It might sound cliche at this point to say that COVID has changed everything – but it has. Even in the home design industry, we’re seeing massive changes in layout, material, and setup choices across the country, especially in the Vancouver area.
At the beginning of 2021, 32 percent of Canadian employees aged 15 to 69 worked most of their hours from home, compared with only 4 percent in 2016. That’s a massive shift in lifestyle, and as a result, what we want and expect from our homes is changing.
As people spend more time in their homes, they have the opportunity to think more intensely about what they really want from their living spaces. Your house is no longer just a place to sleep and eat, but a place to relax, entertain, and even work.
Today, we want to talk about five of the top design trends we’ve been seeing, as well as explain their origins and how you can hop on the bandwagon. Let’s take a look.
1) Give People Their “Private” Spaces
After the pandemic, we all know what it feels like to be crammed in one space with family members, significant others, and maybe even roommates. This has pushed many of us (especially introverts) to seek more private, closed-off spaces within our homes.
We all need a break from company sometimes, and homes in 2021 reflect that sentiment. There’s a huge emphasis on “comfort” in our private areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and studies. Many of our clients have asked us for tips on sectioning their house off to offer more opportunities for quiet time and comfortable isolation.
This comes in a bit of a juxtaposition to the “open floorplan” rage of the late 2010s. Although some would argue that open floor plans are dead and gone, we wouldn’t go that far. Instead, we would say that most people are going to start paying attention to private spaces mixed in with a larger, open layout.
That brings us to our next trend.
2) Create Transitional Office Spaces and Study Nooks
At TQ Construction, we’ve been seeing requests for optimized, functional workspaces. People want to bring back formal studies, private offices, study nooks, and other spaces – but at the same time, they want them to work as a part of their overall home design.
The solution? Transitional spaces.
We’ve been working on converting small areas of open space, such as a corner or closet area, into a workspace with sliding panels and doors. People want the option to work privately, but when they’re not working, they still want their space to function in a free, open manner.
When we say we add doors, we’re not talking about barn doors that scream 2021. Instead, our clients have been shifting toward pocket doors or even classic French doors that add a little elegance to a room.
3) Adopt a “Homier” Feel
Next, we want to touch on the popularity of cozy, homey spaces.
In the spring of 2021, almost half of all Canadians (41 percent) have reported experiencing a mental health decline since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, it makes sense that many of us are seeking happiness, comfort, and warmth from our homes. We want refuge, and our design trends mirror that concept.
Blue greys and whites were at peak popularity in years past, but now, many designers and homeowners are transitioning to neutral earth colors. We’re talking warm rusts, greens, browns, etc.
After years of homeowners seeking minimalist themes, many are returning to their personal, decorative roots. This year is all about making homes personal and cozy again. You’ll likely see lots of reclaimed wood and wicker furniture.
4) Prioritize Sustainability in Home Design
Another thing to pay attention to this year is sustainability. As a country, we’re becoming more eco-conscious, and that has led to the increased use of natural material and environmentally friendly materials.
For example, many furniture stores are now using organic cotton, recycled materials, and other sustainable items to build their home decor. We see a new eco-friendly home design brand pop up every day, and that’s important to people who want a net-zero home.
In 2021, we expect to see more homeowners asking about where their materials are from, what they can do to design and decorate consciously, and how we can prepare for the future.
5) Combining Our Indoor/Outdoor Spaces
Lastly, let’s talk about the renewed effort this year to bring the outdoors inside, or at least to optimize the outdoor spaces we do have.
When so many Canadians (and people around the world) were quarantining during the pandemic, we realized just how important the outdoors are to us. Here in Vancouver, the average resident spends a great deal of time outdoor, and now, we want to bring that feeling to our homes.
Whether you have a big backyard, a small patio, or even a teeny-tiny balcony, you’ll likely want to start looking for ways to optimize the space. Changing your layout, furniture, and decor can give you a whole new living space to use for family, friends, or even just solo relaxing.
Remember: it’s not all about space, but rather intentionality. Even the smallest spaces can be used to the max with the proper design decisions.
In Conclusion
There you have it – those are the top design trends we see paving the way for 2021. If you want to take advantage of the latest options and popular choices, you still have time to jump on the bandwagon.
For layout changes, custom builds, and other big home changes, feel free to contact our team at TQ Construction. We’ve been helping Vancouver residents build their dream homes for years. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new work-from-home study or a renovated outdoor space, we can help.
Schedule your free consultation online or give us a call at 604-430-9900. We look forward to helping you bring your home into the future of design and construction.