What’s In, What's Out for Homes in 2021

A new year means new trends in home design. Trends you can see at your Grand Central Park builder’s design center and maybe include in your own home. Here’s a quick look at what’s hot and what’s not for 2021:

Open Floor Plans with a Twist

Open floor plans will not be out, per se, but they will come with options that allow homebuyers to create multi-functional areas in their homes. Sliding barn doors and archways will lead this trend. Doors will most likely lead to formal dining rooms, game rooms and data centers.

At Least One Office, Maybe Two

Although most of us can return to our offices, many of us won’t. More people working from home means designs that incorporate at least one study will be in demand. For some families the ability to add an additional study or private workshop for a spouse will be an ideal upgrade.

Hidden Kitchens

As much as we like having kitchens open to family spaces for entertaining, we’ve come to the conclusion that counter clutter and dishes in the sink don’t make a good impression. Look for kitchens with breakfast bars higher than the sink or hidden behind pass through windows or archways.

Seamless Smart Homes

Home automation systems are just beginning to be standard in new homes, but homebuyers are already demanding more seamless integration of those devices. Look for systems that integrate your smart thermostat with your kitchen appliances, lights and Alexa or Google Home.

Less Rustic, More Industrial

Shiplap walls and farm sinks are going away. Instead, homeowners are looking for a combination of traditional and modern for their rooms, particularly the kitchen. Wood and metal elements will be integrated with exposed brick or stonework.

Cleaner is Better

The ability to easily clean and disinfect our homes will be very important this year. In addition to a preference for touchless faucets, buyers will be interested in quartz countertops that are stain resistant and easy to sanitize. MERV-13 filters will be installed in more homes as they do a better job of reducing or eliminating a variety of air allergens including dust, lint, pollen, mold and even some bacteria and viruses.

Your Bathroom Oasis

We were already seeing a trend toward stand-alone bathtubs that add a touch of elegance to any bathroom, but buyers more than ever want bathrooms that help relieve stress. Higher ceilings, bigger windows and large showers with multiple shower heads will go a long way toward achieving this.