The COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to improve sustainability, and shifting dynamics in the family unit are a few of the many contemporary issues that are influencing the real estate market. While the exact impact of all combined forces can be difficult to pinpoint and measure, popular remodeling trends are one way to get a gauge of what people deem to be important. The following five millennial remodeling trends are likely to continue throughout 2021, shedding light on how homeowners can most effectively position their properties to thrive in the current climate. 

Increased Focus on Home Offices

The pandemic transformed the home office from a neat little bonus feature in select properties to an essential area in all dwellings. As more and more professionals realize that the shift to remote work is anything but a temporary blip on the radar, homeowners, and renters, alike, are finding ways to convert extra bedrooms and bonus spaces into functional work environments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contemporary professionals are looking into creative area rugs and hardwood floor color trends, ceiling and wall sound insulation, and sliding glass pocket doors to create a zen environment that effectively bridges the gap between work and personal life. 

Creativity in Ensuring Exterior Livability

 

The past year has also emphasized the importance of finding ways to ensure physical distance and consume quality air, so homeowners have answered the call by spending an increased amount of time ensuring the livability of their exterior spaces. Deck additions, outdoor kitchens, and louvered pergolas are some of the more trendy features that can help improve the use and enjoyment of a home’s exterior. It is a good idea to pair these exterior remodeling projects with concurrent upgrades to siding, trim, and fire resistant roofing materials to help solidify curb appeal.

A Move Away from Minimalism

 

When the lines between personal and professional life were a bit more well-defined, homeowners preferred a minimalist interior ambiance as an escape from the hustle and chaos of the workday. Now that people have spent more than a year largely at home with uncertainty surrounding what a return to normal will look like, the minimalist look is causing some homeowners to go a bit stir crazy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Therefore, look for home interiors to get conspicuously busier for the remainder of 2021. Homeowners will be searching how to measure for wallpaper to give their white walls a burst of personality; replacing matching furniture sets with mismatched, refurbished pieces; and bringing elements of nature inside in the form of living walls and stately house plants. 

Commitment to Dedicated Spaces

The prevailing design trend in recent years has been the demolition of interior walls to create an open floor concept. While the open concept does create a classy and well-lit interior, there will be an increased focus on partitioning specific areas of the home in 2021 as homeowners look to corral the many facets of life under one roof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the home office, there will be other areas, such as workout spaces, craft studios, and game rooms, that will be the focus of contemporary remodeling efforts. This optimizes privacy for each specific area of the home so that these specialty spaces can be enjoyed to their fullest potential. 

Making Room for House Sharing

As people turn to technology to help them make a living, the rise in house-sharing apps, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, has led to homeowners seeking out renovations that will maximize their property’s house sharing potential. Finished basements, guest bedroom add-ons, and accessory dwelling units are a few of the ways homeowners are renovating with an eye toward renting a shared space in their residence. 

The Top Millennial Remodeling Trends for 2021

There are many forces at play in the current real estate market, with popular remodeling trends one of the best ways to get a feel for contemporary sensibilities. By considering the five millennial remodeling trends listed above, homeowners can effectively position their properties to stand out in the current landscape.

 

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.