5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends
for 2021
We’ve all
spent a lot more time at home over the past year.
And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our
gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s
no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve
around soothing color palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats.
Even if
you don’t have immediate plans to buy or sell your home, we advise our clients
to be mindful of modern design preferences when planning a remodel or even
redecorating. Over-personalized or unpopular renovations could lower your
property’s value. And selecting out-of-style fixtures and finishes could cause
your home to feel dated quickly.
To help
inspire your design projects this year, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest
trends. Keep in mind, not all of these
will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your
property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the
impact of your investment.
1.
Uplifting Colors
Colors
are gravitating toward warm and happy shades
that convey a sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing. This year’s palettes
draw from earthy hues, warm neutrals, and
soothing blues and greens.1
While
white and gray are still safe options, expect to see alternative neutrals
become increasingly popular choices for walls, cabinets, and furnishings in
2021. For a fresh and sophisticated look, try one of these 2021 paint colors of
the year:
?Aegean Teal (coastal blue) by Benjamin Moore
?Urbane Bronze (brownish-gray) by Sherwin-Williams
?Soft Candlelight (muted yellow) by Valspar
On
the opposite end of the spectrum, indigo, ruby, sapphire and plum are showing
up on everything from fireplace mantels and floating shelves to fabrics and
home accessories. These classic, rich hues can help bring
warmth, depth, and a touch of luxury to your living space.
To
incorporate these colors, designers recommend using the “60-30-10 Rule.”
Basically, choose a dominant color to cover 60% of your room. For example, your
walls, rugs, and sofa might all be varying shades of beige or gray. Then layer
in a secondary color for 30% of the room. This might include draperies and
accent furniture. Finally, select an accent color for 10% of your room, which
can be showcased through artwork and accessories.2
2. Curated
Collections
After a
decade of minimalism, there’s been a shift towards highly-decorative and
personalized interiors that incorporate more color, texture, and character.
Clearly-defined styles (e.g., mid-century modern, industrial, modern farmhouse)
are being replaced by a curated look, with furnishings,
fixtures, and accessories that appear to have been collected over time.3
This
trend has extended to the kitchen, where atmosphere has become as important as
functionality. The ubiquitous all-white kitchen is fading in popularity as homeowners
opt for unique touches that help individualize their space. If you’re planning
a kitchen remodel, consider mixing in other neutrals—like gray, black, and
light wood—for a more custom, pieced-together look. And instead of a subway
tile backsplash, check out zellige tile (i.e., handmade, square Moroccan tiles)
for a modern alternative with old-world flair.4
3.
Reimagined Living Spaces
The
pandemic forced many of us to rethink our home design. From multipurpose rooms
to converted closets to backyard cottages, we’ve had to find creative ways to
manage virtual meetings and school. And designers expect these changes to
impact the way we live and work for years to come.
For
example, some home builders are predicting the end of open-concept floor plans
as we know them.5 Instead, buyers are searching for cozier spaces
with more separation and privacy. Cue the addition of alcoves, pocket doors,
and sliding partitions that enable homeowners to section off rooms as needed.4
The
necessity of a home office space is also here to stay. But what if you don’t
have a dedicated room? Alternative workspaces have become increasingly popular.
In fact, one of the biggest trends on Pinterest this year is the
“cloffice”—essentially a spare closet turned home office. Searches for “home
library design” and “bookshelf room divider” are on the rise, as well.6
4.
Staycation-Worthy Retreats
With
travel options limited right now, more homeowners are turning their vacation
budgets into staycation budgets. Essentially, recreate the resort experience at
home—and enjoy it 365 days a year!
Bedrooms
should provide a soothing sanctuary for rest and relaxation. But this year,
minimalist decor and muted colors are giving way to bolder statement pieces. To
create a “boutique hotel” look in your own bedroom, start with a large,
upholstered headboard in a rich color or pattern. Layer on organic linen bedding
and a chunky wool throw, then complete the look with a pair of matching bedside
wall lights.7
Carry
those vacation-vibes into your bathroom with some of the top luxury upgrades
for 2021. Curbless showers and freestanding tubs continue to be popular choices
that offer a modern and spacious feel, and large-format shower tiles with
minimal grout lines make clean up a breeze. Add a floating vanity and
aromatherapy shower head for the ultimate spa-like experience.4
5. Outdoor
Upgrades
From
exercise to gardening to safer options for entertaining, the pandemic has led
homeowners to utilize their outdoor spaces more than ever. In fact, backyard
swimming pool sales skyrocketed in 2020, with many installers reporting
unprecedented demand.8 But a new pool isn’t the only way homeowners
can elevate their outdoor areas this year.
The home
design website Houzz recently named 2021 “the year of the pergola.” They’re a
relatively quick and affordable option to add shade and ambiance to your
backyard.4 Another hot trend? Decked-out, custom playgrounds for
exercising (and occupying) the youngest family members who may be missing out
on school and extracurricular activities.9
But don’t
limit your budget to the backyard. Landscapers are reporting an increase in
front yard enhancements, including porch additions and expanded seating
options. These “social front yards” enable neighbors to stay connected while
observing social-distancing guidelines.10
DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you
contemplating a remodel? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value
of your home? Buyer preferences vary greatly by neighborhood and price range.
We can share our insights and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your
investment. And if you’re in the market to sell, we can run a Comparative
Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation!
Sources:
Good Housekeeping -
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g34762178/home-decor-trends-2021/
The Spruce –
https://www.thespruce.com/timeless-color-rule-797859
Homes & Gardens –
https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021
Houzz –
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/36-home-design-trends-ready-for-takeoff-in-2021-stsetivw-vs~142229851
Zillow -
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-end-of-open-floor-plans-how-homes-will-look-different-after-coronavirus-301080662.html
Pinterest -
https://business.pinterest.com/content/pinterest-predicts/more-door/
Homes & Gardens –
https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bedroom-trends-224944
Reuters -
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pools/pool-sales-skyrocket-as-consumers-splash-out-on-coronavirus-cocoons-idUSKCN2520HW
Realtor.com -
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/2021-design-trends/
Realtor Magazine -
https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/12/09/4-outdoor-home-trends-that-may-gain-steam-in-2021