We all learned a lot about ourselves in 2020. Collectively, we spent the last nine months surrounded almost exclusively by the people in our immediate lives and the four walls of our homes. And that has led to a lot of redecorating and reimagining our spaces. People discovered what inspired and soothed them, from building the ideal home office to creating a more calming living room or bedroom. As we leave the year behind (good riddance!), let’s consider what we can expect for décor and interior design in the new year.

Let’s start by looking at the two colors Pantone Color Institute has chosen to reflect 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a bright yellow. Fun fact: This year is only the second time Pantone has selected more than one color – but rather than thinking of them independently, the institute urges people to consider the two as a unified pair.

In explaining the reason for choosing the colors, Pantone VP Laurie Pressman says, “Two extremely independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express this message of strength and hopefulness.”

Stability and optimism: That’s what Pantone predicts the coming year will bring.

So, what does that mean for designers?

People hiked, biked, and walked more than they likely ever had in 2020. This rediscovery of the outdoors will probably inspire a “return to nature” indoors as well. Experts predict a rise in soft greens, light blues, muted oranges, and other Earth tones or floral patterns. These calming colors work well to create warmth and safety in any room.  

One of Pantone’s chosen colors for 2021 is a clear, vibrant yellow. Pops of happy colors like this one can instantly transform a room. We’ll see these colors emerging to brighten spaces. These hues contrast beautifully with neutral tones, leaving a lot of room for optimistic accents in the form of artwork, throw pillows or blankets, or rugs.

We’re all carrying hope into the new year. People feel empowered to build places within their homes dedicated to work and play – to create a home they truly want to spend time in, necessitated by lingering stay-at-home orders. This feeling of renewal and hope will play into a resurgence of rich jewel tones. We’ll see sapphires or emeralds glittering in painted or wallpaper-covered walls, on furniture accent pieces, in artwork, and on shelves.

We’re looking at a year of brightness and optimism – and color trends are following right along. If the pairing of Pantone’s colors of the year, vibrant yellow and neutral gray, can be extrapolated, expect to see bright colors decorating solid foundations of neutral Earth tones. In 2021, we can expect people to follow these trends as they transform their homes into sanctuaries: places of comfort, stability, and energy.