Earlier, our busy lives determined the amount of time we spent in the comfort of our homes. We were busy with work, we spent most of our time commuting, shopping, going to the gym etc. The pandemic changed all that, and now we see ourselves spending more time at home than outside. Not only adjusting the way we live but also the space we live in. This has made many of us change things around our homes to make them more comfortable and workable besides being appealing and inviting. We have even started renovating it to suit our liking. When we start looking at options to redesign, it becomes imperative for us to follow the latest trends, technology and choose the right colours to express ourselves. 

A lot of thought is now put into making the right decision. But how have things changed when it comes to following a trend? 

Trends are a reflection of an ever-changing social and cultural mood, carefully set after evaluating the socio-political, economic and cultural landscape. Taking inspiration from the years gone by, special committees of experts release their verdict, followed by designers and homemakers alike. In 2021 we see that a lot of focus was set on making things more comfortable. It has now become a pressing priority to make our spaces 24/7 livable. There is a newfound conviction to have things around us that hold our attention. Designs apart from being well made have to make us feel better and make us smile. Here are three interior design trends to help you brighten the next six months of your year. 

Trend No 1 - Sustainable and eco-friendly décor

This pandemic has made us take an absolute pause from everything we were doing and made us appreciate everything around us. We have changed our perspective towards time, and it has made us realize that we need to conserve and protect nature. More and more people are growing closer to incorporating eco-friendly products in their homes. Eco-friendly interior designs focus on improving indoor air quality. It also helps us reduce the impact it has on the environment. And thankfully, a lot of products nowadays that are sustainable fit into the simplest to the most exquisite designs. Choosing brands that promote nontoxic components and use nontoxic compounds to manufacture interior furnishing materials help us reduce the carbon footprint. Choosing engineered wood instead of hardwood takes us closer to making our home or office space greener. 

Trend No 2 – Colour

Every year Pantone releases a colour that then dominates the design world, be it interior or fashion. Shades convey the message of hope, strength and endurance, a perfect contrast to uplift and enrich your spirit. After a difficult year, people are craving positivity, warmth and refreshment. For the year 2021, Pantone released not one but two complementary colours. An ominous shade of grey called the Ultimate Gray, and a bright sunny yellow shade called Illuminating. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute said, 'The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it's not about one color or one person, it's about more than one.' These two colours can be perfectly incorporated for kitchens or to decorate your favourite corner where you can unwind. A mix of matte and glossy laminates can make for a striking statement that exudes sophistication and poise. 

We will also see many harmonious shades; though right next to each other in the colour wheel, they cascade and transition smoothly into each other, creating a palette that's soothing and easy on the eyes. 

Trend No 3 – Light coloured wood

This year belongs to light-coloured wood and, by extension, to lighter gradients of wood-coloured laminates and finishes. Wooden tones are supposed to bring warmth, and in some cases, texture to your design. Since light-coloured wood helps open up spaces, you can now use wooden finishes in smaller spaces too. Light-coloured wooden flooring is definitely a talk of the town now. They will not only be used for floors but for ceilings and walls; the idea is to incorporate woodwork everywhere from countertops to cabinets. The trend is to showcase natural colours that make your space look cozy, setting a contemporary tone. And it's not only that; brands are now using state-of-the-art technologies to make laminates look a lot like solid hardwood than ever before. Even texture in laminate flooring is improving impressively and gaining more popularity. 

These three trends can be well incorporated to create designs that sing contemporary sleekness into your home or office space. It is the need of the hour to feel closer to nature, feel grounded, and use sustainable materials. Multifunctional aspects of a product, minimalism and sustainability will be echoed throughout this year. Engineered wood is more durable than solid wood; it is sustainable and eco-friendly, making it one of the best options used in a home or office décor. Reflecting on the current situation, we will embrace everything closer to nature, choose colours that build a calming environment and lean towards eco-friendly products to create a sanctuary of our own.