Four trends shaping Australian homes in 2021

Not surprisingly, the home design trends for 2021 will be heavily influenced by a year of lockdowns, homeschooling and working from home. Comfort, texture and natural materials are what people will crave in this unpredictable year.

Natural stone in the home

2021 will see an increase in natural materials in the home, such as stone. The large, darker slate tiles or slabs of terrazzo, a pebbly look popular in the 1980s, are making a comeback. Some designers are adding an extra element of texture by literally breaking the pieces.

“This will be a big trend. It’s where slabs of stone like terrazzo, terracotta, marble, or slate tiles are broken into random pieces and laid in a haphazard way, creating a natural-looking pattern,” says Director of Vault Interiors Property Styling, Justine Wilson.

Stone can also provide a transition between living spaces, connecting the outdoor and indoor living areas.

“More people are asking for [stone] floor tiles in the living area. Even using Ardesia stone for an indoor-outdoor seamless look. It’s low maintenance as well,” says interior designer and architect Nathalie Scipioni.

Privacy and comfort

Not only are we working and living from home, but so are the neighbours. Window coverings can change the whole look and feel of a room while adding comfort. From stopping the afternoon glare in the home office to reducing prying eyes, window coverings are a necessity more than ever before.

Double roller blinds can let the right amount of light into a room while maintaining privacy.

“For the bedrooms and living areas, they’re great because you obviously want light during the day,” says Mark Brice, co-managing director of Half Price Blinds.

Vertisheer blinds are a combination of a vertical blind and curtain all in one.

“People might want to soften up particular areas like bedrooms and living areas. It’s a product that can work both ways. It could be very casual, or you can go upmarket it. If you have a really formal lounge and you want a certain look, that would do it. That full length, full volume look,” says Brice.

Natural fibres and colours are trending in 2021 with window coverings. Thanks to technology, materials look natural but with added durability.

White plantation shutters are popular, but now they’re also long-lasting. Shutters made from aluminium and powder-coated paint last a lot longer than wood, with the same charm, says Brice. “It’s going to give you the same look but by far the best quality.”

Outdoor living

Relaxing and functional outdoor spaces became more important than ever in 2020.

“Consider installing umbrellas, pergolas or shade cloths to help protect from the elements,” says Wilson.

Technology has come to our aid again. Instead of struggling with an awning in the blistering midday sun, Half Price Blinds have motorised cranks and arms to do the heavy lifting for us.

Invest in an outdoor heater or add an outdoor fire pit for evenings with friends and family.

The home office is here to stay

Working from home was a necessity in 2020 and is trending into 2021. Natural, textured fabrics, custom made desks and bookshelves, and an ergonomic chair all add to the comfort factor.

“All my clients ask for a home office. Before, it was a study, but now it’s a custom-made home office,” says Scipioni.

The home office has evolved from the kitchen benchtop of 2020 to a permanently dedicated space that’s practical and inviting.

“They want a comfortable space to work from home. When designers renovate new homes, they know to make an allocation for this space. They want a space that’s more comfortable, not just a table and chair. They want a custom-made bookshelf and a custom-made space for them”.