01 Mar 2021 Home Design Trends Alert

We’ve flipped the calendar over to a new year, and with that comes a list of new design trends. Most of us are still spending a lot of time at home, so there’s never been a better time to focus on a home improvement project. And these are current trends, but also projects that will stand the test of time. Read on to learn more! 

Unique Spaces for Home Offices

If you had to carve out space for a home office in 2020 quickly, you’re not alone! When the brakes were put on working from offices, many of us took to working from the kitchen table or island. But that’s only comfortable for so long and can get disorganized quickly. 

That’s why an office (or at least some dedicated workspace) emerged as one of the most essential parts of our homes. If you don’t have a spare room to dedicate to office space, there are still options. Consider turning a little-used closed into an office! Hall closets are an excellent choice because let’s face it, you can find room elsewhere for your coats, boots, and whatever else is lurking way in the back on the floor.

High-gloss paint can quickly transform this otherwise dark space into somewhere you will want to take your Zoom calls. And don’t overlook the power of wallpaper to create visual appeal and stimulate creativity. A small desk and chair, a few floating shelves, and you’re good to go. 

Outdoor Entertaining Space

Things certainly changed when meeting friends and family out at restaurants, bars, and other social gathering spots. So it’s no surprise that outdoor space at home was quickly brought into focus. Outdoor kitchens and over-the-top play areas are two places where homeowners have emphasized. 

Let’s start with the backyard playgrounds. Those of you with kids quickly realized just how much you relied on a place for them to expend all of that energy. And when schools and city parks and playgrounds were closed to the public, many parents had to get creative quickly!

Custom playgrounds rapidly gained popularity because of the convenience. Store-bought playgrounds will undoubtedly do the trick, but some parents went way beyond that, installing zip lines, climbing walls, and more. The possibilities are endless, depending on the size of your yard! 

And if you’re planning on showing off that fantastic play space, you will probably want an outdoor entertaining area and kitchen to match. Some of the current trends include screened-in porches so you can use them year-round, but also fire features like pits and fireplaces and enhanced patios and decks. 

Outdoor kitchens can be as rudimentary or elaborate as you see fit. For some, simply adding an outdoor fridge for beverages and a dining table will suffice. But for others, installing a gourmet-grade kitchen with a full complement of appliances is the goal. Either way, expanding your living space to the outdoors is a great way to maximize your square footage, while also spending more time in the fresh air with those you love.

If you’re interested in building a custom home in the Marion, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City area, please contact us at Dahl Custom Homes! We are experts at custom home construction and would love to discuss your project in more detail.   

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