This Is the Home Design Trend You'll Regret Most, Experts Warn

Home design trends rarely stand the test of time—what looked good in the ‘70s looks dated by today’s standards, and what’s trendy today may seem like a bad decision a few decades down the line. However, when it comes to regretting your home design decisions, there are some choices that will inevitably feel cringier than others. According to a new report from home design site Houzz, there’s one hugely popular trend in particular that won’t stand the test of time. Read on to discover if you’re likely to regret your home design in the near future. And for more home design mistakes to avoid, This Is the Home Improvement Decision You'll Regret Most, Survey Finds.

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According to Houzz’s 2021 Home Design Predictions, open concept layouts are likely to fall out of favor in the coming years. The design site posits that, since people are spending more time at home than ever amid coronavirus lockdowns, open floor plans no longer suit the needs of many families.

“Anyone who had multiple family members attempting concurring video meetings in an open layout quickly saw the disadvantages to a lack of walls,” the site explains. However, Houzz notes that open floor plans are unlikely to disappear entirely, as undoing them can be a major undertaking. Instead, many people will opt for screens and other means of dividing up open concept spaces to allow for greater privacy. The end of the open concept era isn’t the only major shift in home design you’ll be seeing in the coming year, however. Read on to discover which other home design trends are going to be huge in 2021. And before you start modifying your home, Ring Doorbells Are Being Recalled for This Frightening Reason.

1 | Multi-zone kitchens

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While your kitchen may have distinct areas for food storage, cooking, and cleanup, Houzz says that increased functionality in your culinary space will be the name of the game in 2021. Instead of the so-called “work triangle” between the stove, sink, and fridge, the biggest trend in kitchen design will be a “work trapezoid” model, which “might include dedicated areas for baking, prepping and chopping, or separate stations for snacks, drinks or homework.” And if you want to keep your home safer, If You Have These Popular Pieces of Furniture at Home, Get Rid of Them.

2 | Swing-arm sconces

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A set of pretty sconces can brighten up any room—especially if they can be extended to highlight different areas of the space. That’s why Houzz predicts that swing-arm sconces, which can move away from the wall, will be such a hit in the coming year, noting that they're "a good solution for adding accent lighting to open shelves to highlight objects on display.”

3 | Luxe baths and showers

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Sure, soaker tubs are nice, but 2021 will be all about turning that “me time” into a truly spa-like experience. Houzz predicts that bathroom additions like aromatherapy shower heads, steam showers, and tub fillers with cupholders will be hugely popular in the coming year. And for more home design tips delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

4 | Oversized rectangular tile

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Move over, penny tile: there’s a new tile style in town. Houzz says that large rectangular tiles will be a huge trend in 2021, with matte tile being a particular hit for bathroom remodeling, thanks to its non-slip properties. Houzz predicts that large rectangular tiles will also be used in a variety of unique ways throughout the rest of a home, like for creating herringbone-patterned floors. And if you’re sprucing up your space, make sure to tackle The One Item in Your Bathroom That's Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat.

5 | Earth tones

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Neutrals are coming back in a big way for 2021. While jewel tones have been popular for some time now, Houzz says that “basically any earth tone is surging in popularity,” ranging from light sandy hues to deeper taupes. And if you’re thinking of revamping your space, Painting Your Home This Color Could Lower Your Bills, Study Says.

6 | Micro offices

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No full-sized office available in your home? No problem! With coronavirus still a threat, Houzz predicts that many people will still be working from home in 2021—and, as such, will be seeking out office space anywhere they can. This means carving out an office anywhere possible—alcoves, under dormers, or even backyard sheds—will be a big trend in the coming year. And if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make over your space, This Is the Best Way to Upgrade Your Home Under $50.

7 | Beautiful backgrounds

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Houzz predicts that many folks working from home will find themselves planning an easy upgrade this year: creating a stylish background for those video meetings. In addition to making homes brighter and cheerier, “artwork, pops of color, good lighting, a little greenery and objects of different sizes can create a stylish backdrop for a meeting,” according to Houzz.

8 | Pergolas

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Maximizing outdoor space will be the name of the game in the coming year, and pergolas in particular will be a major trend in 2021. Houzz underscores the fact that pergolas tend to be more budget-friendly and easier to build than your average outbuilding, making them a popular choice for those seeking extra outdoor space without breaking the bank. And if you want to protect your home, check out The Biggest Danger Lurking in Your Garage.

9 | Backyard cottages

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However, for those who already have an outbuilding—or the budget to build one—making use of that additional outdoor space will be a huge trend in the year to come. Houzz says that backyard cottages and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will be popular in 2021 for use as offices, workout areas, or even guest houses.