After spending much of 2020 at home, people are seeking ways to refresh their spaces for the new year. Farah Merhi (@farahjmerhi), American Signature Furniture’s Designer Looks Style Expert and founder of Inspire Me! Home Décor, offers these tips based on 2021’s hottest home décor trends.
1. Go monochromatic
Soft, warm tones are in, but keep it all in the same color family to achieve a monochromatic look that feels relaxing and inviting. Tone-on-tone décor—such as different shades of cream pillows in a mix of textures and fabrics—is completely on-trend for 2021.
“Beyond playing it up with pillows, think outside the box and have fun with it!,” Merhi says. “For example, think about a bookcase overhaul. Flip books around so the spine is facing the wall, and the pages are outward to create an unexpected monochromatic look.” Merhi adds: “In the market for a sofa or sectional? Consider a large, ivory pit-style sectional to brighten up your family-relaxation space. Look for lighter wood bases or warm, slightly off-white pieces versus anything featuring dark wood.”
2. Go moody blue
Considering a major furniture update? Go big with blue. “Since 2020’s Pantone Color of the Year is blue, we will be seeing a major blue trend in 2021. How to achieve the look without overwhelming your space? Pick one major blue piece and decorate around it,” Merhi says. “I love the idea of a deep blue sectional, like the American Signature Furniture Cordelle sectional. Or, pick blue dining room chairs to complement your dining table. Another idea is going with a classic blue headboard for your bedroom.” 2021 is all about the deep blue mood!
3. Go for the gold
Say hello to gold and honey. This trend is coming strong in 2021. Afraid to use gold? Introduce it in your home slowly through your accents: “I am obsessed with gold for 2021. Gold glams up any room! I recently remodeled my kitchen and used gold for accents everywhere—from my cabinet hardware to the legs on my kitchen-island stools! I also did a sparkly gold backsplash for my coffee bar. These accents are easily swapped out for new trends when the time comes,” Merhi says.
Merhi’s No. 1 tip for following trends? “Make sure it’s a reflection of you. A trend is a trend. If you don’t love it, avoid it.” She adds that, when making a major purchase based on a trend, don’t splurge: “Get inspired by designer looks and then buy it for less. Look for real wood bases, cedar-lined drawers, customizable fabrics, real metal accents. These are indicators that the furniture, while more affordable, is quality-made and will last.”
Farah Merhi is a celebrity in the world of interior design and home décor, an author and founder of Inspire Me! Home Décor, and American Signature Furniture’s first-ever Designer Looks Style Expert. Since 2012, Farah has amassed over 6 million Instagram followers on her Inspire Me! Home Décor account, making it the most-followed home décor page on the social platform.
