Predictions and Trends for the Home in 2021

Our homes have become much more than just our everyday living spaces, in part thanks to the global pandemic.  For many of us, our home has become our workplace, gym, school, and overall entertainment area. With travel bans abound, the need for stay-cations and the desire for a private outdoor escape has grown, and it will continue to well into 2021. Due to the range of needs, there are some very elaborate designs taking place in these exterior spaces.

Brittany Warren, Regional Sales Account Specialist at Hamilton Parker, shares, “we are seeing a rise in requests from homeowners who are considering adding outdoor kitchens, pools, fireplaces and upgraded decks and patios”. Since travel or even dinner at a restaurant is uncertain in today’s climate, adding or refreshing a space at home can create not only an enjoyable place for homeowners but will also add value to their home.

Outdoor Living

An outdoor kitchen can include a grill and countertop space for food prep or entertaining, and can also include mini-fridges and sinks. Pizza ovens can also be a fun, yet affordable addition. Pro tip: consider porcelain countertops for all-weather counter surfaces! 

Fire Features

Fire features are more than just wood-burning fireplaces or fire pits. Trends that will continue include flames being integrated into tables, technology upgrades like remote on/off, and long gone are the days of simple wood. Pro-tip: to make your fire feature unique, instead of opting for traditional logs, consider exciting new media options such as glass, river, or lava rock.  

Patio Pavers

Pool installations are on the rise in the Midwest as well. Whether its European influenced pool decks (think coping and grates that integrate seamlessly) or mosaics for the pool’s waterline, the hardscapes and tile industry have an array of new products that are both sophisticated in look and budget-friendly. Pro-tip: porcelain products perform well in our freeze-thaw climate.

What was once an offering that was seemingly limited, outdoor pavers have experienced a boom in ingenuity thanks to technological advances. Large-format porcelain pavers are not only for large commercial projects, but homeowners are now seeking them out too due to both the clean look and the easy maintenance! Pro-tip: go big or go home! The most sought after are sizes 24×24 and 24×48 – in all looks, including a variety of stones and even wood looks.