Rise | We've Done the Research
Home Trends for 2021: Maximizing Multifunctional Spaces Sustainably
Who isn't ready to leave 2020 behind? After all the challenges we've faced and continue to confront, we're pumped for a fresh start in 2021. Still, the difficulties posed by 2020 have also presented us with possibilities and opportunities to change how we work, relax, and play—changes that benefit ourselves and our communities, and the planet.
Table of Contents
What Are the Biggest Home Trends for 2021?
Being forced to stay home made us increasingly aware of our impact on the earth. Not only are we ditching single-use plastic, toxic cleaning supplies, and chemical lawn and garden fertilizers, we've also been decluttering like mad. This summer saw the "victory garden" return as homeowners supplemented their pantries with homegrown and organic fruits and vegetables.
Our homes also became much more than places to gather with family or hang our hats after a long day. The house was suddenly the workplace, school, gym, yoga studio, and more. Perhaps no other room got more use, or become more multifunctional, than the living room. So, as we enter a new year, let's talk about how to maximize our hybrid living spaces sustainably.
Reuse, Recycle
Several trend forecasters in the interior design industry advocate that homeowners look to vintage, antique, salvage, and consignment shops for one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their personality and style. Hooray for upcycling! According to Sampleboard, sustainability in the home now taps into the domain of paints, objects, and materials. They go on to say that the industry is exploring different production technologies and promoting recycling. That the growing popularity of vintage furniture and decor with Millennials is helping move the needle forward.
Used furnishings also often come with provenance or a story that makes them unique. They add authenticity and a sense of history to your home décor while allowing for personalization and experimentation. Alessandra Wood told Insider that this style is called "Grandmillenial" and described it as "eco-friendly" as well as affordable.
Searching for the perfect piece at a local antique or consignment shop also provides a sense of adventure and discovery. And, this purchase supports the community in which you live. Similarly, finding a multifunctional table or bench handcrafted by a local maker from recycled materials infuses your living room with a whole new level of creativity.
Renewing and Renovating
The pandemic lockdown also inspired homeowners to take on renovation projects that may have been long overdue. Basements became home offices, gyms, even extra bedrooms. Homeowners connected and moved living areas outdoors, creating kitchens, dining areas, play spaces, living and gathering, and even offices outdoors. Homeowners also transformed underused spaces under the stairs, next to laundry areas, even pantries into a home office or study area.
To keep these innovative spaces sustainable—while keeping the family healthy and happy and utility bills to a minimum—requires an environmental mindset. For example, if starting a new project in 2021, insist on local and low-carbon footprint and energy-efficient construction materials, as well as options for recycling construction waste. Bring the outdoors and natural daylight in by replacing windows and doors with energy-efficient alternatives. Use LEDs in light fixtures that provide supplemental illumination for such tasks as reading, studying, or working.
Hybrid and Healthy Living Spaces
In 2021, our living areas will continue to function as multipurpose, hybrid spaces. The living room is where we gather with our COVID safe-bubbles, help the kids with online learning, work from home, practice yoga or lift weights, and entertain ourselves. Keeping happy and healthy and our living spaces fresh and clean and comfortable will help us enter the new year with eyes firmly looking toward a more sustainable future.
Camille LeFevre
Camille LeFevre is an architecture and design writer based in the Twin Cities.
