COVID’s Effect on Design Trends

Aug 27, 2021

Historically, significant economic changes have been followed by the emergence of new design trends. Following the Great Depression, design favored bright, bold colors, sexier silhouettes and fun elements. Coming out of the 2007-9 financial crises, we saw the advent of ruffled miniskirts, low rise jeans and rhinestones seemingly everywhere. Similarly, COVID-19 has pushed design in a new direction. Many homeowners are moving away from the sleek, clean and stark lines of minimalist design, opting instead for a bigger and bolder pallet. We believe this is the result of spending so much time indoors at the expense of experiencing the hustle and bustle of the outdoors, cafes, restaurants, stores, airports and so on.

The trend towards maximalism, which is defined as more of everything, involves using more colors, fabrics and accessories that are repeated throughout a space. Maximalism isn’t about trying to create a perfect space; it’s simply about creating a space that represents your unique personality. In kitchens, this translates to pops of bright or bold color and patterns in backsplashes, accent walls, kitchen artwork, cabinets and countertops.
We also are seeing a return to 1980s styling. The 80s were a decade of opulence, change and upheaval that translated to designs that featured bold, colorful and out-of-the ordinary furniture, glass-block walls, Lucite, pastels and shabby chic. New furniture and light fixture designs offer 80s color palettes, art-deco inspiration and more geometric patterns and shapes. Translating 1980s style to the 2021 needs of homeowners involves tapping into more geometric shapes and patterns but using different materials such as stone instead of plastic or glass. In kitchens we are seeing more homeowners gravitate to glossy cabinets in bold colors such as blues and greens and tiled backsplashes and countertops.

A third trend among homeowners is a desire to shop and support local businesses and artisans that have been immensely challenged by COVID-19. Increasingly, homeowners are asking about materials used to manufacture and produce cabinets and countertops and are looking to buy artisan-produced accent pieces not only for kitchens and baths but for other rooms in their home. We attribute this to the growing recognition of the importance of community and connection that was lost while sheltering in place. Homeowners, after having spent more than a year shopping mainly online, want to see, feel and experience the products that they bring into their home.

 

Are you ready to a make a personal and perhaps colorful statement in a new kitchen, bath, laundry room or other space in your home that truly reflects your aesthetic and personality? Let’s discuss the possibilities. Give us a call or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms.