Top 10 Interior Design Remodeling Trends for 2021

Top 10 Interior Design Remodeling Trends for 2021

design trends 2021

It’s no secret that everyone spent more time at home in 2020 than ever before. Homes became a safe space for cooking, working, schooling, exercising and relaxing. COVID-19 has made homeowners realize they want to improve the functionality and aesthetics of their space. Many of the remodeling trends we’re seeing for 2021 are a direct result of living through a pandemic, with more focus on health, relaxation and functionality.  

The pandemic has affected the home remodeling industry. We’re seeing a surge in home remodeling projects in the Milwaukee and Waukesha-area. Across the U.S. remodeling projects were up in 2020 from 2019, with basement projects up nearly 40%, followed by bathroom remodels at 25%, and kitchen renovations at 22%.

What can you expect to see in the coming year? The designers at Kowalske Kitchen & Bath have compiled the hottest interior design and remodeling trends for 2021.

Top 10 Design Trends for 2021:

1. The Hygienic Home

Health and wellness are more important than ever. People are looking for ways to create a hygienic home for their family, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. The pandemic has created a new focus on eating healthy and cooking more meals at home. The bathroom is also important – a space for personal hygiene and a place to relax. When remodeling your home, it’s a great time to install materials that promote a healthy lifestyle.

2021 kitchen trends
This kitchen features a Kohler touch-free faucet and antimicrobial quartz counters. 

Our favorite hygienic materials:

  • Touch Free Faucet / Tap On/Off – All the major faucet manufacturers now sell no-touch faucets or tap on/off faucets. Either wave your hand under the touch-free faucet or tap any part of the on/off faucet to engage the water. 
  • Antimicrobial Surfaces – We recommend quartz countertops in your kitchen and bathroom. Quartz is antimicrobial and resistant to mold, making it a great option. 
  • Bidet Toilets – Save on water and toilet paper!
2021 remodeling trends
Bidet toilets, as seen in this Brookfield, WI master bathroom, became increasingly popular during the pandemic.

2. The ‘At-Home’ Spa Trend

Create an ‘at-home’ spa where you can relax and unwind. Add luxury features to your bathroom. How about a deep soaking whirlpool tub, handheld showerhead, bidet toilet or heated floors? Many homeowners want larger walk-in showers with a bench, water jets and steam features. 

2021 bathroom trends
This spa-like bathroom is full of luxury features, including a whirlpool tub and heated floors. 

Bathroom organization became more important in 2020, with more people stocking up on toilet paper and soap. Consider adding hidden electrical outlets inside your bathroom cabinet. You can conceal and plug-in electric toothbrushes, hairdryers, curling irons and razors.

grooming organizer
This grooming organizer will tidy up your bath vanity and make getting ready in the morning a breeze. It comes with holes for storing hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons. Add an outlet inside the cabinet for even more convenience!

3. More Private Spaces

Need a quiet space? Being quarantined together has given us a new appreciation for walls and privacy. While this doesn’t mean that open concept is out, there is now a surge toward having more divided spaces with connecting views. The family den has become a big deal. In 2021, we’ll see more people looking to create small cozy rooms that can house a computer or TV and a comfy couch for a few people. Consider adding pocket doors or sliding barn doors to create privacy.

2021 design trends
This home features a den off the kitchen where a small group can gather and sit. Grab a drink from the beverage bar and relax by the fireplace. 

4. Finished Basements

With everyone stuck at home in 2020, homeowners looked for ways to spread out in their homes. If an addition is not possible, finishing a basement is a great solution. Transform your basement into whatever your family needs – playroom for the kids, home office, home gym, storage, laundry room, another bathroom/bedroom, kitchenette, bar or living room. The options are endless!

2021 remodeling trends
This finished basement includes a lounge area, kitchenette, two separate desk areas, a laundry/ bathroom and storage area. 

5. Creative Office Space

With many people working from home in 2020 and beyond, finding office space in your home is crucial. If you don’t have a dedicated office room, we can help you find creative desk solutions. Oftentimes, a bedroom, hallway, closet, living room or kitchen will work. Our designers can help you identify the best solution, such as creating a ‘cloffice’ or adding desk space in your kitchen.

