April 24, 2025

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2021 hot Oregon home trends: Warm colors like burnt orange, a patio makeover and smart storage

2021 hot Oregon home trends: Warm colors like burnt orange, a patio makeover and smart storage

2021 hot Oregon home trends: Warm colors like burnt orange, a patio makeover and smart storage

We spent most of 2020 at home, working, studying and cooking due to the coronavirus pandemic. That much time gave us the chance to really know what’s working and what isn’t in our kitchen, bathrooms and backyard.

Stay-at-home orders made clear that we need to convert underused areas, inside and out, into efficient, flexible living spaces.

The home trends for 2021 in the Pacific Northwest reflect our newfound needs. People are creating multifunctional spaces that offer a calming feel and deeper connection to nature, say the designers at Neil Kelly, the largest residential design-build remodeling firm in the Northwest.

Here are the top home design trends for 2021:

2021 design trends

Designer Barbara Miller created a multifunctional, midcentury-style kitchen in a Northwest ranch home by using natural materials and warm accent colors.Darius Kuzmickas/Neil Kelly

To make rooms more usable for many reasons, people are looking for extra seating and eating spaces near the kitchen, and window seats and benches to provide hidden storage.

They are also looking for efficient ways for a home office to also serve as a living quarters with a loft or day bed.

Seen here: Designer Barbara Miller created a midcentury-style kitchen in a Northwest ranch home by using natural materials and warm accent colors.

There is a welcoming built-in banquette with a built-in storage in drawers under the seats and a charging station to the right of the banquette.

A built-in baking center is behind doors next to the refrigerator and large drawers in the island store items removed from upper cabinets to make them easier to access.

Materials include alder cabinets, quartz cabinets and exotic wood floors.

Sources

>Home Depot has built-in banquettes in a variety of styles, with and without backs.

>Ikea has benches has different sizes, styles and colors, in materials including solid wood.

>Wayfair has kitchen chairs and tables at up to 70% off

>Serena & Lily has high-end benches and dining banquettes with a choice of luxurious performance fabric. Order a free swatch.

>See more window seats and benches on Amazon

>Baking and other small kitchen appliances are for sale at Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart

outdoor living trend

Designer Michelle Rolens created a modern outdoor space with a beautiful, clear-cedar, tongue-and-groove wall and ceiling paneling.KuDa Photography/Neil Kelly

2020 spurred people to look beyond their home walls to find a space to relax outdoors. A patio, deck and other covered area came to the rescue. Weatherproof drapes and curtains added privacy, outdoor rugs warmed the concrete floor and quality lighting delivered mood-setting illumination after sunset.

Outdoor kitchens and living spaces will continue to be in demand. New for 2021: The desire for natural fibers like rattan, cane, wicker in floors and furnishings.

Seen here: Designer Michelle Rolens created a modern outdoor space with a beautiful, clear-cedar, tongue-and-groove wall and ceiling paneling, highlighted with broom-finish concrete wall and flooring area.

To pull the space together is a low profile, modern ceiling fan, Lynx gas wall heater, oriental rug, Adirondack chairs with modern outdoor sofa. The black HardiePlank board-and-batten siding set off the color of the cedar to the house.

Sources

Here are more tips from designers as well as resources to consider as you plan your outdoor spaces:

2021 design trends

Designer Barbara Miller created a European-style, high-contrast, clean-line kitchen design for her clients with plenty of storage to reduce clutter.Roger Turk/Neil Kelly

Less truly is more with a much needed calming effect for 2021. Homeowners want to minimize clutter and maximize storage.

Seen here: Designer Barbara Miller created a European-style, high-contrast, clean-line kitchen design for her clients. Pendant lights introduce an industrial touch, which is repeated in the stainless farmhouse sink and stainless faucet.

There are tall pantries on either side of the 48-inch, built-in refrigerator, allowing you to store lots of food in a relatively small space. There is a built-in coffee bar transitioning into the family room. Raised seating, a quartz countertop and a waterfall edge built into the island are the focal point in this efficient space.

Sources

>See movable islands at Houzz

>Collect items in stackable containers, drawers, baskets or bins. The Container Store has storage solutions plus the Marie Kondo Collection.

>Rolling carts are at Michaels stores as well as other storage solutions.

>IKEA has kitchen containers and organizers, including food storage

>Read Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

2021 design trend

Designer Therese DuBravac designed a kitchen with dark-painted cabinets and warm metal hardware.Darius Kuzmickas/Neil Kelly

With all-white kitchens fading, navy, olive or charcoal painted cabinets will appear to bring color into the kitchen. Gold, brass, bronze and copper metal hardware will complement the darker painted cabinets.

Seen here: Designer Therese DuBravac had quartz countertops installed with a sleek new electric cooktop and custom, deep blue-painted cabinets. Traditional brass cabinet hardware adds a classic touch of adornment to the face of the cabinets.

Sources

>Home Depot and other sources have quartz countertops

>Houzz has a variety of electric cooktops from different manufacturers

>Wayfair has brass cabinet hardware

>Find the perfect paint color at Home Depot or at Houzz

2021 design trends

Designer Fabian Genovesi created a transitional primary bath with a natural tone color palette.Darius Kuzmickas/Neil Kelly

People are turning to earth and natural color tones to create rich, solid and grounding spaces within their homes. From burnt orange to dark navy to rich browns as well as nature inspired moss, sage, olive, and forest green – warm colors will be welcomed.

