There are many reasons to look forward to the new year, and one of them is the chance to refresh and breathe new life into your home. After a year that saw many of us spending more time inside and modifying our existing spaces, 2021 is an opportunity to bring added comfort and functionality to your living area.
Whether you opt for a calming plant, a soothing blanket, or a state-of-the-art entertainment system, here are some of the biggest interior design and décor trends to look for in 2021, as chosen by some of Indy’s most respected experts—all affiliated with the Indiana Design Center in Carmel.
2021 HOME TREND: PLANTS AND GREENERY
STACY MOLANDER, OWNER OF RUSTED WINDOW
RUSTEDWINDOW.COM, @RUSTEDWINDOW
Studies have shown that indoor plants can:
- Boost your concentration, creativity, mood, and productivity
- Help reduce stress, fatigue, colds, and sore throats
- Improve the air quality of your home or office by cleaning the air, absorbing toxins, and increasing humidity and oxygen production
- Add some life to any room
If you don’t have a green thumb, you can always go the artificial route; there are fewer benefits, but they will still add some color to a room, and Rusted Window has a great selection of both real and artificial plants.
2021 HOME TREND: “RUSTIC VOGUE” FURNITURE
STEPHANIE RIWITIS, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT PAIR’D FURNISHINGS
PAIRDFURNISHINGS.COM, @PAIRD.FURNISHINGS
This look is a crowd pleaser, appealing to anyone who loves their modern home comforts but wants to inject some character details into their living spaces. It is a blend of old and new, working together in harmony to create balance. The look celebrates design pieces that have prevailed the test of time, with the addition of modern touches that create a new interpretation of classic design.
2021 HOME TREND: HOME THEATERS
JAMIE CAREY, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT THE PREMIER GROUP
PREMIER-GROUP.COM, @PREMIERGROUPINDY
We are seeing a huge uptick in Premier’s home theater installations. Certainly, the pandemic has homeowners evaluating their lifestyle, and many are choosing to invest more in home technologies including home theaters. Add to that the recent news from Warner Bros. to release new blockbuster movies into the home via HBO Max simultaneously to commercial movie theaters, and we can’t think of a better reason to go ahead and make that investment in a home theater space. Premier’s experienced theater designers will make sure that we maximize your enjoyment, balancing performance and aesthetics within your budget to create the perfect experience for the whole family.
2021 HOME TREND: WEIGHTED BLANKETS
LAUREN TAYLOR, PRESIDENT OF HOLDER MATTRESS CO., INC.
HOLDERMATTRESS.COM, @HOLDERMATTRESS 
One trend we are seeing for 2021 is the focus on health, relaxation and items that serve a function. We love the Anchor Weighted Blanket—available for purchase here with free shipping—because it touches on all three elements. Studies suggest weighted blankets may create a natural boost in mood, ease stress and anxiety, and promote deeper and more restorative sleep. Available in different colors, sizes and weights, there’s a perfect match for everyone.
2021 HOME TREND: STATEMENT ACCENTS
EMILY HASSETT, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT GLASS HOUSE GALLERY AND FRANKLIN WINDOW AND DOOR
FRANKLINWINDOWANDDOOR.COM, @FRANKLINWINDOWANDDOOR
Relying on the local hardware store for key design elements like lighting and doors can lead to a predictable renovation. Incorporating abstract statement pieces like the organic Kundalini “Lilli” pendant light or the metallic “Modo” door from Movi will take your home above and beyond basic barn doors and standard light fixtures.
2021 HOME TREND: “GRANDMILLENIAL GRANDEUR”
CARYN O’SULLIVAN, OWNER OF DRAPERY STREET
DRAPERYSTREET.COM, @DRAPERYSTREET 
The “Grandmillenial Grandeur” trend is about cozy details that remind you of grandma’s house, like pretty florals and elegant design. We are also continuing to see an infusion of color for 2021. You combine those two ideas, and you get vibrant statement pieces that bring cheer and charm to a space.
Indiana Design Center is an Indy Maven partner.
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer based in Indianapolis who would love to curl up under a weighted blanket right now.
