These Home Trends Will Dominate 2021, According to Design Expert Athena Calderone and Yelp

The events of 2020 completely altered the way we live, and with that, how much we value our homes. Our homes became schools, offices, and sanctuaries from the chaos outside, which of course has led to an increase in home design remodels and renovations.

In fact, a trends report from Yelp reveals that searches for interior designers increased 372% in September of 2020 as compared to that month in 2019. 

There’s no doubt that home trends for 2021 will be largely reflective of the world’s current needs, and Yelp identified the top home trends that we can expect to skyrocket in 2021 in collaboration with lauded design expert Athena Calderone. Using their collected data, Yelp identified the top search terms in home design for 2020 and used that to forecast what is to come for 2021, with some of the top trends being organizational design, chic home offices, indoor living spaces that blend seamlessly to the outdoors, and a step back to basics. 

Calderone says her predictions mirror the public’s need for safe and healthy homes. “We’re spending more time at home than ever before, myself included, which has inspired so many of us to update our homes to reflect this cultural shift and create a personal sanctuary that feels calm and cozy,” she tells Yelp. “I’ve personally been seeking out more natural light and warmth at home, so my first project for 2021 will be adding a skylight to the kitchen, where I spend so much of my time.”

Designing for organization took top priority in 2020, as more time at home meant we could finally declutter and clean our spaces from top to bottom. According to Yelp’s report, searches for closet design increased 71% from August to September, and searches for home organizers were up 39%, mirroring needs for home organization projects and editing down our wardrobes. Calderone mentions that organizing is her secret for stress relief, and suggests hiring a home organization expert to help you maximize closet space and shelving. 

Of course, the home office went from a small corner of the home filled with old files to everyday landing pads for employees. Yelp reports that there was an 80% increase in searches and review mentions of home offices from 2019 to 2020. With this opportunity to work from home comes an opportunity to make a space all your own—and Calderone suggests taking advantage of it. “Now, more than ever, it’s important we all make space to separate our work from home—no matter how big or small—and to make room for our artistic pursuits,” she tells Yelp.

One of the biggest forecasted 2021 trends is indoor/outdoor spaces that coexist and are multifunctional. As social gatherings out at a restaurant or bar are no longer the safest option, many are hosting intimate gatherings at their homes and utilizing their outdoor spaces as much as possible to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Yelp’s research suggests installing glass doors from your indoor living space to an outdoor space and using harmonious colors in each to ensure fluidity. 

Yelp’s data showed a large push in the basics of home upkeep, like installation of hardwood floors and exterior painting, which were up 420% and 469% respectively from 2019 to 2020. People want security now more than ever before, and they want to ensure their homes will be safe and sturdy for years to come. One thing is for certain: Homeowners will do whatever they can to feel a sense of security as we move into a new year filled with hope and positivity.