"Many of us have spent far longer at home in the last year than ever before, so it’s no surprise some people may be considering giving their home a little refresh."
The study, conducted by ScS, used Google Trends to reveal the 50 biggest interior trends from 2021, then analysed their Google search volumes to reveal which have seen the largest percentage increases over the past year.
With canopy beds, maximalist styles and statement sinks all featuring highly, it shows that, as a nation, we’re growing tired of minimalist décor and muted colours. We want to make our homes bold and bright, and to reflect our personalities through our furnishings.
Living room
1) Maximalism – 80% increase in searches year-on-year
Maximalism involves lots of artwork, plenty of colour and bucketloads of personal décor. The more the merrier. It’s one of the biggest interior trends of the summer, with an 80% increase in Google searches compared to last year. It’s all about adding your personal touch to your interior.
Get the look: Be bold with colours, patterns and textures. Consider floral or statement wallpaper and, above all, make it personal to you with your own individual styling and furnishings.
2) Mid-century modern furniture – 43% increase in searches
Mid-century modern furniture continues to be popular and UK Google searches for the style have increased by 43%. The elegant, yet simple, furniture is defined by functionality and clean lines, with rounded corners and gentle curves.
Get the look: Try adding good quality mid-century modern sofas, shelving or storage options to a room with a strong colour palette, such as oranges or greens – colours that were popular in the mid-century era.
Kitchen
1) Statement taps – 54% increase in searches
Statement taps do exactly what they say on the tin – they add a flash of eye-catching glamour to your kitchen – and they’re becoming increasingly common across the nation, with 54% more searches this year than last.
Get the look: Kitchen taps come in all shapes and sizes and now boast a variety of technologies and features. Make sure they match the overall style of your kitchen – traditional or modern – before focusing on gadgets, like spray or steam options.
2) Downdraft extractors – 31% increase in searches
Downdraft extractors are seeing a surge in popularity, with a 31% increase in Google searches. These clever kitchen features can be hidden away when not in use, freeing up space and making your room feel more open.
Get the look: It’s best to hire a professional to install a downdraft extractor as you’ll need to create extra space behind your hob, then shift all your other units forward so they remain in line.
Bedroom
1) Panelling – 147% increase in searches
Panelling in the bedroom is a stylish and increasingly popular alternative to feature walls and statement wallpapers, and searches are up by almost 150%. It's an inexpensive way to add luxury and the wood creates a natural feel to your room.
Get the look: It’s possible to install panelling yourself if you have the right knowledge and skillset. MDF works well, cut into thin strips, so measure your wall, add primer and then use an adhesive to stick your panels down.
2) Bed canopies – 50% increase in searches
Bed canopies provide ultimate elegance and sophistication, creating a stunning focal point for your room. Whether you add fabrics to create a cosy enclosure, or leave the frame bare, canopies make a real statement.
Get the look: For that luxurious stately-home feel, use thick linens to cover the frame and create your own little paradise within. If you’re feeling more playful, add fairy lights to bring a little twinkle.
Bathroom
1) Black mirrors – 53% increase in searches
Black mirrors ooze class and look stylish and sleek in any bathroom. Searches are up 53% from last year, with Brits jumping on the trend.
Get the look: Black frames look great in any bathroom style, whether loud and creative, or subtle and minimalist. Consider pairing them with light colours to bring balance, or industrial touches, like brass taps and finishings.
2) Victorian sinks – 23% increase in searches
Victorian-style bathrooms are back in fashion, with sinks in particular seeing an increase in demand. Victorian sinks come in different forms, from minimalist pedestal varieties to bronze tubs set on cabinets or chests.
Get the look: Match your Victorian sink with other accessories from the period, such as vintage tiles, steel finishings and maybe even a freestanding clawfoot bath.
David Bawden, head of e-commerce at ScS, said: “Many of us have spent far longer at home in the last year than ever before, so it’s no surprise some people may be considering giving their home a little refresh.
“Hopefully our research can provide a little inspiration by highlighting the trends that Brits are searching for the most, but it’s important that you focus on what you like, not what others think!
“These trends are fairly universal, but make sure they suit your home and your individual taste before committing to any refurbishments.”