Bathroom retreats with a spa-like experience and special seating will continue to replace the desire to visit a spa or take a vacation.

Seen here: Designer Fabian Genovesi created a transitional primary bath featuring a walk-in shower with two wash stations and a heated floor. Custom walnut floating cabinets, quartz countertops and a full feature wall with floor-to-ceiling tile finish this luxurious bathroom.

Sources

A spa-like master bathroom is more than al freestanding soaking tub, window with a view and heated floors. It’s the feel of luxury, pampering, all-embracing warmth. And the scents that transport you to your favorite fragrant paradise.

Here’s the secret: The towels you wrap yourself in, the slippers you slip into and the little additions, from soaps to candles, can provide a spa-like experience in any bathroom. Here are choice sources:

>Brooklinen super-plush 100% Turkish cotton towels, robes and rugs are extra thick for spa-like comfort.

>Find slippers in the right size, color and style at Bed Bath & Beyond.

>Parachute has handmade, nourishing soap bars, natural sea sponge and other pampering products for a soothing bathing experience.

2021 design trends

Textured walls with blue-and-gold, kaleidoscope pattern wallpaper are seen in the bathroom designed by Erika Altenhofen.KuDa Photography/Neil Kelly

Another 2021 trend: Organic textured patterns will find their way into homes on wall treatments, wallpaper, murals or natural stone.

Seen here: Designer Erika Altenhofen selected blue-and-gold, kaleidoscope pattern wallpaper, blue arabesque backsplash tile, faceted gold faucet and compact white, wall-hung sink.

Sources

>Homesick has specialized candles and diffusers selected for their nostalgic scents to evoke memories, including your favorite city.

>Makeup and grooming mirrors can be as big and bright as those seen in a Hollywood dressing room or compact and portable.

2021 design trends

This powder room by designer Janel Campbell features a one-of-a-kind sinkAaron Ziltener/Neil Kelly

If you’re tempted, splurge on a single-statement, luxury item like a special vanity, mirror, light fixture or wallpaper. This will work especially well in a hall, powder or guest bathroom.

Seen here: Homeowners are looking for ways to make their spaces unique and bring them joy. This powder room by designer Janel Campbell features a one-of-a-kind sink. See the different types of bathroom sinks at Home Depot as well as at Ferguson.

Sources

>Shower caps (in pink or black) at Anthropologie keeps your blow-dried hair free of frizz by shielding it from water and humidity. Designed with a soft outer layer, it doesn’t leave elastic imprints or marks.

>Urban Outfitters has a body brushes to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation, plus other luscious bath and body products.

>Don’t know what you’re missing as a home spa treatment? Birchbox subscribers receive a monthly box, personalized for men and women, with an assortment of new skincare, hair and other products to test out along with tips on how to use them.

>GlossyBox delivers five beauty products, plus treats, trends and tips, each month in a pink box.

2021 design trend

Matt White designed this open concept bathroom.Steve Spohn/Neil Kelly

The open concept will flow into the bathroom space as homeowners opt for freestanding tubs and walk-in showers. Tile with natural stone and organic patterns will be a top choice as will large windows creating ample natural light.

Seen here: Designer Matt White selected a striking vanity wall featuring marble tile, quartz countertops, ultra-high gloss polyester-finished cabinets, porcelain tile flooring, metallic glass tile, and large format porcelain slab shower walls/bench. Metal finishes are mostly gold, with some satin brass. Window and door casings are minimalist.

Sources

>To organize your vanity, Frontgate has pretty accessories such as soap and lotion dispensers and monogrammed tissue covers and wastebaskets in a variety of styles.

>For a casual look, IKEA has practical, beautiful baskets to store towels and bath products.

Home design

post covid home design. Neil Kelly photos by Darius Kuzmickas/KuDa PhotographyDarius Kuzmickas/KuDa Photography

College students and other adults returned to their family home last year as campuses and businesses closed due to the coronavirus health crisis. Extended family members were also brought together under one roof, especially older adults.

“People are desperately looking for additional living space,” says Barbara Miller, design director for the Neil Kelly design and remodeling company.

A self-contained second smaller home, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard, structurally sound garage or an unfinished basement can create additional living quarters or income property.

But it’s pricey. Read “Backdoor Revolution-The Definitive Guide to ADU Development,” by Portland ADU expert Kol Peterson.

In the meantime, there are temporary ways to make room for more family at home:

Sources

>Don’t have an extra mattress, futon or sleeper sofa? An air mattress is easy to inflate and then store when not needed. Dick’s Sporting Goods also has sleeping bags and offers free contactless curbside pickup for online orders.

>Layer a bed with linens with different textures and colors. You can start with cotton sheets, add warm quilts, a thick duvet and a mix of squishy feather and firm pillows. Have plenty of extra fluffy towels and a hamper or laundry bag.

>A bench, chair or ottoman allows family to remove shoes, make a phone call or sit and read a book.

— Edited by Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

[email protected] | @janeteastman