We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. Our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our haven. It’s no surprise to discover that 5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character atmosphere, and quiet retreats.

We advise our clients to take modern design preferences, over-personalized or unpopular renovations can 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 Color Design

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

White and gray colors are safe options. However, neutrals are increasing in popularity 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.” Choose a dominant color to cover 60% of your room. First, walls, rugs, and sofa might be varying shades of beige or gray. Layer a secondary color for 30% of the room. This might include draperies and accent furniture. Third an accent color for 10% of your room, showcased with artwork and accessories.²

2. Curated Design 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 of mid-century modern, industrial, and a curated style replace modern farm homes with furniture, fixtures, and accessories that seem 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. Replace Moroccan square tiles for a modern alternative with old-world flair.⁴

3. Reimagined Remodeling and Design

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.

Home builders predict the end of open-concept floor plans as we know them.⁵ Buyers are looking for 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

Inspiring Staycation

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 be a soothing sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Minimalist decor and muted colors give 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 organic linen bedding, a chunky wool throw, and finish the look with matching 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 Design Upgrades

Homeowners want to use outdoor their spaces. Backyard swimming pool sales skyrocketed in 2020, with many installers reporting unprecedented demand.⁸ New pools aren’t the only way homeowners can increase 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 Decked-out, custom playgrounds for exercising (and occupying) the youngest family members who may be missing out on school and extracurricular activities.⁹ 

Don’t limit your budgt to the backyard, landscapers are reporting an increase in front yard enhancements, including porch additions and expanded seating options. Social front yards enable neighbors to stay connected and observe social distance guidelines.¹⁰

DESIGNED TO SELL

Learn how upgrades impact a homes value. Buyer preferences vary 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 5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021:

1. Good Housekeeping  –
   https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g34762178/home-decor-trends-2021/
2. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/timeless-color-rule-797859
3. Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021
4. Houzz –https://www.houzz.com/magazine/36-home-design-trends-ready-for takeoff-in 2021-stsetivw-vs~142229851
5. Zillow –https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-end-of-open-floor-plans-how-homes-will-look-different-after-coronavirus-301080662.html
6. Pinterest –https://business.pinterest.com/content/pinterest-predicts/more-door/
7. Homes & Gardens –https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bedroom-trends-224944 
8. Reuters –https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pools/pool-sales-skyrocket-as-consumers-splash-out-on-coronavirus-cocoons-idUSKCN2520HW
9. Realtor.com –https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/2021-design-trends/
10. Realtor Magazine –https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/12/09/4-outdoor-home-trends-that-may-gain-steam-in-2021