The greatest minds in Australian homewares, furniture and interior design are behind the leading trends in home decor for 2021 and 2022. In this article, we will take a look at some of the directions interior design is taking this year and beyond.

Keep reading to be on the cutting edge of interior design trends in Australia.

Colour palettes emphasising browns, muted hues and soft terracottas

Bringing nature into the look, colour palettes are beginning to reflect warm, 'earthy' colours, like browns, metal ores and soft terracotta. These are grounding colours, which combine well with homes bathed in light that have predominantly neutral hues on interior walls.

There is a dryness to these colours, both in look and texture, which is reflective of the Australian bush and desert. Dulux even chose 'Brave Ground', an earthy beige tone, as its 2021 Colour of the Year.

Subdued, natural looks

As we experience the movement of technology into virtually every part of our lives, choices for interior design are beginning to lean towards more grounded looks as a counterbalance. Decor choices promote things like wellness and equilibrium, acceptance and serenity. This comes alongside an understanding that cluttered spaces can be damaging to our mental health.

• Some things that are reflecting this new focus are:
• Neutral colours and earthy tones
• Metallics like copper, which has antibacterial traits, alongside dark accent colours in kitchens and bathrooms
• Natural materials
• Patterns in art and design with elemental qualities
• Simplistic, bulky shapes

Almost primitive minimalism in shapes

There is a rise in what could be referred to as 'caveman' aesthetics. This refers to rustic minimalism, perhaps indicative of the collective mindset of the Australian people. After demanding COVID-19 lockdowns, these products suggest striving to endure challenges.

The resulting aesthetic is a back-to-basics approach to style. In the past, this has harked back to periods of mass manufacturing, but the current trend is rejecting the era of disposable culture. Instead, there is an embracing of ethically-produced, artisan pieces, complete with 'perfect imperfections' that look durable and robust.

Expect to see:

• Bulky forms
• Exaggerated scale
• Seating with generous proportions and deep patterns

Embracing indigenous patterns and all-natural materials

Another key development is an emphasis on displaying materials and fabrics with a vegetal rusticity, with clear features of handmade artisan work. Think things like Malian cotton, wax-resist dyed fabrics and batik.

You can expect to see respectful references to Indigenous patterns and artwork, with a strong emphasis on authenticity and intention. Buying from First Nation businesses and people is becoming an important consideration, as shown in Blak Markets.

A recent collaboration between Indigenous Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood of Miimi + Jiinda is an example of this getting mainstream exposure. This collaboration produced some distinctive printed homewares and bed linen in the Nyami design of the Gumbaynggirr women. With a matriarchal culture in which women are revered, the designs need to be authentic and intentional to reflect the power of those origins.

Final thoughts

This is a snapshot of the trends that are emerging in Australian interior design in 2021. The central theme is a return to nature as people seek balance in an era of technology. As the nation emerges from the grip of the global pandemic, people are longing for an environment that reflects their resilience and focuses on wellness, both mentally and physically.

If you want to be at the cutting-edge of interior design trends, you should explore how these themes could be incorporated into your style choices. Jarvis Interiors can help, so please don't hesitate to get in touch.