12 Home Decor Trends to Leave Behind in 2021

Believe it or not, 2021 is coming to a close, and we’re ready to say hello to a new year. And with a new year comes new home design trends—as well as several we’re happy to say arrivederci to, once and for all. 

While these design and decor elements may become less popular in 2022, you should always prioritize your personal preferences and style over adhering to the latest trends. In advance of your annual January cleaning and redecorating projects, here are 12 home decorating trends that are on their way out.

1. Fast Furniture

Fast furniture items are pieces that are affordable, fashionable, and easy to DIY, but, unfortunately, they create millions of tons of furniture waste per year. The fast furniture trend is starting to decline, with shoppers seeking more sustainable options in the form of vintage furnishings, items that use recycled materials, and decor pieces that will last longer than a summer romance.

2. Barn Doors and the Farmhouse Aesthetic

While the farmhouse aesthetic held steady in its popularity for several seasons, we predict that sliding barn doors and other rustic pieces will make their way back to the farm and stay there in 2022.

Homeowners are discovering that barn doors are bulky and sometimes don’t slide easily on their tracks, making them impractical at best and nonfunctional at worst. In addition, the dozens of ball jars and white shiplap walls that are reminiscent of rural living are slowly becoming a past-tense trend.

3. Tile Countertops

As remote work and activities become the new normal for many people, everyone is spending more time at home, which means more time in the kitchen. Tile countertops are falling out of favor, as homeowners are working double-time to clean the grout in between each tile. Instead, simpler and easy-to-clean materials like quartz countertops are rising in popularity.

4. Millennial Pink

Millennial pink was all the rage for several years, but now interior designers and homeowners alike are stepping away from the fading color. In 2022, the paint color and decor trends are moving toward nature-inspired hues, like hunter green, as well as colorful and bold wallpapers. Consider painting your living room or kitchen a shade of emerald or dusty green to modernize your space.  

5. Nautical Designs

Blue-and-white striped pillows and seashells on every shelf belong at your seaside cottage, but maybe not at your house in the city or suburbs. If you want to keep some ocean-inspired items around, choose small accent items, such as a piece of driftwood or a piece of wall art.

6. Open Shelving

Similar to the problem with tile countertops, spending more time at home forced many people to come to terms with the impracticality of open shelving. While the concept may look aesthetically pleasing on Instagram, the reality is that this storage option leaves no room for disorganization or mismatched items. In addition, it rarely offers the same level of storage as cabinetry does.

7. Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans is another trend that we predict will fade away this year as more homeowners lean into the privacy provided by separate living, working, and dining spaces.

During the coronavirus pandemic, families learned that the lack of walls in between areas of the home made it difficult to separate work and home life. While open floor plans are still a preferred method of maximizing square footage, separate rooms with specific purposes—and the privacy they offer—are back in style.

8. Word Art and Signs

Decorative blocks of wood or signs that spell out things like “family” and “home” line the walls of homes across the country, but it’s time to consider saying goodbye to those outdated pieces. Instead, choose meaningful decorations that are a true reflection of you, your family, and your lifestyle.

9. Exposed Kitchen Hoods

Traditional restaurant-style kitchen hoods are another trend that’s decreasing in popularity. Instead, you can expect to see more homes showcasing kitchen designs that conceal the hoods into the cabinets for a more streamlined look.

10. Industrial Lighting

Warehouse-style, black matte fixtures have been popular for a few years, but interior designers are now opting for light and airy lighting pieces, with a nod toward nature. Consider adding creative lighting options, such as wall sconces and light-colored wall lamps, to stay on trend this year.

11. Mid-Century Modern

The brass hardware and tapered legs of mid-century modern furniture had its resurgence, but we’re going to see less of it in 2022. While a few accent pieces won’t look out of touch, resist the urge to buy a whole bedroom set inspired by Mad Men.

12. Minimalism

While the minimalist home design has its advantages, all-white spaces are causing many homeowners to yawn from boredom. Instead, you can expect to see more maximalist decor pieces and designs, with bright colors, patterned wallpaper, and tchotchkes on full display. Similarly, furniture with hard edges and lines will be replaced by items with rounded, curvier looks.