Love ’em or hate ’em, these design trends seemed to be everywhere in 2021, and in our Instagram polls, readers sounded off about which ones were worth holding on to. In our print issues, we compiled the most persuasive and pithy opinions, and we’ve gathered them all below.

People were pretty divided on most of them. What do you think? Is painted brick unfairly maligned? Is open kitchen shelving here to stay? Have your say! And if there are any trends that you see coming in the new year that you’d like to submit for a vote, let us know in the comments below.

January/February: Glass Brick

Reminds me of a gym shower. @ALIG871

They’re a great way to increase natural light in a space. @LOGAN.SCT

Literally my least favorite material. @PARKINPERSPECTIVE

Dislike. Immediately think of Legos. @LAURIE_NATURALLY_

Love it. It’s shiny but subtle and works with modern decor. @DOUBLE.PERSPECTIVE.PHOTO

Lets in light, but it’s also private. @GIRLINAPTB

Interesting for offices, truly ugly for a house. @W.CALHOUN

Love for a full wall, hate for a closed window! @FRANCOISROUZIOUX

I’d much rather have a wall of glass bricks than a wall of mortar. @MARICA_LEASK

Like the idea, but dislike it in many actual designs. @JONTHNQUININ

Beautiful but $$$. @MAJIDABOGA

Love it because it is so open. It brings the outside in and inside out. @PSTEGINK

Looks dated, not timeless. @MATT.BOSTWICK

Love. It’s modern. @WANTEDDESIGN

52% Love

48% Hate

March/April: Open Shelving

Convenient, easy to organize. @RUDYSPECTIVE

Greasy dirt catcher. @BELLSPELL

Opens the space and allows more light. @TESSMIX

Curating a kitchen with your glassware and ceramics is part of the beauty! @MCKENZIEXCANADAY

Love it in moderation. It doesn’t work for everything, but it’s awesome for the things you use all the time. @MERISSAREED.DESIGNS

It’s beautiful and forces us not to be messy hoarders! @ESPERBS

I don’t want to have to think about how attractively organized my kitchen things are. @MICHELLANNELI

Only works when you have tons of storage space somewhere else. @MECHICAV

Too time-consuming. @AMYBUTLER.RVA

It brings out my inner minimalist. And I love her. @KOAKLEY1122

With kids and family, it’s hard to keep it organized. If I lived alone, I would consider it. @SUSANA.CS

It looks modern if you know how to do it. @ROBLEARTE

Dust. Cats. Dusty cats. @MOSTLYBEARDY

61% Love

39% Hate

May/June: Barn Doors

I love the idea of a sliding door, but why does it have to be a barn door? @ANNAVARGHESE215

It feels overly trendy, and we are on the decline side of that trend. @CURTDEWBRE

Love. It’s a feature, a space saver, and a compositional element. @PJ_SCHAEFER

They don’t block noise, and light leaks, especially with hardwood flooring. @JUST.SUPERNOVA

It doesn’t take up space swinging into the room and also adds a focal point. @SUNSOWN

It adds so much character to what would typically be a blank wall and enhances a doorway. @EM_NORK

Barn doors belong in a barn. Bring back the pocket door. So elegant if done right. @ARTWILLIA

Adds texture to a room. Versatility as well! @AYEARIKARI

They’re unstable and often poorly executed. @TINACIOUSZ

Not enough privacy. Also robs you of wall space to hang art. @SHOTBYSTEPHENJAMES

The door itself can be a work of art. @KAISER_ATX

I don’t want to live like I’m in a barn. I’m not a farm animal. @FANCYCLAIR

52% Love

48% Hate

July/August: Painted Brick

Easier to clean. @BOSTONTWO

Painted brick is like painting hardwood. You cover up its unique character. @NORDLYSLODGINGCO

I like the pop of unexpected color combined with the brick texture. It’s visually interesting. @PROPERVILLAIN9

What, do I live in a firehouse? Yuck. @HCALB

Patina on brick is the best part. Why cover it up? @FRANKLEZBLEU

Reminds me of 1965. @NORTHFORKNICCI

Reminds me of when a frat house would “freshen up” before parents’ weekend... @ALSELS

This is a beautiful way to highlight brick that is otherwise drab and dated looking! @737PILOTMIKE

It’s tacky, and I hate it. @LYTTLEBIRDIE

Sometimes brick just isn’t pretty, and people get stuck on preserving it rather than enjoying it. @FRANK_AND_OLLIE

Reminds me of Grandma’s basement. @SHEENANAGAINS

So fun! Don’t listen to these Debbie Downers. @EASTFACINGCONDO

I spoke to Brick. It says, “I don’t like it.” @_ANDYWILKINSON

43% Love

57% Hate

September/October: Terrazzo

It’s a classic! Cool underfoot and a breeze to clean. @MIALASSDEA

Looks cheap. May as well just have lino. @GEARETAL

I think it’s a great way to reuse materials. @RENAMCCLINTOCK

Too busy. @DWELLULO

I think it’s beautiful, but I know it will feel dated (again) in a few more years. @ALEXROTEN

It’s a classic that should stay, like subway tiles, concrete, midcentury furniture, etc. @DJOUGOULET

Classic on the floor! But terrazzo mugs? Candle holders? Planters? Overdone. @KRISTI_STO

It’s on the tail end of the trend. When it’s in McDonald’s remodels, you know it’s over. @HARDGOODSCO

Growing up in Miami, it seemed to be everywhere. It brings back some really good memories. @THEBULLFIGHTER

It’s timeless and gorgeous. And in the deep South it’s cool underfoot. @BETHEMOO

Easily pulls in many colors to a space and adds texture without looking overdone. @MISSYDUTTON

78% Love

22% Hate

November/December: Layering Rugs

Adds character to a room. @IRMAQUEIROS

Looks chaotic, and I don’t want an uneven surface for furniture. @LAAROJ

Trip hazard! @MAMMASAN4

Good for acoustics and adds layers to a room, particularly if there isn’t much other decor. @URBANDEN ARCHITECTS

It’s just like adding a scarf over your sweater and having a great jacket to finish it off. @STEPHENCALEBED

Too 1960. @ORIANA2249

The bottom rug will get dirty, and its color will fade only on exposed areas. @FOREVERATHLETIC

I have crappy apartment carpet. Layering throw rugs allows me to cover more of it. @CPAIGEREAM

Adds texture and color. Feels boho. @KIMBERLYKMGOLDFARB

Unrealistically expensive. @_ZAP

Not functional for life with kids/dogs/high foot traffic. @HAUTEXHIPPIE

Wack. @ALYXMJ

41% Love

59% Hate

More Best of 2021 Stories:

The Top 20 Products Dwell Readers Bought in 2021

The 10 Teeniest Tiny Homes of 2021

The 10 Most Colorful Homes of 2021