We can all agree that 2020 has not been what we thought it would be. No one planned for a global pandemic to take place and cause many people to have to work from home or lose their jobs and kids would be out of school months earlier than usual. Home designs are starting to change and people are starting to adapt to this new way of life in 2020 and homes designs are starting to reflect that. 

We will start to see more “flex spaces” or versatile spaces in homes. People like options, making flexible spaces around the house will allow for a more functional home. Plans should be created to be flexible with niche spaces. Maybe when you want into the laundry room or mudroom there is also a little desk or work area that a parent can use as a workstation while the kids are in the kitchen doing school work or they are in the family room watching a movie. That space can be their “own” and that space is dedicated to work and getting work done with no interruptions or distractions. 

Another way that home design may be altered in 2020 due to the current status of the world is creating new solutions to package drop offs. Since many people are still trying to avoid the typical brick and mortar stores, online purchasing is still skyrocketing. People are getting groceries, toiletries and other everyday essentials delivered right to their door. We may start seeing more enclosed porch or entry ways that allow for an easier and safer package drop off. In an enclosed porch your packages are much less likely to get wet if the weather is rainy or it storms and your packages are less likely to get stolen because they will be less visible from the street. 

Social distancing has caused many to get creative with the way they are still able to get social interactions. With the weather getting warmer and we are approaching the summertime we are going to start seeing more personal and private outdoor living spaces. Patios, decks and porches are going to become more livable spaces. Focus on the design of the outside of the house just as much as you focus on the design on the inside of the house. The outside living space does not have to be a big luxurious backyard with a pool and a hot tub. Although that would be nice, it does no not have to be a big space. However, design every inch of your yard and make it a space that you want to spend time in and get some fresh air while visiting with neighbors and friends. 

Aside from the home designs affected by the global pandemic, there are many other designs that we are starting to see more of in 2020. Designs are starting to become more thoughtful and more intricate. We are starting to see old trends come back around and become “new again”. Starting with the outside, exteriors should be dressed up to be more desirable from the very first impression. Typically the outside of a home is the first part that someone sees and it should make them want to go inside the home. Exteriors should pull from the environment and it should create a setting for the home. Maybe the front door has some added detail or color. Maybe there are some exterior lights that highlight some of the unique exterior features. 

Now going inside the home, in 2020 we are seeing sophisticated indoor to outdoor connections. The entryways should be an experience. People should get excited when walking into the house, try to avoid cookie cutter experiences. Oversized fireplaces will make a space feel more cozy and big windows will make a home feel more open and “outdoorsy”. Incorporate different textures and tie them in with different colors. Use windows as a texture to draw the eye to different parts of the house. Maybe you have a tall window that allows for tons of natural light and that draws the eye up in the house. Especially if the house is on the smaller end, add windows. Windows make small spaces look bigger. Windows also connect the inside of the home to the outside of the home. So, wherever the outside living space is, add windows to the home that connect that space to the inside of the home. 

Colors and materials are going to become more diverse in 2020. Colorful kitchens are becoming more appealing. For example, blue cabinets, white walls and black window frames with textured backsplash. Another example would be white cabinets, dark floors and w blue tile backsplash that extends up to the ceiling. Kitchens should be joyful and enjoyable spaces. Again, steering away from the typical cookie cutter kitchen styles. Add textures such as wood, concrete and brick to your living space. Textures help to break up open spaces and they transform a home to be more lively and interesting. Natural woods help give a space texture and warmth and is a great way to connect the home to the environment.