Keeping up with interior design trends has, until recently, been somewhat simple. For years, minimalist design inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics has dominated the interior design world, with a focus on light wood, sparsity, and modular features. Now, however, things have begun to change, and somewhat drastically too.

Here are eight new trends that are set to grow in popularity and displace the familiar minimalism that interior designers have become comfortably accustomed to.

Wallpapers & Patterns

In place of entirely white rooms, bold, bright, and patterned surfaces are appearing. What first began to appear as a resurgence of wallpaper, especially those with floral and intrinsically patterned designs, has taken over other surfaces too, including floors with intricate tile arrangements and mosaics.

Regal & Royal

While a number of periods have been set to see revival, it is the decadent embellishments and luxury adornments of the regency that are making an interesting return. Perhaps spurred on by the popularity of shows like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, gilded golds and plush velvets are becoming more common in homes across the country.

Rural Design

From homegrown vegetables and log cabins to wooden countertops and agas, icons of the rural wild are becoming more popular in homes, including those in urban neighbourhoods. This is partly due to the rising counterculture of simple living but is also due to the desire for nature within a living space.

Flexible Living

With a greater demand placed on many homes due to remote working, living spaces are becoming more flexible. Rooms are seldom used for solely one purpose and will often have elements, such as entertainment or professional features, cleverly concealed.

Ethical Design

Sustainable living is a huge focus, perhaps the biggest, for many residents, which is why designs that support a lesser carbon impact and more efficient living are being championed. Expect to see far fewer single-use plastics and many more water collection systems in the near future.

Outdoor Integration

The line between garden spaces and the indoors is blurring with more homeowners seeking to make use of their outdoor spaces. Dining, cooking, and even entertaining are now being enjoyed increasingly outdoors, with gardens designed to defend against the weather and create a relaxing environment.

Upcycled & Recycled

Fitting also within an ethical design, more homeowners are taking to upcycle and recycle items. Secondhand features and furniture are common, with many residents even taking to learn the skills needed to improve old assets, such as upholstery and carpentry. Now, instead of heading to stores like IKEA, homeowners are looking online and within charity shops and antique stores for their decor.

Professional Living

Prompted by remote working culture, living spaces are becoming increasingly professional. This doesn’t simply mean that a number of homes will now have dedicated offices, although they are more commonly replacing space bedrooms, but instead means that more spaces are being carved out for businesses and entrepreneurial endeavours within residences.