Adaptable Home Design in 2021
“If you knew everything about tomorrow, what would you do differently today? ”
If there’s ever been a year for reflection, the one we’ve just left behind would be it. Generations will study the the dynamics and the impact it has had on the world, our society and on each of us, including the transformations within our homes.
In late February to early March, we were well underway with projects involving remodeling, as well as new home move-ins. Suddenly, there was a shift regarding which activities were deemed to be essential. Safety precautions were key. Supply chains were being impacted. Scheduling completion dates was like throwing darts at a board. We were able to weather through a lot, due to our clients’ kind patience and our team staying on top of vendor and service provider updates. There were a few deliveries made via a U-Haul to shorten transport time! We learned how to better communicate through various modes of technology.
Our clients found their Myers Park neighborhood home during the beginning of the pandemic. Fortunately, we were able to start moving forward with safety precautions in place. Each selection was carefully chosen for creating a comfortable and comforting family living space. (Interior design: Wanda S. Horton | Photography: Laura Sumrak)
Aside from the aspect of managing projects with realistic expectations, we discovered our clients were pivoting in how they lived in and used their home spaces. Though we’ve always considered life stage, life style and career directives, the pandemic altered priorities within weeks.
Home offices and work zones moved up not only in popularity, but as a necessity. Kitchens, though always important, became more so. Be it for food prep and cooking or for an expansion of classroom activities, a backlog ensued for updating their function and form. Appliance manufacturers are still catching up.
The kitchen island has become command central for the home. Counter stools with performance fabrics offer style and endurance whether snacking, reviewing homework or shopping online. (Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton / Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
The focus on auxiliary areas, such as laundry rooms, pantries and mud entries increased in their supporting roles for hygiene and storage. Powder rooms or half baths received more attention for countless trips to the sink.
Though the bones already existed in this mudroom, it lacked hidden storage and the ability to organize extra items. Our cabinetmaker worked with our clients to keep the clutter controlled via drawers and added doors. (Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton / Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
The butlery off my client’s kitchen is a dream come true for storage! We added a bit of playful pattern in the back of the open, upper cabinet and showcased her glasses and plates. Small touches can make a significant difference in our perception. (Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton / Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
Washable surfaces make cleaning a breeze in our client’s powder bath. We added this Thibaut vinyl wallcovering for a pretty and practical solution. (Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton / Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
While open floor plans and the desire to have household members connect to one another may have reigned over the last few years, some clients expressed the desire for more definition, such as a small retreat or to create quiet rooms within the house. Places for yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music, creating and to be away from a screen, where Zoom meetings were not allowed, began to give notice. In other instances, separate spaces were desired to be a hub for more activity—exercise, dancing, Facetime calls between grandparents and grandchildren or for simply letting out pent-up energy.
Though an open plan, we created a more intimate grouping with soft furnishings and textures. The porch area, beyond the sliding doors, will be our next project. It will be ready just in time for the warmer weather and a new pool, this spring. (Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton | Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
Outdoor living areas expanded the home and its value. Fresh air and being in nature as much as possible became the new luxury. Home gardens, even in small, raised beds, provided farm-fresh produce when not always available in the stores. Observing the cycles of growth reassured. Flowing water features promoted tranquility when the world was less than calm. In fact, as many activities that could be experienced in well-designed exterior spaces benefitted our sense of wellbeing and our wellness.
Humans innately have the desire to connect with nature. A vase for fresh flowers, including organic shapes and materials, were placed on a tray for our clients to enjoy. Biophilia has been described by Fromm as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.” (Interior design: Wanda S. Horton / Photography: Laura Sumrak)
A motorized Roman shade allows easy access to the morning sun. Fresh herbs are at the ready for adding to a favorite recipe. So many senses meet in this kitchen. (Interior design: Wanda S. Horton / Photographer: Laura Sumrak)
Though making predictions is well above my paygrade, at the advent of this new year, it’s not far-fetched to observe how collective events have already enacted rapid change—concepts we used to consider occurring well into the future.
I shared a quote/query from Faith Popcorn, a renowned trend expert: “If you knew everything about tomorrow, what would you do differently today?” Looking back, over the last twelve months, that answer would be —“A lot!”
In 2021, we’ll continue to witness and experience innovations in home interiors, while preserving recognizable comforts. With great optimism, we’ll be able to gather together, travel to beautiful destinations and breathe with a sense of calm.
All my best!
Wanda