The Cloffice 

Creating a “cloffice” is a great way to add desk space in your home without invading your living space or bedroom. The depth of a standard closet is perfect for carving out a work zone with some storage on the side or up above. To create a “cloffice”, either take the doors off to embrace the space, or close the doors at night to  hide your work life away.

cloffice
Here we created a functional ‘cloffice’ in a hallway closet in this Pewaukee Lake home.

The Kitchen Desk

The kitchen desk was popular in the 1980s and we’re seeing it come back in 2021. The kitchen is the hub of the home and the perfect place to do homework, pay bills and work from home. When hosting parties, it’s the perfect place to set up a bar or appetizer station. 

2021 design trends

6. Reinventing the Kitchen Flow

Today’s kitchen is used for more than just cooking. It’s the place where we gather, bake, entertain and work. In the past, kitchen design has always focused on the kitchen triangle – the location and space between the three main work areas. Specifically, the stove, refrigerator and sink. 

2021 design trends
The refrigerator is tucked outside of the main kitchen area for better flow and functionality in this Waukesha home. The clients also requested a desk within their kitchen.  

Kitchen flow is changing and we’re focused more on prep space versus having the refrigerator inside a perfect work triangle. 

  • Baking Zone – If you are a baker, we would create a baking zone where you have your mixer, bowls, cups, prep space and oven. 
  • Food Prep Area – For cooking prep, we make sure you have a linear workstation. You want easy access to the stove, sink, dishwasher, cutting boards, knives and trash can. 
  • Work / School Space – Many homeowners want work/school space within the kitchen. 2021 kitchens have more seating options, outlets and counterspace.

7. Wood & Metal Hoods

2021 kitchen trends

Wood and metal hoods are trending, which is a great way to create a focal point in your kitchen! A wood hood can match the cabinet color to blend seamlessly. Or consider a contrasting color or texture to add visual interest. Use shiplap and barn wood for a modern farmhouse style or build the hood to match the cabinetry. A copper hood is another option that adds warmth to your space. 

8. The Beverage Bar

Get ready to entertain again in 2021 (we hope)! Add a beverage bar area adjacent to your kitchen, dining or living room. All you need is counter space and a beverage fridge. Use this flexible space for mixing drinks or serving food. A dedicated beverage refrigerator keeps guests and kids out of your main refrigerator. The design options for your beverage area are endless. Considering using fun tile, unique lighting, open shelving or installing a built-in wine holder! 

2021 kitchen trends
We added a wet bar in this Pewaukee Lake home, just off the kitchen in the great room.

9. Create a Modern Mudroom

2021 design trends

Wisconsin winters are long and cold, which means we need space for coats, wet boots, hats and gloves. Create a modern mudroom in your home. It’s functional and stylish. Tear out the coat closet and put in a boot bench with hooks and cubbies. You can also convert a section of your laundry room into a mudroom. A mudroom keeps you organized and is a convenient place to put on shoes when heading out the door. A few of our favorite mudroom features: hooks for your keys, radiant heated floors and a statement light fixture. 

10. Rich, Bold Colors in 2021

2021 kitchen trends
Check out the black lower cabinets in this 3-D rendering of an Oconomowoc kitchen currently under construction. 

We are seeing more bold colors in all areas of the home, including walls, cabinetry, hardware and fixtures. Gray is moving out and greige and black are moving in during 2021. We have also spotted colors that evoke a feeling of comfort, warmth and nature, such as terra cotta, earthy green and eggplant. Don’t be afraid to use color in 2021. 

Start Your Remodeling Project in 2021

Now is a perfect time to start planning your exciting home remodeling project. At Kowalske Kitchen & Bath, we are design-build contractors that have perfected a hassle-free formula. We manage every step of the renovation process.

See the hottest kitchen and bath design trends in our state-of-the-art showroom in Delafield, WI today. To speak to a design expert about your home improvement project, contact us today!

More Remodeling Trends

2021 design trends

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