The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted fundamental changes in most aspects of American life. Interior design is no exception. As people have spent more time at home for both work and socializing, Google search trends have shown increased interest in design styles that focus on comfort. Here’s what you need to know about post-pandemic interior design trends.
What’s popular now
Minimalist design styles were popular as the pandemic began, but most emerging interior design trends take a more maximalist approach to home decor. This gives houses a warmer, welcoming feel that appeals to people who spend more time indoors.
- Boho. Interest in bohemian interiors has mushroomed in popularity over the last few years. This maximalist approach to decorating offers a lived-in, comfortable look. Boho interiors draw on an eclectic mix of furnishings and accessories from a wide range of cultures. It’s a great style for displaying treasures you’ve found on your travels. A boho living room might be furnished in bright colors with a mix of textures, patterns and materials and lots of plants. Printed fabrics display natural elements like flowers or plants. Seating includes not just chairs but floor pillows and poufs. Wall decor might include a tapestry or macrame wall hanging, and colorful rugs might be layered.
- Cottagecore. Increasingly popular according to Google search trends, cottagecore is another style that’s all about comfort and a lived-in look. It uses floral prints, natural materials, antique or vintage wooden furniture, green plants and flowers, and wallpaper to create interiors with the feel of an English cottage. Rooms are decorated with neutral colors and family heirlooms. Artwork might include paintings of pastoral scenes or cross-stitch samplers.
- Industrial. This interior design trend evolved from using urban commercial buildings as dwellings, and interest in it is increasing. More minimalist than boho or cottagecore interiors, industrial design takes a no-frills approach to decor by focusing on architectural elements such as ductwork and pipes. Concrete, metal and brick feature prominently, as do exposed wooden beams and unfinished wood furniture. Industrial-style rooms are generally decorated in neutral colors such as gray, brick and brown.
What’s on its way out
- Modern farmhouse. Google search trends data indicates that modern farmhouse design, popularized by HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” may be diminishing in popularity. This minimalist design style brought contemporary design elements to the traditional farmhouse look. Modern farmhouse interiors use white walls, neutral colors with black accents, and natural materials such as leather, unfinished wood, metal, stone, jute and linen to create a clean look. Walls are covered with shiplap, barn doors replace traditional ones and appliances are stainless steel. Fabrics have simple contemporary motifs like stripes or checks.
- Hollywood glam. Interest in this lavish design style is decreasing as homeowners want more liveable interiors. Hollywood glam rooms feature bold colors and textures, animal prints, sumptuous fabrics like velvet, silk and suede, and shiny finishes. Crystal chandeliers are prominent, and mirrors are framed in gold. In this design style, surfaces are uncluttered with only a few sparkly accessories.
Related – Post-Pandemic Home Design
