Design Must-Dos

Home and design experts look ahead to what will be trendy in 2021

410 Longwoods Lane Houston house for sale

Gourmet kitchens will be big.

Photo courtesy of Compass

Never before has your home's style and functionality felt more important than in 2020. We've all become a lot more acquainted with our living spaces thanks to the pandemic, and many have undertaken remodeling projects as a result.

What will we be seeing more of in the new year? Zillow has put together a list of the top home trends for 2021, and on it you'll find everything from "Zoom rooms" to vacation-like amenities to a fancier place to cultivate that sourdough starter.

Intergenerational living
Young adults and grandparents alike have found themselves moving back in with family for financial and health reasons, so new construction is progressing with that in mind.

According to Generations United, about one in six Americans currently live in multigenerational households, and this year, the share of young people moving back home reached all-time highs.

Katie Detwiler, chief experience officer at Pennsylvania home builder Berks Homes, says there are more requests than ever for a finished basement with a full bathroom, as well as bedroom additions.

Gourmet kitchens
If we've not all become successful amateur cooks this year, then at least we tried — and learned what does and doesn't work in our current kitchens.

A previous Zillow survey finds 41 percent of people value a well-equipped kitchen more than before as a result of social distancing recommendations, and more people want the space to show off their new culinary skills in the next year.

"We've seen an increase in requests for gourmet kitchens," says Detwiler. "This includes bigger cabinets and island additions so homeowners have the space they need to cook their gourmet meals."

"Zoom rooms"
Think of it as a home office: upgraded. A Zillow survey found that Americans working from home say they would consider a move for a dedicated office space, if they were to continue working remotely at least occasionally.

As of November, the number of listings mentioned "home office" or "Zoom room" increased by 48.5 percent compared to the same time last year. Berks Homes also says requests for an at-home study in lieu of existing living space more than doubled this year.

"Homecation" amenities
With lots of time and nowhere to go, homeowners are coming up with creative solutions to create vacation vibes right at home. "Pool" was the top Zillow keyword search term in 2020; "waterfront" and "dock" also landed in the top 10.

Additionally, homeowners may be looking for big and small ways to create a luxury experience at home, from upgrading to a spa-like bathtub or relaxing rain shower. Zillow research found listings that mentioned a free-standing tub typically sold for 5.5 percent more than expected, while the listing keyword "spa-inspired" contributed to a 1.8 percent price premium.

The rise of remote work will also allow more homeowners to turn their favorite vacation destination into their hometown. Page views of for-sale listings in areas typically considered vacation destinations — such as Key West, the Jersey Shore, and Cape Cod — are up nearly 50 percent compared to last year.

Backyard oasis
A Zillow survey from the Harris Poll found that 41 percent of people say they value a large outdoor space more as a result of social distancing recommendations.

Homes mentioning "fire pit" in the listing sold for 2.8 percent more than similar homes, and "outdoor kitchen" sold for 4.5 percent more. Smart sprinkler systems and outdoor lighting are other features that add a contemporary flare to a backyard but also help your home sell up to 15 days faster than expected.

Smart and safe tech
It's more vital than ever that our homes stay as germ-free as possible, and smart home technology has saved the day with products like touchless appliances, self-cleaning toilets, and bidets. And while a lot of these products are niche right now, Zillow predicts they will evolve to become the standard in home design.

"Our tech-driven appliances, solid surfaces, and smart fixtures have come to the rescue," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow home design expert and founder of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "Features like voice-activated faucets, robotic vacuums, and electronic assistant-controlled lights have updated the traditional tasks of cooking and cleaning by incorporating thoughtful innovation into home products."

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly appealing to buyers. A Zillow analysis found that listings mentioning a smart light in their description sold seven days faster than expected, and listings mentioning a smart thermostat sold six days faster.

Pet-friendly living
The flexibility of remote work gave many people the opportunity to be home all day, and in turn, made it easier to add a new best friend to their family. According to a Nielsen survey, 20 percent of respondents in July said they adopted one or more dogs or cats between March and June, up from less than 5 percent over the same time last year.

A 2020 Zillow analysis found for-sale listings mentioning a pet shower or dog wash in their listing description sold for 5.1 percent more than similar homes, while listings mentioning a fenced backyard in their description sold 6.8 days faster than expected.

More new construction
Traffic for new construction homes has increased significantly on Zillow, up 82 percent in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter a year ago, signaling an increasing number of shoppers interested in personalizing their home's features and living in a new, clean space.

