Gena Kirk, Vice President of KB Home Design shares her expert insight on the latest looks for the home in 2021.
The Kitchen:
Multifunctional kitchens are more important than ever. With the increase in families working from home, virtual schooling, and less social events and extracurricular activities, I predict that we will continue to spend a lot more time at home in 2021. Kitchens will be the host for activities such as schoolwork, office work, family game night, and more, in addition to just serving as a cooking and eating space. Kitchen spaces that include a nook can also offer a solution to the increased amount of time spent at home. The nook is the perfect quiet spot designed to provide a nice backdrop for video conferencing, working from home, and remote learning.
Smart Technology, Health and Wellness:
Homeowners want healthier indoor environments. In addition to air purifiers, adding houseplants in the home can also help purify the air. Eco-friendly paints, like Sherwin-Williams Harmony, are becoming a more popular option for people looking to redecorate their homes. Wellness systems are also seeing a rise in popularity as they can offer the best of health and smart home technology. Smart and touchless devices, such as appliances, shades, lights and faucets, are also good to install in the home. Installing home appliances with compatible smart devices such as Google can make life easier and cleaner. If not touchless, consider equipping your home with antibacterial fixtures and technology to minimize the spread of dirt and germs and protect against the growth of bacteria. Nobody ever thinks about cleaning the doorknobs around the home, but they can easily gather germs and bacteria. Today you can choose even choose doorknobs with an extra layer of bacterial protection.
All Black:
Black has been very popular in the past few years and we expect it to remain popular going into 2021. Designs and appliances with black and white accents will also be popular. Millennials love the mixed medium matte black look with brushed gold faucets and lighting because it provides a modern look. Matte black is a classic color combination with a simple and minimalist design that makes any room look bright. Matte black stainless cabinet hardware and fingerprint-proof appliances will be in high demand and the bathroom is one room where we will see this trending palette used widely.
Back to Nature:
In 2021, we can see trends in colors and furniture design reflecting nature and natural elements. We can expect to see natural materials being used in furniture, including live-edge or reclaimed wood tables, weathered leather, quartzite or marble, ceramics with concrete and metal. Colors such as green, light blue and neutral browns are popular as they bring the outside into the home and create a calming environment. We see that trend in Sherwin-Williams’s Color of the Year, Urban Bronze, where they emphasized tying the home to nature. This color strikes the balance between grey and brown that can almost feel green. It is sophisticated while casual and comfortable at the same time.
Home Office:
While many families are adapting to their new environment and by converting spaces such as the kitchen and great room into workspaces, there will be a greater need for home offices in 2021. People will want home office spaces that can also work for them comfortably, including the right lighting, accessible USB ports, and access to natural light which can increase productivity and alertness.
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