Another year is at its end, and this time, we are more than glad to see it gone. Try as we might, it’s hard to remember anything that didn’t go wrong in 2020. Yet now that 2021 is almost here, we can’t help but hope that everything will change for the better.
And if you ask interior designers, 2021 already seems quite promising. In fact, even if you just take a look at dining rooms, you’ll see a shift toward the unexpected, natural, and fresh. Let’s leave dark colors and closed spaces in 2020 and enter the new year with style!
1. Striving for Individuality
Gone are the days of trying to achieve any particular style, be it traditional, minimalist, or Art Deco. Once, you may have spent hours searching for that perfect piece of furniture that fits your chosen aesthetic. In 2021, though, you can confidently pick what you like best, regardless of the style.
The rule is simple — it’s no longer about trends; it’s about you. Your dining room should, above all, be pleasant to you, not look like it came from the pages of a catalog. Combine unusual colors and patterns, try out new custom upholstered dining chairs, add trinkets into your otherwise minimalistic room. Ultimately, own your style and show your guests exactly what kind of a person you are.
2. Lots of Space and Even More Light
Perhaps it’s because 2020 forced us to stay inside so much, but, in 2021, we want no closed, dark spaces. That applies to dining rooms as well — they should be bright, airy, and, if possible, close to your backyard. Having meals and entertaining guests in such a space will soon become your favorite activities!
But how do you achieve this open, bright design? Well, installing large windows that let in lots of light is the first step toward it. Then, you can take it all a little further and get some French windows, arches, or even glass walls! If that’s not possible, though, try playing around with light and color — buy stylish lamps and lots of white furniture.
But if all that doesn’t achieve the desired effect, replace your wooden table with a glass one. It’s bound to open up space, and its reflective properties will make your dining room that much brighter. Besides, glass tables are very much in vogue right now!
3. Refresh the Space With Plants
Nothing breathes life into a home quite like plants do — even just a single flower can completely transform the space. And as the main hub of your social and family life, your dining room deserves so much more!
You can start slow — with a few nice potted plants on the windowsill or small shrubs in each corner of the room. If you think that’s enough, you can leave it at that; but you’re more likely to get addicted to greenery. And in that case, embrace your addiction — hang plants from the ceiling, put them on shelves and tables, or create whole accent walls with vines. Only the sky’s the limit!
4. Wood Is in Style
Wooden furniture or floors have been popular for quite some time now, but 2021 brings something new to the table — wooden accent walls. These walls can transform an otherwise dull dining room into your favorite spot in the house!
Don’t be afraid to get creative when installing your accent wall. Sure, traditional wooden planks and panels can be an excellent solution, but remember — 2021 is all about creativity. So instead, try 3D panels, mosaics, and different textures. You’ll be surprised at how much your appetite will improve when you’re surrounded by wood!
5. Partitions and Niches
Open-concept dining rooms are all the rage, and as far as we can see, that won’t change in 2021. After all, a closed-off, separate dining room would feel too claustrophobic and cramped. One that opens into the kitchen or living room gives you plenty more air to breathe.
But even in an open-concept dining room, you can play around with space. In fact, using partitions to separate your dining room from the kitchen and create pleasant little niches will be the main trend of 2021.
The fantastic thing about partitions is that they can be made of all kinds of materials and decorated in all sorts of ways. Wood, glass, and plasterboard are only a few of the choices you have — and each one will give a unique charm to your dining room. On top of that, hang a few pictures, paintings, or mirrors on the partition, and your dining room will be unforgettable.
6. Round Instead of Sharp
Square and rectangle tables that dominated dining rooms for decades seem to have overstayed their welcome. Now, round and oval ones are replacing them, giving the room a softer, more relaxed feel. In fact, these tables are just a part of a larger trend — moving away from any sharp edges and introducing soft curves instead.
In Conclusion
As you can see, the main themes of 2021 are light, space, and comfort. Forget about formal dining rooms with their stiff chairs and rectangle tables. It’s time to open up the space, buy a few plants, and, if possible, install huge windows that look into the garden.
But even if you can’t do that, don’t worry. Above all, 2021 dining room trends are all about individuality. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little and see what works best with your personality. After all, you’ll be in your dining room most frequently — might as well make it pleasant!