Photograph courtesy Karim Rashid Inc
Tropical Buffet Cabinet by Beyond Designs; Photograph by Atul Pratap Chauhan
Heracleum The Small Big O by Bertjan Pot for Moooi; Photograph courtesy Moooi
Bombom by Joana Vasconcelos’ for Roche Bobois; Photograph by Atelier Mai 98

If this year has taught us anything, it’s to keep pushing forward. Which is why it’s essential now, more than ever, to look at the brighter side and anticipate glad tidings. In light of the current times, our Chief Creative Officer Sonia Dutt predicts that certain trends will continue on in the new year, specific tints will take over interiors and wellness will be the defining trend, offshoots of which will encompass the hottest design movements of 2021.

Wellness Trend 1: VISUAL ESCAPISM
Remote and restorative—carve out a whole new environment that promises to recharge and rejuvenate your senses

Photograph by Gordon Beall

Georgia based Harrison Design has crafted this detached studio in Virginia to be used as a Hollywood screenwriter’s personal office and writer’s retreat with ample natural light and minimal distraction. So, it is strategically situated near towering oaks to create a natural canopy that conceals the studio from passersby, making it an ideal workplace as well as an open entertainment zone. www.harrisondesign.com

Wellness Trend 2: BIOPHILIA
Nature and nurture—feed your soul by incorporating the Earth’s bounty not just for improved cognitive functions but also physical and psychological health

Photograph by Rebel

Studio Oliver Gustav in Copenhagen has crafted this setting using inhouse designs of the Classic dining chair and couch. The Pink Pillar artwork by Ursula Nistrup is inspired by granite ones found in Hampi’s Vittala temple complex, and paired with greens and ancient Bactrian stones from 300BC. www.olivergustav.com

Heracleum The Small Big O by Bertjan Pot for Moooi (see scroll above) is a statement light with a joyful glow of merry branches. It is powered by the Electrosandwich technique of coating conductive layers that are very thin and delicate. www.bertjanpot.nl; www.moooi.com

The simply named Biophilia tabletop series (see scroll above) by Stoft Studio comprises four organically shaped ceramic vessels, each symbolising a step in a plant’s growing process. www.stoft-studio.com

Wellness Trend 3: PLEASURE MEASURE
Enchanting and essential—rid yourself of all stresses by indulging your inner child in all things whimsical, eccentric and playful

Photograph by Mishael Phillip

The Wang & Söderström Collection for HAY includes tabletop accessories in organic shapes that are 3D printed and then made in ceramic. www.wangsoderstrom.com; www.hay.com

Matteo Cibic’s design Animagic for Scarlet Splendour is a celebration of animal forms in andromorphous design. A mix of humour, luxury and utility, the piece is an almost life like sculptural object. www.matteocibicstudio.com; www.scarletsplendour.com

Seletti’s first collaboration with Uto Balmoral has led to the Wonder table lamp, a quirky portrayal of a Renaissance male head blowing a bubble of gum. The coolest part? It’s the glass bubble that’s fitted with an LED! www.seletti.it

Photograph by Anushree Bhatter

This Burgundy Peg Table from Ochre at Home is a glossy, lacquered accent with a circular inlay in Mother of Pearl and malachite. www.ochreathome.com

Inspired by the icon of World Wildlife Fund, Elena Salmistraro created Bernardo Panda for Bosa, a ceramic sculpture that features alternating hues, 3D inserts and refined glossy and matte finishes. www.bosatrade.com

Karim Rashid’s Bump (see scroll above) includes designs for a wall charger, cable holder and power bank, which are made using high quality silicone rubber, ensuring that it is soft, flexible and eliminates the hassle of knotty wires. www.karimrashid.com

Joana Vasconcelos’ latest association with Roche Bobois (see scroll above) has resulted in this kidney shaped Bombom seater that comes in vibrant hues. www.roche-bobois.com 

Wellness Trend 4: GRAPH PAPER
Defined and demarcated—set lines and structure time between work duties and house chores with grid like chequered patterns

Photographs by Nguyen Dang

Australian architecture practice Arkim has turned to the recent trend in Korean architecture of ‘modern minimal interior design’ for Sam Sam. The Melbourne eatery is clad in continuous lines and 3D geometry using De Fazio Tiles and Stone, Signorino. www.arkim.com.au

Photograph by Isabel García courtesy Gandiablasco

BUIT by Mayice Studio is an aluminium wire mesh design that responds to the essence and DNA of Gandiablasco. Durability, resistance to exterior elements, lightness and good ageing are some of its key features. www.mayicestudio.com; www.gandiablasco.com

Wellness Trend 5: FACE LINES
Soirées and simulation—embrace artsy, morphed faces in light of social distancing to counteract decreased interaction and forced solitude

Photograph by James McDonald

The Berkeley Bar and Terrace in London by Bryan O’Sullivan is home to a spectacular mural by New Yorker TM Davy, who’s inspired by snug spaces in public houses. Also seen are custom furniture by the British designer’s studio. www.bos-studio.com

Closer home, Over a Pint of Beer’s Mi Casa Bedsheets bring home caricature-styled faces, block printed on 100 percent cotton for pure comfort and a bold statement. Instagram: @overapintofbeer

Colour Trend: HINTS OF TINTS
Illuminate interiors with an ardent palette of hues

ESPRESSO

The punchy java shade packs the caffeine kick you’ve been longing for. Como by Space Copenhagen www.spacecph.dk

PESTO

This viridescent tint will transport you to the nirvana of nature. PC Portable by HAY www.hay.com

RHUBARB

This romantic hue treads forward in its journey as a sophisticated blush. Flowerpot VP3 by Verner Panton from &Tradition www.andtradition.com

CORN

A cheery tone to stir up memories of balmy summers Bellhop by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for Flos. www.barberosgerby.com; www.flos.com

Trend that’s here to stay: MIXED MATERIALS
Merge matter—amalgamate features that redefine beauty in nature, design and interiors to find appeal in uniqueness

Photograph courtesy Sebastian Herkner

Sebastian Herkner’s Pina tables for Pulpo are made using glass, brass and steel. The tall and slender frames are influenced by the abstract turns and twists seen in the moves of Pina Bausch, the late iconic dancer. www.sebastianherkner.com; www.pulpoproducts.com

The Tropical Buffet Cabinet by Beyond Designs (see scroll above) combines a walnut finish, a bevelled glass top and elaborately designed brass handles. www.beyonddesigns.in

Trend that’s here to stay: God is in the details
Fables of the fine print—step away from lustre less forms and pay heed to the little things

Photograph courtesy Moooi

Moooi’s Dwarf Rhino extinct animal rug is a truly martial looking pattern of grey blue scales. The unique structure of the animal’s skin is zoomed into and emphasised with metallic highlights. www.moooi.com

The Crescent Moon Sofa by Nivasa is a unique seater with a wooden frame that’s stained with an unconventional polyester finish. Its front is lined with hand knotted brass bands and given a shimmering gold sheen. www.nivasa.com

Feature assisted by Meghna Meduri

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