Multipurpose Spaces, In-Demand Kitchen Features, and Bringing the Outside In Are Setting the Tone for Home Design This Year

I see a lot of houses, many of which are recently remodeled and new construction. I'm also in contact with a lot of local interior designers and follow them to see what the upcoming trends are, so I'm going to share some of those with you here!

If you're thinking about remodeling your house, or even just a room, my number one recommendation is to make it multipurpose or multifunctional. With more of us working from home and with kids in virtual school, spaces that can flex as needs change are very attractive to buyers right now.

Let's say you've got a living room that you're thinking about updating. I saw on Wayfair, for example, a built-in shelf that has a retractable desk. A lot of people don't really utilize their formal living room. It’s often just a pretty space that no one sits in. If you can turn that living room into more of a multifunctional space, buyers really like that and can easily see the possibilities for working from home or creating a kids' school and work area in the space.

Also, home gyms are huge now. Some gyms remain open, but a lot of people prefer to work out at home due to the health risks. So if you've got a basement or spare room with undefined open space, I recommend that you convert some or all of that space into a home gym so it has a clear function. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on this—you can define the space easily with a large mirror, a yoga mat, and some dumbbells. The goal is demonstrate to buyers how they might use the space, so don't have to think of it themselves when they're looking at your house.

Another thing that's really big is biophilic design to bring the outside in. Plants are a great first step. Studies show that plants have positive effects on mental health, and they look great! Real plants are best, if possible, and provide a nice pop of color against a neutral palette. If you look at any interior design website, you’ll see plants in nearly every room, including the kitchen and even in bathrooms.

As far as wood goes, I’m seeing less dark wood and more natural wood colors like White Oak and Walnut. If you're thinking about refinishing your floors, I recommend wide-plank wood in a natural finish. 

Other things I'm seeing that are really popular are coffered ceilings and buyers are loving pantries with custom organizers and beverage counters. Houses built in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s often have desks in the kitchen that can easily be converted into a beverage center for coffee, tea, and cocktails with a beverage cooler installed underneath. 

Mudrooms are always popular. Coming in from the garage or coming in from the backyard and having designated and organized space with cubbies or space to hang coats and put shoes, especially with kids, is always a benefit. In older homes, I often see conventional closets converted into mudroom-style spaces.

In the kitchen, farmhouse sinks have been and continue to be very popular and I’m seeing a trend where the farmhouse sink also serves as a workstation with a cutting board and other accessories. People love to look outside while doing dishes in their farmhouse sink, so if you live in an older home with standard-sized windows in the kitchen I recommend you replace them with a big picture window because it lets in more light and enhances the view.

If you're going to replace your stove or oven, I recommend getting a range and having a hood above it. Having your microwave above the range is going out of style, so find another convenient location for the microwave. 

Backsplashes continue to be a key feature. I’m seeing more natural-cut stone tile for backsplashes that go along with the biophilic design trend, instead of subway tile. For counter tops, granite is on its way out. If you're going to be replacing your countertops, I recommend quartz or marble (real or faux). 

In terms of color, warm and bold earth tones are becoming the trend. Sherwin Williams has a new sanctuary color palette inspired by biophilic design to connect indoor rooms with the natural world. The Modern Gray color from this palette is a great warm, yet neutral color that I highly recommend. White kitchen cabinets are still in style, but instead of using stark white everywhere I’m seeing white cabinets combined with a selection of cabinets or an island in an accent color or a natural wood.

Lauren Collander, founder and lead designer at Elsie Interiors in Naperville, recently featured on her Instagram a really cool baker's kitchen she remodeled for clients that didn't want stark white cabinets. They opted for a color called Cinnamon Sugar by Magnolia Home paired with a natural-finish wood island. It’s so beautiful!

Finally, don’t forget your outdoor spaces! Designated spaces to sit comfortably outside and outdoor kitchens are especially in demand with all of the time we are and will be spending at home.

If you’re planning to renovate in preparation for putting your home on the market, I can help you make the most effective decisions for your local market and price point before we list your property. Contact me to schedule a consultation at jnewsom@bhhschicago.com or (773) 580-5840.