Trends
Ludus Sofa and Shelf Combine two things into one with this sofa's built-in bookcases. It solves the dilemma of showing the boring back of your sofa.
Tru Chair What a great place for some extra storage — the only problem is, you'd have to get someone out of the comfy chair to access it.
Put up wall shelves. A nightstand can take up a lot of floor space in a small bedroom, and using just one with a double- or queen-size bed means that someone won't have a spot for an alarm clock, phone or beverage. A wall shelf on one side of the bed — or on both — can give a small bedroom a more open feeling and extra floor space, while giving you all the room you need for nighttime essentials.
Install pendants. Don’t take up precious bedside table space with bulky lamps and oversize shades; install pendant lighting instead. Hanging pendant lights from the ceiling creates a focal point while providing task lighting on each side of the bed. Just remember to measure carefully and hang them low enough so you don’t have to get out of bed to turn them off.
Add built-in shelving. Shallow built-in shelving can help you gain storage and maintain floor space. Stick to shelving that’s no more than 12 inches deep. The units here act as bedside tables, eliminating the need for extra furniture. Recessing the bed in the middle of the shelving prevents it from encroaching on much-needed floor space. If you go with built-ins in your small bedroom, try taking them all the way to the ceiling to make the ceiling look higher. And paint the back wall a contrasting color to create layering and depth.
Fake a foyer. Does your front door open right into the living room? Tired of seeing the explosion of coats, shoes and backpacks from your spot on the couch? You can still create the feel of a foyer by introducing some space-defining elements. The partial-height wall, oversize post and bench pictured here keep the entryway from spilling into the dining area beyond. The lowered ceiling and decorative light further define the space within the larger room.
Create movable walls. Full-height sliding doors can be a great way to create separate, flexible spaces for sleeping and living. This strategy can be particularly useful for small alcoves off larger rooms. In this house an open playroom for the kids can be quickly converted to a guest bedroom, thanks to a sliding barn-style door and a pull-down bed.
Squeeze It In Is it possible to transform the tiniest or most awkward little space in your home into something usable, if space is at a premium? Perhaps build in a desk just large enough for a laptop and some small but useful shelving —just add a statement piece of furniture to complete the picture.
Window Seat The designer of this Wright-inspired house has taken ideas from the architect’s integrated approach to furniture, design and architecture, using lots of built-ins throughout. The look is seamless, and the built-in shelving, seating and desk make use of all available space. Even better, the banquette can be widened to become a daybed for guests, and the base allows for storage space.
Window Seat A window recess is a great place to build in furniture, as it’s a space that might not otherwise be used. Another advantage is that you can create storage space under banquette-style seating. It also gives you a spot where you can bask in the sunshine.
Silla Guarda, InsideOut Collection What a brilliant idea — store your extra seating under the chairs you use every day. You'll know right where they are when you schedule your next dinner party.
Dual Cut Seat-Table This discreet box opens up into a comfortable seat. Use it as a table when you're on your own or create additional seating for parties.
Enitial Lab 2-in-1 Coffee Table Coffee tables are a great place to add functionality — the smaller wheeled table underneath this one is great for party spreads or family game nights.
Boxetti Unfolding Furnishings Boxetti has an entire collection of box-like furnishings that unfold into amazing modern tables, chairs, drawers, shelves and more. So much to explore!
Table-Chair How often have you used a chair as a table? I know I have. The XY table-chair is perfect for small studio apartments. Now your chair really is your table and vice versa.
TT01 Convertible Table The legs of this innovative table actually fold up and around, turning it into the smaller table shown. It's two very different tables all in one.
Open-Concept Kitchens Lose Appeal — Except When They Open to the Outdoors The share of renovating homeowners opening their kitchens to create open-concept floor plans (43%) dropped significantly this year compared with two years ago (53%). (An open-concept kitchen is open to other spaces.) Many people have experienced the downsides of this setup while they’ve been home during the pandemic, often with two partners working at home as kids attend virtual school from home. While a smaller share of remodeling homeowners want their kitchens to be open to other indoor spaces, more than 1 in 5 are choosing to open their kitchens to the outdoors. That’s consistent with a steady trend we’ve seen on Houzz of increased demand for outdoor home professionals.
Kitchen Cabinets Light wood cabinets. In a year that felt heavy, people seemed to yearn for interiors that exude lightness. And many people found that light wood mixed with other neutrals like whites and grays is a great way to create an airy palette with a dash of warmth. This is especially effective in a kitchen, as designer Nate Fischer’s own Southern California kitchen illustrates here.
Savvy Interiors used white oak cabinets, a wood island with a custom-stained pattern and waterproof light wood flooring by Shaw Floors to create a breezy, inviting kitchen.
