CB2 Releases Inaugural Design Report, Forecasts 2021 Trends

CHICAGO – CB2, Crate and Barrel’s Millennial-focused brand, has released its inaugural Next in Design Report, detailing interior design trends for 2021 and taking a look back at 2020 and what CB2 customers bought.

“2020 renewed the importance of interiors and our passion for providing elevated pieces that energize, uplift and reflect our customer’s unique style,” said Ryan Turf, president of CB2. “Our first-ever Next In Design Report allows us to share our love of all things design, giving customers a glimpse into the ways our top buyers and designers are re-imagining homes for 2021, and beyond.”

As part of the report, CB2 surveyed more than 900 interior designers from its Design Trade Program in December, asking about their predictions for 2021 and what products and materials are most in-demand from their clients.

In all, the report revealed four major trends setting the pace for 2021:

• The Iconic Self: This year, people will be focused on “unapologetic self-expression,” according to a release. This will translate into bold statement pieces, oversized decor, large furniture and a renewed love of vintage. Of the designers surveyed, 64% indicated that they planned to incorporate bold statements into their designs this year.
• Home 2.0: After 2020 left many turning spaces in their homes into multipurpose spaces, 2021 is set to bring in a re-dedication of the dining room and a shift to the “not-so-open concept.” Outdoor living is also set to become a more permanent extension of home, with outdoor furniture now being treated with the same level of integrity as indoor furniture.
• Optimism Is In: As people look to bring in more positive energy, pattern mixing and layering along with a major shift from calming neutrals to more cheerful design language is taking hold in 2021. More than half, 62%, of designers surveyed predicted uplifting,mineral-inspired hues will be the colors of choice this year.
• The Age of Aquarius: Taking a cue from astrology, material trends are making a big shift, reminiscent of Saturn and Jupiter’s new alignment this year that “moves us from a conservative energy into a more innovative, forward-thinking one,” according to a release. In interiors, that translates into a renewed focus on sustainable design and the use of natural materials. More than half of all designers surveyed said stone will be the “star material” of this year, followed by cast metal.

Looking back at 2020, customer shopping trends have provided CB2 with a look at what was trending in the year past. Key findings from that part of the report include:

• A rise in searches for “sage,” up 60%.
• Mirrors were the most searched for product of 2020, with more than 4 million individual searches.
• Black and white were the most commonly searched colors, with “white desk” alone making up 29% of total color white searches.

To learn more about the report and its results, see the full CB2 Next in Design Report at this link.