2021 Home Design Trends to Transform Your Living Space

After a year of spending more time indoors than ever before, homeowners across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are looking for fresh ways to reimagine their living spaces. From home offices to luxurious retreats, the latest renovation trends go far beyond aesthetics—they reflect how we live, work, and connect today. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular 2021 home design trends and show how you can incorporate them into your next whole home renovation or targeted remodel. Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, bathroom remodel, or attic conversion, these insights will help you design a space that’s modern, functional, and timeless.

Why 2021 Design Trends Matter for Homeowners

Home design trends are more than fleeting styles—they capture evolving lifestyles, wellness priorities, and property value considerations. Choosing the right approach can improve functionality, enhance comfort, and even increase resale value. These trends are especially relevant for homeowners considering a remodel in the DC metro area, where multi-generational living, telecommuting, and urban lifestyles all shape design priorities.

Trend 1: Wallpaper Makes a Comeback

Once considered outdated, wallpaper is now being reimagined as a bold, artistic statement. Instead of old-fashioned florals, today’s wallpapers feature textured finishes, geometric prints, and mural-style graphics that function like art installations.

Popular uses include:

Accent walls in home offices and dining rooms
Statement backdrops behind beds instead of traditional headboards
Textured papers that replace the overused shiplap trend

For inspiration, pair this with Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year—“Illuminating Yellow” and “Ultimate Gray”—for a look that is vibrant yet grounded. Wallpaper has officially reclaimed its role as a design powerhouse.

Trend 2: Accent Walls with Dimension

Accent walls continue to hold strong as an easy yet impactful remodeling choice. Homeowners are experimenting with more than just color—think built-in shelving, wood slats, or geometric paneling for depth and personality.

This trend aligns with broader interior remodeling ideas that prioritize creative use of existing square footage. If you’re planning a home addition, consider tying in accent walls to visually connect new and existing spaces.

Trend 3: Attic Conversions into Livable Space

One of the most practical remodeling trends of 2021 is converting attics into usable rooms. These spaces often become:

Home gyms
Guest bedrooms
Playrooms or nurseries
Private offices

When planning an attic remodel, homeowners must consider ceiling height, natural light, and ventilation. Adding flooring, insulation, and modern lighting can transform an underused space into a comfortable retreat.

A recent DC row home renovation shows how this trend works in practice: Hammer Design Build Remodel converted an attic into a fully equipped gym while preserving the character of exposed brick walls.

Trend 4: Multi-Generational Living

The pandemic reshaped how many families live, creating a surge in demand for multi-generational housing. More households are now combining under one roof for caregiving, financial stability, or lifestyle preferences. To accommodate these changes, homeowners are turning to thoughtful remodeling solutions that prioritize privacy, comfort, and functionality for every member of the family.

In practice, multi-generational remodels often involve adding in-law suites with private entrances, creating extra bathrooms and bedrooms, or expanding kitchens and shared living areas to handle the needs of multiple households. These changes not only enhance daily living but also improve a property’s long-term value, as flexible layouts have become highly desirable in today’s housing market.

A recent example comes from a Gaithersburg, MD family who partnered with Hammer Design Build Remodel for a two-story rear home addition. The project included a newly designed kitchen, expanded living room, bathroom, and an additional bedroom—each tailored for multi-generational comfort while maintaining a cohesive design.

If your family is considering this type of long-term investment, explore our home additions services. Our design-build team specializes in creating functional, beautiful spaces that make it possible for multiple generations to thrive together under one roof.

Trend 5: The Essential Home Office

Remote work is no longer a temporary solution—it has become a defining shift in how households operate. For many homeowners in the DC metro area, creating a dedicated home office is now a top remodeling priority. A well-designed office not only boosts productivity but also adds long-term resale value to your property.

Key upgrades include custom built-in shelves that maximize storage and keep your workspace organized, as well as noise-reducing insulation or soundproofing that ensures focus during video calls and meetings. Many families are also carving out dedicated reading nooks or dual-use spaces that function as offices by day and study areas for kids in the evening. Proper lighting design is another critical element, especially as video conferencing becomes part of daily life.

For households that lack extra square footage, reconfiguring existing layouts or completing a basement remodel can create a private, professional-grade office environment without the need for a home addition. Whether you need a compact office tucked into a corner or a fully customized workspace with built-ins and modern finishes, a thoughtfully designed remodel ensures your office is both functional and inspiring.

Trend 6: Luxurious Retreats at Home

With homes serving as both workspaces and social hubs, it has never been more important to carve out areas dedicated to relaxation and wellness. In 2021, many homeowners are transforming their bathrooms into spa-like retreats that provide a daily escape from stress. These luxury bathroom remodels combine comfort, beauty, and function to create a restorative experience right at home.

The most popular features include freestanding tubs for long soaks, heated flooring and towel racks for added comfort, and premium finishes like natural stone, wood, or marble surfaces. Design choices such as earthy paint tones, indoor plants that promote a calming environment, and matte black or brushed brass fixtures also bring a modern, high-end look to these spaces.

If you are looking to upgrade your home into a personal sanctuary, consider exploring our bathroom remodeling services. From custom layouts to spa-inspired finishes, our design-build team specializes in creating luxurious bathroom retreats that elevate daily routines and increase your home’s long-term value.

Trend 7: Open Concept Kitchens

Although the open concept layout has sparked debate among designers, homeowners in 2021 continue to favor connected spaces that encourage family interaction and easy entertaining. Open concept kitchens remain at the heart of this trend, blending functionality with modern style. By removing unnecessary barriers, these layouts allow natural light to flow, create a sense of spaciousness, and make cooking and dining a shared experience.

Popular updates include expanding island counters with built-in seating, which provide both prep space and a casual dining area, and mixing natural wood with modern cabinetry finishes to achieve warmth without sacrificing a contemporary look. Many homeowners also choose to blend dining and cooking areas to create better flow, making the kitchen a true hub for daily life.

For families considering a remodel, our kitchen remodeling services showcase how thoughtful design-build planning maximizes efficiency and style. From material selection to layout reconfiguration, our team ensures every detail supports both function and aesthetics, creating a kitchen that feels open, inviting, and timeless.

Mistakes to Avoid When Following Trends

Ignoring building codes: Structural changes must comply with local regulations, especially when removing walls or adding plumbing.
Over-customizing: While personalization matters, extreme trends can limit resale value. Balance bold choices with timeless finishes.
Forgetting function: A luxurious bathroom or stylish office won’t serve you well if storage and layout are overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What design trends add the most value to a home?
Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and attic conversions typically bring the highest ROI in the DC market.

Is wallpaper trendy or timeless?
Today’s wallpapers are designed to last, especially when used selectively as accents.

How much space do I need for a home office?
Even a small nook of 30–50 square feet can be converted into a productive workspace with the right built-ins and lighting.

Can a basement remodel increase home value?
Yes. Finished basements are highly desirable in urban areas where extra square footage is at a premium.

Conclusion

2021 home design trends reflect a shift toward multi-purpose, wellness-focused living. Whether you want to add value before selling or simply enjoy your home more, these remodeling ideas provide a roadmap for meaningful updates.

Hammer Design Build Remodel specializes in turning design inspiration into reality with a full-service, design-build process. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom update, or full whole home remodel, our award-winning team is here to guide you. Call us at 202-559-3990 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.