This bathroom by JAC Interiors features a skinny Shaker cabinet profile. Also notice the light wood, which, as mentioned above, is also trending in home design right now.
The multizone kitchen. A traditional three-zone “work triangle” in the kitchen creates an efficient connection between the refrigerator, sink and range. But many homeowners want their kitchens to emphasize other tasks and allow for other cooks as well. In response, homeowners are working with designers on Houzz to add more touch points to that triangle shape and create additional work zones. This “work trapezoid” might include dedicated areas for baking, prepping and chopping, or separate stations for snacks, drinks or homework.
Kitchen Backsplashes Zellige tile. Every now and then a simple material seems to come out of nowhere and begin showing up almost everywhere. That’s the case for handmade square tiles in a glossy finish, known as zellige tile, like those seen in this New York kitchen by Arielle Mizrahi Design. The square tile is enough of a departure from the popular 3-by-6-inch subway tile to feel different, yet it’s similar enough to not come off as too jarring. The glossy finish and handmade look offer color variations, shimmer and subtle imperfections that give the simple shape tons of character.
Hardworking sink stations. As kitchens expand into multiple zones, the kitchen sink zone is following suit with what’s known as a workstation. Though relatively new to the market, workstations are quickly catching on. Built-in ledges support movable components such as a cutting board, colander and racks for draining and drying. It combines functions you might perform elsewhere in the kitchen, limiting the need to move back and forth between those areas.
Kohler says it saw a 160% increase in touchless-faucet sales in its showrooms in 2020. It recently launched an update with its Kohler Konnect voice-assisted software line that allows a user to ask Google Home or Amazon Alexa to “tell Kohler to wash my hands.” The voice assistant then walks a user through the handwashing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hands-free faucets. Handwashing was on everyone’s minds in 2020, and many faucet manufacturers ramped up focus on offerings that promote hands-free interaction that decreases the spread of germs to surfaces. Grohe’s Ladylux L2 SmartControl faucet, shown here, features a push button on the end to turn the water on and off, operated with the bump of an elbow.
Curbless showers. A curbless, or barrier-free, entrance to a shower has been around for a while now, but the design is more popular than ever. This setup allows you to run tile through the entire bathroom, creating a seamless look that also gives the feeling of more space. Or you can use the shower enclosure as a natural demarcation line to switch up the flooring material, as was done in this bathroom by KSDesigns.
Larger showers. While most renovating homeowners choose to keep their bathroom size unchanged, a majority are making their showers bigger, according to the 2020 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study. And why not? Two in 5 homeowners (41%) who renovated a master bathroom say they rely on their new space for rest and relaxation, according to the study. And 54% say taking a long shower helps them relax. A larger shower increases the comfort level.
The year of the pergola. If you want to create an inviting outdoor living space, you’ll probably need some shade to do it. A pergola is a relatively quick and affordable solution. These simple shade structures, which can be built and installed in a day or two, provide adequate shade for dining, lounging and other outdoor activities. This pergola by KD Landscape features a rough-sawn cedar structure on bases covered and capped in Wisconsin limestone.
The year of the pergola. If you want to create an inviting outdoor living space, you’ll probably need some shade to do it. A pergola is a relatively quick and affordable solution. These simple shade structures, which can be built and installed in a day or two, provide adequate shade for dining, lounging and other outdoor activities.
Rise of the backyard cottage. Many people who found themselves in households of competing video meetings and school activities desperately sought private space in which to work, exercise or relax. In fact, a recent Houzz study found that 1 in 8 homeowners felt their home lacked a dedicated workspace or exercise area (13% and 12%, respectively). A backyard cottage or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a great solution for adding that kind of dedicated space. These standalone structures are used as home offices, gyms, meditation areas or as extended living spaces to house relatives or kids who’ve had to stay home from college because of the pandemic.
Pass-throughs. If your layout provides the opportunity, a pass-through between a kitchen and outdoor area is a convenient way to transfer food, drinks and other supplies quickly to the center of the action. If bugs are a concern, consider a window line that includes separate sliding screens (such as the Marvin Ultimate Glider). Another option is to position a pass-through that connects your kitchen to a screened-in porch.
Peaceful gardens. While many people are looking to their outdoor areas to create more space for dining, lounging and playing, others are seeking quiet space that provides a tranquil break from work, school and a stressful news cycle. That’s why a peaceful garden might be a good investment for your available outdoor space.
Swimming pools. We heard from many landscape pros in 2020 that swimming pools were the top requested project from homeowners and that pool installers were incredibly busy. If you’ve got plans in 2021 to add a pool, now’s the time to find a pro.
