The goal of any home remodeling project is to create a functional, comfortable and clean environment that meets our needs as a family. Making our way through the past 12 months in a pandemic has forced a new way of living for many of us and the need for home improvements that accommodate our new lifestyle. While experts across the nation have made their predictions of styles and colors that will shape the year ahead, we’ve gathered these top design trends that you need to know about before you remodel this year.
1 | Increased storage and cabinet organizers
The past year has drastically changed how we cook. We’ve become at-home chefs eating more meals in. Not to mention we’ve accumulated new appliances, cooking tools, and increased our grocery purchases. Many homeowners found themselves purchasing air fryers, Instant Pots, and coffee/espresso makers.
Kitchen and bath designers are focusing on maximizing storage, paying special attention to pantries and long-term food storing. Countertops are precious commodities, so placement and storage of these new appliances is crucial in the overall design of your space.
2 | Warm tones
Warm tones combined with cool grays, referred to as “greige,” will create a calming environment. After a year of stress, we are all looking for ways to evoke a feeling of comfort, compassion, and a sense of normalcy within our homes.
Sherwin Williams 2021 Color of the Year Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) is a warm, rich gray-brown that was named for its sense of serenity and stability. As described by Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin Williams in a press release, “Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal.” A likely mantra for the year when it comes to remodeling and home improvements.
3 | Two-tone kitchens
Two-toned cabinet combinations hit the market a few years back gaining traction, but are predicted to skyrocket this year. Mixing a darker cabinet with a lighter cabinet in the same space adds depth and character to the design. Many homeowners and designers alike are even pushing the bar to three-tone designs.
4 | Multi-level islands
2020 changed our everyday routines and forced us to push the boundaries of having rooms that serve multiple purposes. We found new ways to work at home with ease and spend more time together as a family. The kitchen has become the ultimate multi-functional room that provides not only plenty of meal prep space, but a place where kids do homework and virtual schooling, adults have set up a place for online meetings and work areas. Let’s not forget that we’re now eating more as a family as well. Multi-level islands and countertops provide comfortable seating options for all members of the family throughout the day.
5 | Mixing materials
Homeowners and designers are taking chances with mixing materials now more than ever. By introducing a wood element, such as in the hood, bar, or butcher block section of the countertop an eclectic layer within the design is created.
Dramatic veined countertop slabs, multi-toned cabinetry, varying textures and finishes will all add to the creativity that we are in store for.
6 | Tile with a modern retro feel
Subway tile has been a top choice of homeowners doing kitchen and bathroom remodeling. This year we’re seeing more texture and color variations giving modern tile an ancestry vibe with patterns and solids providing a handmade Moroccan-feel. Move over smooth porcelain or glass tile, and make way for artisan tile similar to a Moroccan zellige appearance. This look lends more to slimmer or nearly invisible grout lines. Not only will these attention-grabbing tiles be used in kitchen projects, but they’ll be making a splash in bathrooms as well.
7 | Technology
In our efforts to become more cognizant of germs in our homes, many homeowners that were previously not interested in smart technology are finding comfort in incorporating new state-of-the-art products into their remodels. Touchless faucets and other motion activated products continue to be in high demand, but we’re pushing the limitations with extra voice-activated capabilities. Products that pair with Alexa and Siri are assisting us in being more hygienic and productive. Faucets are now pre-measuring our water for our dinner recipes in the kitchen and pre-warming our shower to the precise temperature we need. Smart mirrors give us the weather forecast and news report while we get ready for our day. Refrigerators inform us when we are running low on our favorite foods, while our coffee makers are programmed to have our hot cup of joe ready when we are. Lighting that can be controlled remotely. All of these technological advances that we’re learning to embrace and more will be important trends this year.
When you’re ready to remodel, an experienced remodel contractor will not only recommend quality products that will keep you within your budget, but will design your space to fit the needs of your entire family now and for the years ahead.
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PODCAST
The past 2020 pandemic year has forced a new way of living for many of us and the need for home improvements that accommodate our new lifestyle. We discuss the designs, materials, styles, colors, and technology that are playing a part in today’s remodeling projects. Plus hear from some homeowners about projects at their homes.
PHOTO CREDITS
- TWD – Design. Build. Remodel.
