The Top Design Trends for 2021, According to HGTV Canada Design Experts

Sam Pynn, co-host of Save My Reno, is excited about so many trends in decor: light woods, patterned tiles, art deco details, the curvy lines of furniture and the continued trend for handmade and hand-crafted design. But she’s most excited about colour: “Think: bold blue and yellow, terracotta and ivory, pale blues and copper,” she says. This is clear in her design for Family Home Overhaul shown in the picture above, which showcases bold colour pairings and a light finish on the wood floor. “Copper is going to be the big colour this year, and I welcome, love and embrace it!” adds Sam. Want more? Watch the full Family Home Overhaul episode that is featured this design now online!

Sebastian Clovis, who co-hosts HGTV Canada’s Save My Reno with Samantha Pynn, is thinking practically: “Given the year we had in 2020, I can foresee an increased number of people wanting to build workout spaces in their home,” he says. Well, Sebastian and the Save My Reno team were ahead of the curve on this one. Check out this dream-gym the Save My Reno team built in the basement of some Olympic athletes!

As HGTV Canada’s Tiffany Pratt says: “I am not one for the trends.” But this DIY goddess and queen-of-colour predicts a resurgence in DIYspredicts a resurgence in DIYspredicts a resurgence in DIYs! “Now more than ever we have the need to create change and find newness – but on our own terms and with a budget that may only require our two hands and a little bit of time,” says Tiffany. “Seeing people empower themselves by painting or creating something themselves makes me very excited!” It excites us, too. Find out more about Tiffany by watching One Minute With Tiffany Pratt.

The trend that Backyard Builds‘ host Sarah Keenleyside is loving the most for 2021 is something she calls: Calm Eclecticism. “Monochromatic interiors of whites and creams with lots of natural light and organic layering of textures will keep the spaces calm and comfortable while the addition of pops of unexpected colour, contrasting modern shapes, and a touch of vintage keep the interiors looking fresh and contemporary,” explains Sarah. It seems she has the perfect template for the future with this backyard retreat she created for Backyard Builds. Watch the full episode of the Family Home Overhaul transformation that Sarah Keenleyside worked with Scott McGillivray, now available online!

“Walls are back baby!” says Tommy Smythe. “Doors too!” Tommy says that being in lockdown made people more aware of a need for privacy. And, more walls means more great paint colours and art. “Open concept living is for cults and communes” adds Tommy. “They can keep it!” Above is a room Tommy worked on with Sarah Richardson in Sarah 101. We’re definitely looking forward to more bold designs like this!

Watch the full episode of Family Home Overhaul in which Tommy Smythe teamed up with Brian McCourt to take a dreary house into a dreamy home.

After a year like 2020, Kate Campbell is looking forward to simplicity and creating healing, cohesive spaces. Saunas, gyms, cold tubs and meditation roomsmeditation roomsmeditation rooms are some of the areas she mentions. Pictured here is a mediation room that the Backyard Builds team created – definitely a calming space. No matter which new spaces are built or renovated, Kate also stresses a greater need for an environmentally-friendly approach. “I believe we’re all seeing the impact we’ve had on the earth, and collectively, if we all starting being more responsible in our choices, even with building materials, we can make a huge impact,” she says. That sounds like a great way to start off 2021!

Joey Fletcher, one-half of the Brolaws, sees more home offices coming our way in 2021. “The design trend I’m most excited for in 2021 is baller home offices!” he says. People are done working on the kitchen and dining room tables and want to up their game, says Joey. Well, if you want to aim high, the above image from Brother vs. Brother gives you something to aspire to. Putting in overtime in that office might be something we would pay to do!

Kortney Wilson

, like other designers we spoke with, is seeing lighter wood floors in the future for 2021. “BUT,” interjects Kortney, “The thing I’m most excited about is the use of concrete floors. I hope it edges its way into mainstream design. The options of stained concrete are endless and the upkeep is easy breezy.” While the concrete floor featured in this image from Rock the Block isn’t stained in a bold way, we can imagine some of the possibilities this designer will be coming up with in the future. Bring it on Kortney!

Backyard Builds host Brian McCourt loves nature, and that’s what’s guiding his predictions for 2021. “I love the complex-simplicity of nature,” says Brian. “Natural elements are curved, round, and fluid and I’ve noticed a real shift in design from square boxy lines to free flowing arches and curves.” Well, Brian certainly has shown this influence with this backyard studio. Another trend for Brian is sustainable living and building. Looking for backyard ideas? Check out this Backyard Builds gallery full of all the outdoor inspiration you need to get started.

Mia Parres sees more and more people putting their own personal touches on their spaces both inside and out. “We’ve connected more to our dwellings,” she says. “I forecast we will be seeing a lot of earthy, natural tones coming into our spaces – bringing back the natural oak, cognac accents, natural colour palette.” And the designer is already part of this movement. “I’m even guilty of now becoming a plant mom!” she confesses. Not a bad thing to admit!

Looking for a better year in 2021? Check out our 15 Luckiest Plants for Your Home!