2021 MULTIFAMILY INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

A lot of the multifamily design trends for 2021 have come about due to the pandemic (think comfort and work-from-home), with others evolving from fashion or practicality.

Style

Style, in general, depends on the geographic location as well as demographics of the target tenant. Although contemporary and transitional designs are still popular, more and more multifamily interior designers are incorporating a modern style paired with traditional elements.

The largest demographic of renters, millennials, also gravitate toward simulated high-end design elements.

Color Schemes

Neutral colors such as tan, soft grays, beige, along with the many different shades of white available help to create a calming, relaxed environment. These colors are most readily seen on walls, but can translate well to flooring, wall tiles, and cabinetry.

Functional Flooring

Asset owners are looking for flooring that will hold up to daily wear and tear, especially considering residents have been spending more time inside their homes.

Carpet is being replaced with LVT – luxury vinyl tile and planks. This product is much easier to keep clean and lasts longer than it’s shaggy counterpart.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is high on the list of requirements since COVID-19 entered the scene. Prospective tenants are looking for nonporous surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. Quartz is a perfect material for this, as well as being the most scratch-resistant and stain-resistant of countertop surfaces.

Believe it or not, laminates may come back into the picture because they are less porous than other options.

Antimicrobial surfaces such as bronze, copper and brass are popping up instead of stainless steel for door handles and pulls, plumbing and electrical accessories.

Technology

Technology plays a big role in 2021’s interior design trends. Smart thermostats allow the resident to monitor and regulate the temperature from their mobile phones, while reducing energy bills. Bluetooth enabled lighting control comes in a close second.

The Heart of the Home

Kitchen design elements have changed over the years in a variety of ways. Work spaces adjacent or built into the kitchen area are great for virtual school, homework, crafting, and as home command centers. Stainless steel appliances are still popular, but matte black and satin brass are showing headway. Glass mosaic kitchen backsplashes are being replaced with simple white or other light colored subway tiles.

Espresso wood cabinets are being painted over or replaced with flat panel colorful cabinets, some even two-toned!