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:

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.

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>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

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.

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

• Pick an underused, flat area in the yard. Select the look you want. >Cost Plus World Market has a directory of fun styles called coast casual, Riviera beach, Marrakech modern, Napa Valley chic, Pacific Coast picnic, Ojai ranch, Montauk summer, Savannah siesta, Sedona sunset and natural elegance.
• Built-in cabinetry, benches and counters need to have a timeless look to last 20 to 25 years. >Select standard-size outdoor kitchen appliances that can be replaced without altering cabinets.
• Make a color and patten statement with a rug and other elements that are not permanent or pricey >eSaleRugs has discounted outdoor rugs up to 50%.
• To furnish the outdoor living space, start with items you already have on the patio or even furnishings inside your home that you can roll out. Add outdoor cushions for extra warmth on cold evenings. >Lowe’s has replacement patio cushions and pillows. See how to measure for patio cushions.
• For seating, some people buy inexpensive chairs and expect to replace them every couple of years. Portland designer Michelle Rolens of Neil Kelly recommends investing in long-lasting products such as cushions filled with marine-grade foam and covered in Sunbrella fabric that last decades. >Joss & Main is offering up to 70% off weatherproof, outdoor furniture plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more.
• Awnings or shades can serve as weather-protection in a covered space. A trellis can provide overhead protection. >Find the umbrella size that fits with this Home Depot chart. Protect furniture with rain covers.
• Keep the outdoor space warm year-round with a precast fireplace or heater. >BBQGuys has a winter sale on electric fireplaces, fire pits, grills, outdoor kitchen appliances and lighting. Patio heaters are on sale at Amazon, Frontgate, Home Depot and Wayfair.
• Blankets, throws and water-resistant picnic blankets are sold at Amazon, L.L. Bean and Walmart.
• Connect speakers to the patio to listen to music or enhance the sound of an outdoor TV >Best Buy has outdoor TVs sold with a price match guarantee and free delivery. BBQGuys has SunBriteTVs were engineered to withstand the harsh effects of rain, dirt, insects, extreme temperatures and UV rays.
• Find indoor-outdoor ceiling fans at Home Depot as well as YLighting.
• Home Depot has outdoor lighting on sale up to 25% off and hundreds of different water fountains. >Lumens specializes in lighting with many outdoor options. Also check out 1-800Lighting.com, which offers 20% off your first order.
• Kohl’s has Adirondack chairs in child and adult sizes and a variety of colors, plus outdoor decor in styles such as farmhouse, coastal, tropical and natural.
• 2 Modern has modern outdoor furniture, lighting and decor, including contemporary chairs, tables, lamps and accessories on sale.
• Serena & Lily has upscale tables and chairs for brunch in the garden or a living room on the terrace. Shipping is free.
• Terrain has backyard games like a bocce set. Dick’s Sporting Goods offers free shipping on orders of $49 or more.
• Woodland Direct is having a sale that includes fire pits. Solo Stove has a 25% off sale on fire pits. Frontgate, Walmart and Wayfair also sell fire pits and fire tables.
• Other sources to visit for outdoor furniture and furnishings: Bed Bath & Beyond, IKEA and Macy’s, which is having a furniture closeout.

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.

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>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

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.

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>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

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.

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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.

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.

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>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.

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.

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>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.

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.

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>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.

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:

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>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