Houzz, the home renovation and interior design connection platform, has shared 10 interior design trends it sees as top consumer considerations for the coming year. As coronavirus has turn homes into multi-functional spaces — offices, school and vacation spots to name a few — these interior design trends are functional as well as beautiful.
Houzz's 10 interior design trends for 2021 are:
1. The multi-zone kitchen
Many homeowners want their kitchens to emphasize a variety of tasks and allow for other cooks as well. In response, homeowners are working with designers on Houzz to add more touch points to that triangle shape and create a “work trapezoid” that might include dedicated areas for baking, prepping and chopping, or separate stations for snacks, drinks or homework. © Noble Johnson Architects
2. Stylish sconce lighting
Homeowners on Houzz are showing interest in swing-arm and other sconce fixtures, which can add some adornment while providing needed task lighting around a sink or range. Margaret Wright Photography © 2018 Houzz
3. The rejuvenating bathroom
Two in five homeowners (41%) who renovated a master bathroom say they rely on their new space for rest and relaxation, according to the recent 2020 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study. Besides a soak in the tub or a long hot shower, some homeowners are rejuvenating with steam showers, aromatherapy shower heads and bathtub fillers that can hold a cup of tea or glass of wine. Margaret Wright Photography © 2018 Houzz
4. Oversize rectangle tile
Fewer grout lines means less cleaning and less visual clutter. Plus, the large-format tile can help visually expand a small space. We’re seeing large tiles used in a variety of classic patterns, such as herringbone, stacked and brick. Jesse Young © 2020 Houzz
5. Browns and beiges bounce back
A trend that came up again and again was a renewed interest in shades of brown. Warm taupes, beiges, sands — basically any earth tone is surging in popularity. Some designers say the trend is an evolution from popular whites and grays of recent years, and that brown as an accent color works well to bring warmth to a palette heavy with those colors. Darlene Halaby Photography © 2019 Houzz
6. Hardworking home offices and nooks
This year, family members of all ages sought out productive spaces for remote work, video meetings, schoolwork and other tasks that previously took place away from home. This trend of remote work will continue in 2021, and homeowners will double-down on creating efficient dedicated offices, work nooks and backyard cottages. (Photo by Lauren Andersen,© 2019 Houzz)
7. Video conference-worthy backgrounds
This year, many people found themselves crafting aesthetically pleasing backgrounds for video meetings. Homeowners are discovering the art of a good vignette, from artwork, pops of color, good lighting, a little greenery and objects of different sizes. Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
8. Rethinking the open plan
Anyone who had multiple family members attempting concurring video meetings in an open layout quickly saw the disadvantages to a lack of walls. The open plan isn’t going away, but many people are considering sliding doors or partitions that can close off rooms for much-needed privacy. Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
9. The year of the pergola
Homeowners on Houzz are looking to extend usable living space to outdoor areas, and a pergola is a relatively quick and affordable solution. These simple shade structures, which can be built and installed in a day or two, provide adequate shade for dining, lounging and other outdoor activities. Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
10. Rise of the backyard cottage or ADU
Many people who found themselves in households of competing video meetings and school activities desperately sought private space to work, exercise or relax. A backyard cottage or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be just the solution. These standalone structures are used as home offices, gyms, meditation areas or as extended living spaces. Jesse Young © 2020 Houzz
