Houzz, the home renovation and design connection platform has shared 10 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 design trends are functional as well as beautiful. 

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 touchpoints 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. 

 

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. 

 

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 showerheads, and bathtub fillers that can hold a cup of tea or a glass of wine. 

 

4. Oversize rectangle tile

 

Fewer grout lines mean 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. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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 extended living spaces. 

 

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