A 2020 Zillow survey found more than a quarter of buyers who bought a new construction home did so to customize home features, while 37 percent chose new construction because everything in the home was new and never used.

trends

Marburger Farm updated

Round Top's 43-acre antique show unveils renovations for spring 2026

Courtesy of Marburger Farm

Visit Marburger Farm March 24-28.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus believed that the only constant in life is change. Since 1997, the Marburger Farm Antique Show, which typically closes out both the spring and fall editions of the Round Top Antiques & Design Show, has largely remained unchanged. As enthusiastic Marburger tailgaters listen for that opening triangle to ring, everyone has their well-established and particular beeline-paths prepared in advance. But this year, change is a’comin’.

When the fall show closed last October, Marburger began a huge renovation project that included the full restoration of its historic buildings, including the original Marburger Farmhouse, Legler House, Coufal House, Zieger House, Silver Dollar Saloon, Gulf Warehouse, Dance Hall, Bingo Hall, Blacksmith Shop, and the General Store. Notably, the restoration has made it possible to add heating and air conditioning to these structures.

New additions debuting this spring include The Canteen, which is a large food pavilion overlooking the previously-underutilized pond; The Parlor, a design showcase space; a live music stage; enhanced pathways; and a communal green space designed for gathering and celebration. Over the summer, the addition of two large climate-controlled sheds and updated seating and lounge areas throughout the grounds will complete the project.

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“This is a much more intentional undertaking to really breathe life into those buildings,” Marburger CEO John Sughrue tells CultureMap. “It’s going to be very obvious — when on the property — what we’ve done. The vision for what we’re doing was establishing a greater sense of place, and a greater sense of community.”

While fans may worry that these improvements may impact the charming and rustic aesthetic that shoppers have come to expect at Marburger, the overall experience should remain the same. Once randomly strewn across the 43-acre property, the historic structures have been gathered together around a newly-hardscaped central square. New green spaces are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia, the layout inspired by the Texas Courthouse Square. At one end, the western-facing pavilion will overlook the pond and rolling hills, and adjacent to that, the familiar 90,000-square-feet of tented shopping remain unchanged.

“One thing that is apparent about Marburger is that people have a real sense of connection with it, a sense of history, and take a personal interest in it,” says Sughrue. “You’ll see that in the level of craftsmanship, the placemaking, and how we have, in essence, redeveloped the existing historical buildings.”

One of the things Sughrue is enthusiastic about is the ability to participate in the winter show, as well as inviting exhibitors who left for climate-controlled venues to return home to Marburger. Improved facilities for their local and beloved food and beverage vendors make for expanded offerings and shorter lines — a notion sure to please even the most staunch Marburger purists.

“We are trying very much to maintain the Texas heritage of Marburger,” Sughrue says. “I consider us guardians or stewards of the brand. I consider Marburger a brand like Blue Bell Ice Cream or the State Fair of Texas. There is something very much rooted in the land, very much rooted in how generations now have engaged with Marburger and in Round Top. We are trying to hold tight to being a heritage brand, while positioning for the future — that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Sughrue is all too aware of some of the sentiments that were shared five years ago when Marburger was purchased by “these Dallas guys” [real estate development firm Brook Partners]. In the last four years, they have listened to vendors and guests alike to learn how they can improve the show experience for their core audience: top exhibitors, designers, architects, and vendors. While he finds the relatively-recent glitterati element in Round Top to be amusing, it’s not something he’s interested in attracting or catering to specifically. So, everyone can let out a sigh of relief on that concern.

“These are designers who come into Round Top, and to Marburger in particular, and they are very important to our success. We attract some of the best exhibitors in the country, if not the world,” explains Sughrue. “Day one they meet with designers who have flown in from all over the country. Our focus is being a resource to those designers and architects — that’s what’s driving our business. We are not a lifestyle offering, and we are not trying to be all things to all people.”

At the end of the day, Sughrue’s overall goal is connecting the best exhibitors to the best buyers. “Everything else that happens in Round Top is just noise.” He loves the generational aspect of Marburger, oftentimes noticing three generations shopping together in the tents.

“Y’all make a tough crowd, I’ll tell you that,” Sughrue says with a laugh. “I think we are going to get more of it right than wrong, and what we get wrong — we are going to listen very hard to people — we are going to make that right. I promise you that. Marburger captivates me. It just devours all of my time and attention, but how lucky am I?! All these issues surround purpose-driven lives, and we get to work on Marburger to bring a community of people together to celebrate design, antiques, Texas. It’s like the American Dream is alive and well on the Round Top fields during Marburger. It’s just an incredible collection of people.”

Visit the refreshed Marburger Farms from Tuesday, March 24 to Saturday, March 28. Purchase tickets at marburgerfarm.com.

Courtesy of Marburger Farm

Visit Marburger Farm March 24-28.

marburger farm round top shopping