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Consider Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper “Believe it or not, peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity not only with do-it-yourselfers but also among the design community because it’s a fantastic way to pack a powerful design punch without long-term commitment," says P.J. Delaye, president of RoomMates Decor, a division of York Wallcoverings. "You can be incredibly bold and daring. And we’re seeing these types of patterns perform particularly well for kitchens and spaces above the sink." Marrakesh Tile Peel and Stick Wallpaper from RoomMates Decor creates the look and feel of hand-painted Moroccan tile for an easy...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Consider Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper “Believe it or not, peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity not only with do-it-yourselfers but also among the design community because it’s a fantastic way to pack a powerful design punch without long-term commitment," says P.J. Delaye, president of RoomMates Decor, a division of York Wallcoverings. "You can be incredibly bold and daring. And we’re seeing these types of patterns perform particularly well for kitchens and spaces above the sink." Marrakesh Tile Peel and Stick Wallpaper from RoomMates Decor creates the look and feel of hand-painted Moroccan tile for an easy...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Install a Performance Wallcovering Glass protection is not the only option for using wallcoverings in the kitchen. Thanks to their durability and the fact that they can be wiped clean, many wallcovering manufacturers recommend using performance wallcoverings, typically made of vinyl, in the kitchen. "People hear vinyl and they think 'contract, contract,' but it's a great material for high-traffic residential areas too," says Van Lunen. "All of our vinyl wallcoverings can wipe clean, and you can even use a bristle brush with a light touch on the crevices." Wallpaper and fabric brand Thibaut also recommends using emb...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Install a Performance Wallcovering Glass protection is not the only option for using wallcoverings in the kitchen. Thanks to their durability and the fact that they can be wiped clean, many wallcovering manufacturers recommend using performance wallcoverings, typically made of vinyl, in the kitchen. "People hear vinyl and they think 'contract, contract,' but it's a great material for high-traffic residential areas too," says Van Lunen. "All of our vinyl wallcoverings can wipe clean, and you can even use a bristle brush with a light touch on the crevices." Wallpaper and fabric brand Thibaut also recommends using emb...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Install a Performance Wallcovering Glass protection is not the only option for using wallcoverings in the kitchen. Thanks to their durability and the fact that they can be wiped clean, many wallcovering manufacturers recommend using performance wallcoverings, typically made of vinyl, in the kitchen. "People hear vinyl and they think 'contract, contract,' but it's a great material for high-traffic residential areas too," says Van Lunen. "All of our vinyl wallcoverings can wipe clean, and you can even use a bristle brush with a light touch on the crevices." Phillip Jeffries Vinyl Hemps and Grasses COURTESY OF PHILLIP...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Install a Performance Wallcovering Glass protection is not the only option for using wallcoverings in the kitchen. Thanks to their durability and the fact that they can be wiped clean, many wallcovering manufacturers recommend using performance wallcoverings, typically made of vinyl, in the kitchen. "People hear vinyl and they think 'contract, contract,' but it's a great material for high-traffic residential areas too," says Van Lunen. "All of our vinyl wallcoverings can wipe clean, and you can even use a bristle brush with a light touch on the crevices." Phillip Jeffries Vinyl Bungalow Weave RICHIE FLORES https:/...
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. Install a Performance Wallcovering Glass protection is not the only option for using wallcoverings in the kitchen. Thanks to their durability and the fact that they can be wiped clean, many wallcovering manufacturers recommend using performance wallcoverings, typically made of vinyl, in the kitchen. Phillip Jeffries Vinyl Vibrations in Obsidian shines in this luxe bar. https://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/a35685600/wallpaper-backsplash/
Here's Why You Should Be Using Wallpaper as Your Kitchen Backsplash This gorgeous design idea is much more practical than you might think. BY STEELE MARCOUX MAR 5, 2021 Move over subway tile, there's a new kitchen backsplash trend in town: wallpaper! As kitchen design takes a turn toward more personal style (a kitchen design trend for 2021 predicted by top designers we interviewed) and away from the all-white look that has reigned supreme for so long, it's only fitting that wallpaper, that most transportive and textural of design elements, should come along for the ride. We're particularly dazzled by this Naples, Florida, kitchen featured in our March/April 2021 issue and designed by Summer Thornton Design, a Chicago-based interior design firm. Along the wall behind the Lacanche range, Thorton installed a hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper called Sans Soucis. "I've always wanted to do a scenic wallpaper as a backsplash, and this felt like the perfect space to do it because of the high windows, and we didn't really have a need for upper cabinets," says Thornton, noting that wallpapering a kitchen backsplash brings so much color, pattern, and personality into a space that all too ofte...
