This year we’re viewing our homes from a new perspective, and it’s impacting design trends for 2021 in a big way. As home gyms and e-learning become commonplace, the need for homes designed with purpose and function has grown. From color to materials to customization, our 2021 interior design trend predictions are all about spaces that feel so comfortable you won’t mind being stuck at home. We predict these will be some of the hottest design trends in the new year:
Fully Customized Home Offices
Because more people than ever before are working or learning remotely, home offices have become a necessity. Homeowners will seek out productive spaces filled with creative storage solutions and video-worthy backgrounds. Even small spaces won’t sacrifice on style. Homeowners will want a dedicated office space that can be kept tidy with built-in cabinets, multi-functional furniture and beautiful shelving. Freestanding desks will be customized with upgraded hardware, decorative task lighting and houseplants—things that wouldn’t necessarily be welcome in an office building, but are little luxuries at home.
Neutral Tones
The easiest way for a homeowner to freshen up a space? A fresh coat of paint. Homeowners in 2021 will be looking to reenergize and redecorate certain rooms in their homes. Whites and grays will always be popular, but homeowners this year will embrace earthy tones like taupe, beige and sand. Earthy colors can make a room feel warmer and more comfortable. Colors once thought of as “too traditional,” will make a stunning comeback with a modern twist. Examples include:
Multi-Functional Kitchens
Serving as the heart of the home, today’s kitchens are getting more use than ever before. That’s fueling the trend for open concept, multi-functional kitchens with trapezoid-shaped work areas. While the classic kitchen work triangle will always hold true, dedicated stations for food prep, cocktail mixing, snacking, morning coffee or doing homework will become more popular. No longer are kitchens solely about cooking. In 2021 kitchens will have integrated smart technology, more countertop space and specialized corners for every home ritual.
Skylights
More and more homeowners will turn to skylights as a way to introduce additional natural light into their living spaces. Using a skylight to brighten up a room not only boosts mood and productivity, it makes it appear larger. This year skylights will become popular in unexpected places, including: kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Operable skylights that let fresh air in will become less of a luxury and more routine.
MRM Tip: Based on your taste and budget, there are a plethora of skylight styles to choose from, including fixed, tubular, deck-mounted, and remote-controlled versions that improve ventilation. Our designer can help you choose the right style for your space. Using your less electrical lighting, and more natural light, will also reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint!
Sustainable Design Elements
Eco-friendly home furnishings are trending as people consider how their home improvement projects affect the planet. Many home décor items and furniture are now being manufactured with an added emphasis on protecting the environment. Homeowners in 2021 will look for sustainable certifications like FSC, Oeko-Tex, WaterSense and fair-trade. They’ll choose stylish yet sustainable home furnishings like carpeting, sofas, area rugs, pillows and shelving to improve both their home’s aesthetics and the earth in the process. They’ll also spend more time looking for reclaimed items, like the fireplace tiles and vintage furnishings above, and prioritize energy efficient appliances.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Many designers are predicting that 2021 will be the “Year of the Pergola” as living spaces extend into previously underutilized outdoor areas. Pergolas are simple overhead structures that provide adequate shade for dining, working, lounging and other activities. Louvers, borders, overhead fans and string lighting are all impactful ways to customize pergolas.
Countless patios, porches and decks will become comfortable living spaces thanks to design elements like outdoor carpeting, plants, furniture and fans. Garage doors and large glass sliders will be used for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Home gardening will be on the rise, too!
MRM Tip: You can create an even smoother visual transition from inside to out by using botanical wallpaper and houseplants.
As more adult children move back home standalone backyard cottages or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are now being utilized to create private escapes for virtual meetings, exercising, meditating or as additional living space.
Remodeling in 2021
The end of the year is the perfect time to start thinking about remodeling your Seattle home. Whether you’re envisioning a dream kitchen remodel, home office upgrade or other home improvement project, the beginning of the year is a great time to start planning ahead. At Model Remodel, we transform outdated or dysfunctional homes into fully functional, stylish living spaces. Our proven, conception-to-completion home remodeling formula is seamless, efficient and less stressful than traditional remodeling. If you have any questions about how to get started on your next exciting home project, tell us more about your vision today!
