In the dark of winter, the right home décor makes all the difference
Get through the next few months with the latest interior design fads

Everest has explored plenty of pandemic-inspired trends over the past year. Now, as we head into the coldest months of the season, we set our sights on décor that soothes, moves, warms, and comforts—perfect for beating the common winter blues.

These days, homeowners are looking for a fresh start. But beyond the need for change, they also have sunshine in mind. Recent design trends reject the pessimism of the pandemic in favor of a bright, clean, happy aesthetic. Some is new, some is nostalgic. But all of these designs have one thing in common: positivity.

People want to feel safe at home—not stuck. Being cooped up indoors doesn’t have to be depressing. Why not bring in some mood-boosting furnishings and flair?

Check out the hottest fixtures, colors, and other delightful trends for winter ’21.

6 Festive Interior Design Trends for Winter

1. The return of rust
The last decade has been dominated by cool grays, whites, and blues. Now, people are going crazy over anything earthen. In particular, designers have seen the revival of rust-colored sofas, pillows, comforters—even wall tile and paint.

“Earthy rust tones complement many other colors and can even be used to enhance other color schemes,” says interior designer Michelle Harrison-McAllister.

Most importantly, the color exudes the bright, casual feel of summer. Focus on the bedroom and common areas, and you’ll wake up happy all year long.

Worth the splurge: Invest in a copper bathtub, terra cotta walls, or brown velvet sofa

Save and smile: Opt for rusty red curtains, a brown throw blanket, or orange area rug

2. Wallpaper is back
For so long, wallpaper had a bad rap. Difficult application and painstaking removal made paint a much better (and temporary) option. But now that we have time to spare, why not embrace the fun, cheerful look of a patterned accent wall?

“As people look to create more personalized interiors, we’re seeing an uptick in highly saturated, bold walls,” says Alessandra Wood of Modsy. “These moody palettes and designs might remind people of their favorite restaurants or hotels, creating a subconscious, mental escape from one’s own home.”

Popular patterns include eye-popping florals, chevron stripes, geometric shapes, as well as textured fabrics in colors ranging from neutral to neon.

Worth the splurge: Revitalize a hallway, bedroom, living room, or bathroom

Save and smile: Use wallpaper to create a faux headboard, backsplash, or accent wall; also great for lining shelves and drawers

3. Flashback to the ‘70s
The new millennium had people falling in love with futuristic metals, cold stone materials, and similar ‘sleek’ fixtures. Now, we pine for peace, love, and retro seventies vibes. One of the most disliked decades (from a design perspective) has finally made its resurgence.

According to Harrison-McAllister, “This winter, trending natural materials such as rattan, cane, light beechwood, and light marble are all giving a nod to ‘70s design.”

To embrace the trend, you don’t need a disco ball or yellow laminate countertops. Go for warm, natural materials for that perfectly groovy touch.

Worth the splurge: Spread instant cheer by installing knotty pine flooring or a statement stone fireplace

Save and smile: Choose furniture, frames, and textured rugs in bamboo, wicker, seagrass, and rattan; don’t forget a shaggy rug

4. Green gets its glow up
From sea foam to emerald and everything in between, the color green is no doubt the season’s biggest underdog.

“Along with the upsurge in biophilic design, the color green has also increased in popularity,” writes Lotte Brouwer of LivingEtc. “Science shows that just looking at something green can decrease heart rate and alleviate stress.”

To boost happiness around the home, make green your pop of color. It goes great in the kitchen, powder room, office, and beyond.

Worth the splurge: Install a green-glazed stone fireplace, kelly green marble tile, or a dark green chandelier

Save and smile: Add a pop of verdant color with a plush emerald pillow, jade candleholders, or fresh potted plants

5. Make way for grandmillennial
Also known as ‘granny chic,’ this hip décor style pays homage to the eclectic, old-fashioned vibe of your grandparents’ home. Whimsical wallpapers, doily patterns, colorful china, and other old-school stuff gets a much-needed 21st-century update.

“Think wicker, chintz, lace, delicate embroidery, and vintage glass—anything that rebels against the sleek, midcentury modern look that’s dominated home styles for years,” says Jennifer Kelly Geddes of Realtor.com. “Hipsters are feeling nostalgic these days!”

If you don’t have time for crochet, vintage furniture and fixtures help capture the bliss of granny’s bygone era.

Worth the splurge: Decorate with a painted credenza, pink floral sofa, or custom lace drapery

Save and smile: Hit the second-hand store for some kitschy knickknacks like old albums, patterned throw blankets, and needlepoint pillows

Everest says: chill out and cheer up