Masonite Study Finds Shift to Adaptive Home Design Is Permanent

News Release

Tampa, FL – Door manufacturer Masonite says the COVID-19 pandemic has strongly influenced home design in 2021, with some changes likely to be permanent. A study conducted in partnership with research agency Stylus identified four key themes: a concern for the environment, and the need for adaptive spaces, home sanctuary and intuitive design.

“Our lives have changed dramatically in the past year,” says Masonite senior vice president and CMO Jennifer Renaud (below). “Those changes have directly impacted what families want, need, and expect in their homes.” Renaud says the findings will contribute to ongoing Masonite product innovations as it develops new door designs and functionality. 

Home design is increasingly important to Masonite, whose revenues reached $2.2B last year, a 4% increase. But it in the fourth quarter that momentum shifted to residential design. Masonite reported a 26% rise in its North American residential doors business, while its architectural segment for commercial settings fell 7%. 

Trends to Watch in Home Design

Regenerate: Concern for the environment and a desire to support local communities are driving a preference for locally sourced, sustainable materials. Regenerate interiors and exteriors will consist of crafted details, enhanced texture, earthy warm hues, and minimalist templates. The colors of Regenerate are moody, yet soothing and comforting in their earthiness. Regenerate materials and finishes will add warmth and include visible wood grain, mixed woods, warm metals, natural textiles, and recycled aggregates like crushed cement.

Adapt: The pandemic has upended the way homeowners use their spaces, which now function as offices, schools, gyms, and more. The result is a need for zoned spaces, multi-functional furniture and practical, yet contemporary, decor. The pandemic also changed the way people feel inside their homes. Security and safety are a priority, from secure locking systems to sanitized surfaces. The Adapt trend will be seen in adaptable elements, natural light, industrial materials, simple shapes, and joyful geos.

Home Sanctuary: With people spending more time at home than ever before, creating a comfortable home sanctuary will continue to be key. Sanctuary spaces are filled with natural pigments and neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the eye. Spaces have an overall minimalist design sense, with bold, large-scale geometry and generously proportioned, comfortable furniture. The Home Sanctuary trend will be brought to life with features that include wooden slats, wide stripes, furnishings with sculptural curves, hand-drawn lines, woven grasses, and sculptural, stained wood.

Intuitive Home: This trend aims to make the future less intimidating and more intuitive, resulting in a secure, peaceful atmosphere that considers ergonomics and comfort in design. Everything is designed with aesthetics and tech in mind, and, most importantly, the home maintains a consistent look and feel throughout. The intuitive home allows technology to enhance the home without disrupting it. Intuitive homes will include patinated metal, shifting colors, geometric grids, textural contrast, pale brick and tone on tone.

Masonite, with 8,500 customers in 60 countries, offers the report for free at https://residential.masonite.com/2021-design-trends

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