Interior Design Trends in 2021

Design experts have looked back over 2020, and made their predictions for the biggest interior design trends for 2021. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have had a major effect on people's plans for their homes, and are influencing choices going into next year. From natural materials to design details from afar, read our guide to find out what will be most popular next year.

Rustic Vogue and Cottagecore

Cottagecore saw a surge in popularity in 2020, as people looked to bring more natural elements into their homes, Taylor Swift released two surprise albums fitting the aesthetic, and Pinterest reported increases in searches to bring nature and natural elements into homes. In a year where we all spent a lot more time inside our homes than we expected, people have been looking at new ways to pass the time and get back to nature. Bringing rustic vogue and cottagecore into your home is a great way of giving it character and using traditional elements, like old-fashioned patterns, exposed wood, and handmade touches. Think dried flowers, floral prints, and warm blankets.

This trend is perfect for coupling with traditional radiators, like cast iron radiators and column radiators. Simple, Victorian cast iron radiators in a bright white finish would look great, as would white column radiators. These radiators never go out of style, perfect for maintaining this aesthetic for years to come, or ready for when you decide to redecorate.

Hygge and Scandi-boho

The Danish word hygge is used to describe enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and a feeling of warmth, cosiness, and contentment. It’s increasing in use in interior design, along with Scandi-boho, as people all around the world look to evoke the timeless style of Scandinavian homes. Hygge décor means having a peaceful space. It uses natural and neutral colours, like warm greys and creams, and cosy items like thick blankets and comfortable furniture, plus natural materials like wood. Scandi-boho design builds on this, using bolder patterns and greenery to complete the look.

Classic white column radiators are the perfect choice for these styles, looking both stylish and traditional at once. These are seen throughout both these forms of décor, as they keep you warm while looking fantastic. If you are looking for a more period-style look, either add optional feet or take a look at our Victorian cast iron radiators. Again, a white finish looks best with this style, but there are plenty of other colours to choose from if you would prefer a warmer cream or a more neutral brown.

International Influences

For most of us, holidays have been on indefinite hold for a while now. Experts predict that 2021 will be the year that we bring getaways to us. Influenced by styles from abroad, Pinterest reports a surge in searches for ‘Japandi’ – combining Japanese and Scandinavian style – plus ‘Indian living room’, and this looks likely to carry on. Homeowners are keen to vary their interiors by introducing prints and furniture from abroad, from animal prints and woven accessories to tropical décor and exotic plants. This is a great way to continue the 2020 trends that favoured leafy and tropical prints and colours.

It’s easy to incorporate radiators into this style, using warm metallic shades like copper and bronze, or Farrow & Ball and RAL painted finishes. Whatever colour palette you choose, you’ll find your perfect matching finish here. It’s perfect for ornate cast iron radiators, especially those with floral details like our Boleyn Cast Iron Radiator, or for vertical colour painted column radiators that really stand out. Alternatively, choose more colour simple cast iron radiators in colours that pop and complement your chosen details.

Neon Rooms

Pinterest reported that there’s been an 800% year-on-year increase in searches for neon room, plus LED lights also saw a jump. It looks like bright colours are set to make a return in some homes, despite the prominence of neutral colours seen in other trends. Whether you choose to go completely neon, throwing back to the 80s, or just incorporate pops of colour around your home, it looks like statement pieces could be popular.

If you choose to follow this trend, use your radiators to really complete the look. You can either lean into dark wall colours using our selection of anthracite and black designer radiators, or choose bright, neon finishes for your column radiators and cast iron radiators. This is a perfect time to choose tall, brightly coloured column radiators that stand out against your walls. With all the RAL palette to choose from, there are plenty of bold finishes ideal for this trend.