Embracing nature – a 2021 trends forecast we can relate to

730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Embracing nature – a 2021 trends forecast we can relate to

With the aim to inspire a deeper connection with nature, this 2021 trends forecast by Modieus consists of four key themes, which are grounded, green utopia, textured layers and crafted…

Developed post lockdown, each this trends forecast reflects our freedom from isolation; it embraces nature, craves the simplicity and inspires a meaningful sense of peace.

Grounded

A new appreciation of the truly important things in life make us feel grounded. To some extent this reflects the collective state of people who have experienced Covid-19 lockdowns. Down to earth colour palettes, warm natural hues, create a sense of stability, balance and a foundation stone for change.

A mustard armchair on a honey-mustard rug and brass light

Image credit: Modieus

Warm earthy tones, soft, natural and soothing to create a sense of calm and comfort. Natural and cool beige, neutral with a faint green undertone will calm the senses. Nature will be intensified with mossy, sage greens paired with turmeric and citrus yellow hues.

Reflecting on nature’s influence, we see a fresh take on yellow. To feel optimistic, we turn to yellow. Pale citrus yellow, soft creamy butter and stronger turmeric yellow.  Spring and yellow floral hues reflective of gardens reinvigorating our interest in colour that inspires feelings of much needed optimism.

Green utopia

Embracing sustainability and wellness. We have grown tired of social media and digital devices so are reconnecting with nature’s beauty. We will continue to seek solid interactions with loved ones, family and friends, and give greater focus to what is around us immediately.

A large modern sofa in a contemporary setting

Image credit: Modieus

Green foliage and dappled light revives us. This palette’s green hue also includes shades of brown within green hues, such as discoloured grasses or new foliage on old branches. Inspiration is drawn from plants and the foliage of leaves, vegetables, cacti and flowers.

Issues of sustainability have never been so important and the pandemic has allowed time to accelerate our thinking moving forward. The textile industry is changing rapidly. Using resources more responsibly is the unifying theme of this trend.

Textured layers 

The textured layers trend is all about looking to the unseen and the finer details. Stone will be simple, concrete, minimal and almost cool. Terracotta will return, in modern hues, softer and paler. Colour will feel monochromatic, to emphasise small details to shine like matt and gloss.

A green room with jungle-like carpets

Image credit: Modieus

Engaging with imperfections of authentic natural materials that have been used, worn or look tarnished. Rusted metals, dark woods with irregular grain patterns. Fabrics will feel unblemished or unprocessed like raffia, recycled denim, hemp and hessian.

There is a tactile and visual dryness to these colours, which reflects the wider Australian environment of the bush and desert. In line with embracing a natural aesthetic, colour palettes will begin to reflect more warm earth-fired colours such as metal ores, russet shades, soft terracotta and browns.

Colour palettes will be layered and monochromatic. Sun-kissed colours are paired beautifully, such as soft dusky pink, also a gentle optimistic colour.  With a blue undertone, dusky pink is ideal for injecting warmth into palettes of grey and blue.

Crafted

Recognising the provenance of goods and how they are made has fuelled the Crafted trend.  There is a shift in thinking as we look to shop locally to avoid lengthy shipping delays from overseas suppliers. We’re looking at craftsmen for special custom pieces that are unique to our needs and taste.

An image of a crafted lobby

Image credit: Modieus

Aesthetically, a bespoke crafted style, embraces artisan-made, ethically produced, imperfect-looking pieces that are robust and enduring. Designs are fluid and loosely drawn.

Fabrics and products have a rawness that shows the hand of the craftsperson in their creation. In Australia we expect to see more indigenous patterns and collaborations with respectful references to Indigenous art, land and country.

Main image credit: Modieus

Hamish Kilburn / 21.12.2020

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