5 Inspiring Beach Home and Condo Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021
We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. If you are lucky enough to own a beach home or condo, you get the added benefit of having a “work from home” or “home schooling” come with some amazing views and access to great after work or after school activities! This article explores inspiring trends for beach home and condo design and remodeling for 2021 that you can use in your own vacation home or condo. And just like these trends will appeal to prospective renters, they will also appeal to prospective buyers!
It’s no surprise to see that beach home and condo design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats. Those trends carry over to second homes and vacation rental investment properties too. Whether you have a beach home or a condo, these design and remodel trends can help you improve your rental revenue, increase resale value or just have a more enjoyable space for you and your family!
Even if you don’t have immediate plans to buy or sell your beach home, we advise our clients to be mindful of beach home and condo trends in design preferences when planning a remodel or even redecorating. Over-personalized or unpopular renovations could lower your property’s value. And selecting out-of-style fixtures and finishes could cause your home to feel dated quickly. To help inspire your design projects this year, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest trends. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house or condo. And if your beach home or condo is an investment property used as a rental. You will want to be sure your upgrades will be something your guests will enjoy so you can maximize your rental revenue.
If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.
Trending to Uplifting Colors in Beach Homes and Condos
Colors are gravitating toward warm and happy shades that convey a sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing. This year’s palettes draw from earthy hues, warm neutrals, and soothing blues and greens.1
Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore is a trending color.
While white and gray are still safe options, expect to see alternative neutrals become increasingly popular choices for walls, cabinets, and furnishings in 2021. For a fresh and sophisticated look, try one of these 2021 paint colors of the year:
Aegean Teal (coastal blue) by Benjamin Moore
Urbane Bronze (brownish-gray) by Sherwin-Williams
Soft Candlelight (muted yellow) by Valspar
On the opposite end of the spectrum, indigo, ruby, sapphire and plum are showing up on everything from tiles and floating shelves to fabrics and home accessories. These classic, rich hues can help bring warmth, depth, and a touch of luxury to your living space while still keeping a coastal vibe.
To incorporate these colors, designers recommend using the “60-30-10 Rule.” Basically, choose a dominant color to cover 60% of your room. For example, your walls, rugs, and sofa might all be varying shades of beige or gray. Then layer in a secondary color for 30% of the room. This might include draperies and accent furniture. Finally, select an accent color for 10% of your room, which can be showcased through artwork and accessories.2
Curated Collection Trends for Beach Homes and Condos
Collections of items add interest.
After a decade of minimalism, there’s been a shift towards highly-decorative and personalized interiors that incorporate more color, texture, and character. Clearly-defined styles (e.g., mid-century modern, industrial, modern farmhouse) are being replaced by a curated look, with furnishings, fixtures, and accessories that appear to have been collected over time.3
Keeping a coastal feel using shells, weathered candlesticks, books about the sea, or accessories with the sun or sea life can be a fun way to keep your home or condo feeling like a beach property. If this beach condo or home is used as a rental, remember to keep safety in mind (see my previous blog with safety tips) and only use items that you will not be upset if they get broken or lost.
Use color to create a welcoming and warm space.
This trend has extended to the kitchen, where atmosphere has become as important as functionality. The ubiquitous all-white kitchen is fading in popularity as homeowners opt for unique touches that help individualize their space.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider mixing in other neutrals—like gray, black, and light wood—for a more custom, pieced-together look. Another way to add color is with barstools or pendant lights. Or if you are feeling really bold, go ahead and pull color into the cabinets or a kitchen island. Another option instead of a white or neutral subway tile backsplash, consider using color to add warmth and style.
Reimagined Living Spaces in Beach Homes and Condos
The pandemic forced many of us to rethink our home design. From multipurpose rooms to converted closets to backyard cottages, we’ve had to find creative ways to manage virtual meetings and school. And designers expect these changes to impact the way we live and work for years to come. This trend is not just for primary residences, but it carries over to your second home or investment beach home or condo.
Find room to add a small desk for work from home or home schooling.
Some home builders are predicting the end of open-concept floor plans as we know them.5 Instead, buyers are searching for cozier spaces with more separation and privacy. Cue the addition of alcoves, pocket doors, and sliding partitions that enable homeowners to section off rooms as needed.4
The necessity of a home office space is also here to stay. But what if you don’t have a dedicated room? Alternative workspaces have become increasingly popular. In fact, one of the biggest trends on Pinterest this year is the “cloffice”—essentially a spare closet turned home office. Searches for “home library design” and “bookshelf room divider” are on the rise, as well.6
For beach homes and condos, this might mean converting a bunk room to an office, or adding a desk space into a guest bedroom to provide a place for you or your guests to work or attend home school.
Staycation-Worthy Retreat Trends for Beach Homes and Condos
Spa-like bathrooms with free-standing tubs add a luxury feel.
With travel options limited right now, more people are staying in vacation homes or condos instead of opting for hotel rooms. And more families are realizing the benefits of having their own vacation rental home or condo. This lets them not only enjoy themselves, but also generate revenue and realize property appreciation. To make your vacation home or condo a place you are sure to enjoy yourself and to maximize your rental revenue, you will want to recreate a luxury resort experience!
Bedrooms should provide a soothing sanctuary for rest and relaxation. But this year, minimalist decor and muted colors are giving way to bolder statement pieces. To create a “boutique hotel” look in your own bedroom, start with a large, upholstered headboard in a rich color or pattern. Layer on organic linen bedding and a chunky throw, then complete the look with a pair of matching bedside wall lights.7
Carry those spa-vibes into your bathroom with some of the top luxury upgrades for 2021. Curbless showers and freestanding tubs continue to be popular choices that offer a modern and spacious feel. And large-format shower tiles with minimal grout lines make clean up a breeze. Add a floating vanity and aromatherapy shower head for the ultimate spa-like experience.4
Outdoor Upgrades
Outdoor spaces add a place for people to gather but still have space.
From exercise to relaxing to safer options for entertaining, the pandemic has led homeowners to utilize their outdoor spaces more than ever. In fact, backyard swimming pool sales skyrocketed in 2020, with many installers reporting unprecedented demand.8 But a new pool isn’t the only way homeowners can elevate their outdoor areas this year.
The home design website Houzz recently named 2021 “the year of the pergola.” They’re a relatively quick and affordable option to add shade and ambiance to your backyard.4 Another hot trend? Decked-out, custom playgrounds for exercising (and occupying) young family members who may be missing out on school and extracurricular activities.9
Take a look at your beach home for opportunities for enhancements, including porch additions, outdoor kitchen and dining spaces and expanded seating options and play spaces. These “social spaces” can enable guests and neighbors to stay connected while observing social-distancing guidelines.10
DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you contemplating a remodel for your beach home and condo using the latest trends? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? Buyer preferences vary greatly by neighborhood and price range. We can share our insights and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your investment. If you’re in the market to sell, we’ll run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to see how it compares to others. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!
Sources:
- Good Housekeeping – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g34762178/home-decor-trends-2021/
- The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/timeless-color-rule-797859
- Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021
- Zillow – https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-end-of-open-floor-plans-how-homes-will-look-different-after-coronavirus-301080662.html
- Pinterest – https://business.pinterest.com/content/pinterest-predicts/more-door/
- Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bedroom-trends-224944
- Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pools/pool-sales-skyrocket-as-consumers-splash-out-on-coronavirus-cocoons-idUSKCN2520HW
- Realtor.com – https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/2021-design-trends/
- Realtor Magazine – https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/12/09/4-outdoor-home-trends-that-may-gain-steam-in-2021