KEY GO-FOR FEATURES FOR BETTER HOMES

HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2021

2020 was the YEAR OF HOME. We worked at home, studied, exercised, had fun, and more. Our lives have largely moved behind four walls. And at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had some interior lessons.

More time at home helped us learn about our TRUE INTERIOR VALUES. Some things remain the same. Some have been shown to be overestimated, others underestimated. However, all our insights are highly valuable and will help you (us) design better homes. In a way, COVID-19 will also co-shape trends in architecture and interiors that may well influence how you plan your renovation or build. Some changes are expected and we are embracing the features that will be highly valuable even if we (that’s the plan, right?) spend less time at home in the coming years.

So let’s see what the most valued values will be, what the new luxury is, and how it will affect the design of our homes.

1 |   CONNECTION WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD
value feeling less lockdown

When we are at home a lot, we can quickly feel alienated from the world. Of course, outdoor surfaces such as balconies, terraces, etc. contribute the most to greater connection with the outside world.

However, when we do not have this option, the greatest sense of connection can be achieved with large window areas. These not only bring a lot of daylight into the room, but it is through them that we feel the changes in the day (morning, evening) and in the seasons (changes in tree canopies, etc.). They can also be used to create interesting views.

2 |   ENHANCEMENT OF OUTDOOR AREAS
value moving our offices under the tree canopy

We can expect that life, work, socializing, exercise, and other areas of our lives will largely move to our terraces, gardens, backyards and for this reason, we can expect this to be the most desirable area for those who will be renovating or building homes. The exterior will be a real extension of the interior – outdoor kitchen, office, space for socializing etc.

Furniture suitable for both, indoor and outdoor use, outdoor sockets, large outdoor tables, as well as home swimming pools, outdoor showers, or a basketball hoop will be sought after more and more often. Efforts will be focused on blurring the line between indoor and outdoor.

3 |   CONNECTION WITH NATURE
value surrounded by nature

If not earlier, we realized during the lockdown how important nature is to us. In addition to the use of outdoor surfaces and windows, we can connect with nature in our home in other ways as well. We can bring things from nature into our home, e.g. (seasonal) flowers, houseplants, firewood, branches, stones etc. We can also create an indoor garden (herbs, vegetables) or simply bring different shades of green (can also be brown, blue) through wall color, textile, furniture, or decorative items.

4 |   ADAPTABILITY OF PREMISES AND FURNITURE
value meeting different needs

Flexibility, variability, versatility are the keywords in designing our homes in the future. Open-plan spaces took our hearts, but they only work to some extent. We are still looking for a sense of connection between spaces and family members, but we also need solutions that ensure withdrawal, peace, and quiet. We need to design adaptable layouts that are able to change and grow with a family and arising needs. Small cells, non-permanent walls that can be shifted, and rooms that can be opened up and shut off as needed will surely be part of the design of our homes. We may also want to have one multi-purpose room for a workout, for creative projects, for meditation and retreat.

In furniture, we can expect the rise of modular furniture (modular sofas too), portable pieces, and items suitable for different uses. Giant multi-purpose tables can handle work, school, play, eating, and bouquets of fresh flowers all at the same time. If once the kitchen was the heart of the home, this could now become a large dining table.

5 |   DURABILITY
value durable and easy to maintain

We will be looking for more sustainable and durable materials that can withstand more of our use (the more we are at home, the more we use things). An increase in materials that already have natural irregularities (cement, natural wood, raw materials…) is also expected to be seen here. On the other hand, due to the pandemic, more attention will be paid to hygiene and there will therefore be a more noticeable use of antibacterial materials. At materials and shapes, we will strive for ease of cleaning and maintenance.

6 | HIGH-PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
value safety at entertainment, socializing, work

As entertainment, work, exercise, socializing have moved into our homes, technology became a must-have and is already calling for upgrades – outstanding internet connections, larger flat-screen televisions, great speakers, projectors, multiple computers, laptops, tablets, printers, and game consoles (dancing, exercise, board games, etc.). We can also expect automatic washbasins, touch-less flushing, and appliances with sensors at home. The challenge will be how to blend all these devices with the interiors and make them invisible.

7 | PERSONALIZED HOMES
value a sense of fulfillment and uniqueness

We, humans, have a need to feel at home. And what is more homely than feeling that our home is different, special, that it expresses us and tells our stories. Bring home furniture and accessories with a story. These can be antique pieces, repurposed items, salvaged pieces, second-hand items, reclaimed wood … They can be any special, beloved items that are either unique, made especially for you, or even made by yourself. It can happen that DIY furniture, furniture made from pallets, etc. will be relevant again.

8 | PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COMFORT
value relaxed, distressed, healthy

Feeling uncomfortable and chaotic is the last thing we want to experience these days. When we talk about physical comfort we have in mind mainly oversized, XXL sofas, squishy armchairs, different types of lighting. Everything is about to create coziness.

On one hand, we have a real environment – here it is necessary to declutter and bring in meaningful objects. On the other hand, we need to create holistic environments that heal, contribute to well-being, provide rest, and help to destress. Color, scents, sounds (also soundproof), lighting, steam showers, aromatherapy showerheads, saunas, all these contribute to well-being. And we will want to feel good in all rooms, including the bathroom.

Although 2020 was a little more bitter in taste, it also taught us a lot. And when we become aware of all these lessons and translate them into values, we can also plan better. We can create better homes.

If you don’t follow me on Instagram, I invite you to check out two posts on my profile titled “2020 THE YEAR OF HOME”. There we compared how we experienced our homes before and after 2020. I think you will also find some of your own experience. 😉

Stay curious,
BOLDURS