Get Steamed Monogram’s Statement 30-inch steam oven helps retain the flavor, color and nutritional value of foods — beyond just vegetables. It also helps you cook fluffy rice and grains, revives leftovers and is a companion for other cooking methods by applying steam during convection baking, broiling and roasting. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Get Steamed The LG Studio Styler steam closet also doesn’t require plumbing. It’s designed to fit into a walk-in closet or laundry room, and now has increased capacity for up to five hangers, so you can refresh and deodorize more delicates and clothes between washings. It also helps sanitize items such as outerwear, pillows and stuffed animals and reduces allergens. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Get Steamed Sharp’s SuperSteam built-in wall oven offers super-heated steam at temperatures of 485 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can brown meats, caramelize sugar and grill foods without smoke. The appliance also offers regular steam temperatures and can function as a convection oven. The steam bake option is good for making bread, while the water bath setting is good for things like pudding. A removable water reservoir means the oven doesn’t need special plumbing. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Get Steamed Many new appliances are using water vapor to get things clean. LG’s new QuadWash dishwasher features a TrueSteam function that blasts steam at the beginning of a cycle to loosen caked-on food, while another blast at the end of the cycle heats up the appliance interior to reduce water spots on dishes and glassware. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Going Out at Home Many of us miss getting out of the house for a glass of wine, cocktail or fancy coffee. Some new appliances help re-create the flavors — if not the experience — at home. For example, Plum’s integrated wine dispenser offers a sleek design and the ability to hold two opened bottles of wine for up to 90 days so you can have a glass of wine at the touch of a button. Using artificial intelligence, it also automatically identifies varietals and chills the bottle to the proper temperature. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Going Out at Home The Dacor 24-inch integrated wine dispenser uses argon gas technology to store four open bottles for up to 60 days without a loss of flavor. Two separate temperature zones let you keep two bottles at one temperature and two bottles at another. The appliance comes in graphite stainless steel or a silver stainless steel finish and can sit flush inside cabinetry.https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Going Out at Home Signature Kitchen Suite’s new undercounter wine refrigerators protect bottles from vibration, temperature fluctuations and excessive light exposure. Bottles are also stored at optimal humidity, like a European wine cave. The 24-inch, panel-ready refrigerator holds 41 bottles and comes with an app that helps you manage your collection. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Health and Hygiene These days homeowners are more conscious of health and hygiene at home. Beko’s French door refrigerator features technology that maintains temperature and humidity, keeping food fresh longer than a standard refrigerator, and has a natural light simulator, which mimics the photosynthesis process to help fruits and vegetables retain their nutrients. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Health and Hygiene Miele’s updated WI washers come with an allergy wash and sanitize option, meaning clothes come out hygienically clean. The T1 dryers offer fragrance choices, which infuse laundry with a pleasant scent, while the steam finish preps clothes for ironing — or, in some cases, eliminates the need to iron. Both machines can be controlled remotely via an app. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Customized Appliances BlueStar by Design already offers more than 1,000 colors for its appliances. Now the company will let you choose a favorite fabric swatch, artwork, photo, tile pattern or anything else you can dream up for your range or refrigerator panels. The panels come in a satin finish that’s easy to wipe down. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885
Kitchens come in all sizes and households have different needs. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-trends-in-kitchen-and-laundry-appliances-for-2021-stsetivw-vs~145822885 Miele’s G 5000 dishwasher series includes an 18-inch SlimLine size, perfect for smaller kitchens or, for entertainers, as a backup to a standard-size dishwasher. The series, available in stainless steel, offers a 58-minute wash cycle and an auto-open function, which opens the door slightly at the end of the program for better drying.
Are These Sustainable Bathroom Countertop Materials for You? https://www.houzz.com/magazine/are-these-sustainable-bathroom-countertop-materials-for-you-stsetivw-vs~132699512 These five surfacing materials are manufactured with sustainability and health in mind If you’re planning to replace your bathroom countertops, you might want to consider sustainable options that also offer performance and style. These five bathroom countertop materials have distinctive designs and make less of an impact on the environment than other options. 5. Neolith Sintered Stone Where you can use it. Neolith can be used for a number of interior and exterior applications including countertops, floors, walls, facades, tiling and furniture. In bathrooms it can be used for countertops, sinks, flooring and wall cladding in both dry and wet areas. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. Due to its availability in large formats, Neolith can reduce the labor required by seams and grouting. Look and feel. Neolith comes in a variety of finishes — including slate, natural stone and wood grain — and can suit just about any design aesthetic. The bathroom walls pictured here feature Neolith’s La Bohème...
Looking from the bedroom door/wall to the window, one thing stands out: the tall wood cabinetry behind and to the side of the bed.
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