From working to socializing, people are doing more at home than ever before because of shifts from the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, how people interact with their spaces has changed more in the last year than well a very long time. Because of the evolving nature of home life, what people are prioritizing in their home search is also changing. Instead of favoring open floor plans and easy access to public transit, new and sometimes unexpected features are taking priority instead. 

Dedicated office space

With more people working from home than ever before, a dedicated home office space has bubbled up to the top of many peoples wish lists. With some predicating that up to 30 percent of the workforce may be working from home multiple days per week through the end of 2021, buyers are clamoring to get their hands on homes that have the extra square footage they need for a dedicated work zone and to get things done during the workday. 

Access to the outdoors 

As people spend more time at home and less time at an office or socializing, having a place to go and get fresh air and sunshine has become a top priority for many who are house-hunting. Especially among millennials and those with children, the desire for a detached home with a larger yard has grown replacing the need for easy access to public transportation or major roadways. 

From large yards and some acreage to a finished patio or deck, 14 percent of those with access to outdoor spaces ranked it as the most important feature in their current home and nearly 14 percent ranked outdoor space as a must-have in their next home. 

Emphasis on earth tones

Instead of the light, airy and pastel shades that reigned supreme in 2020, people are looking for a way to escape the stress at home this year. As a result, 2021 will be filled with warm and comforting earth tones that bring a sense of Zen. According to the 1stDibs annual survey, shades such as emerald green, mustard yellow, burnt orange and navy blue help create a rich and inviting space that helps make people feel like theyre spending time outdoors even if theyre not.  

Prioritizing the planet

Global warming continues to be a concern for many. As consumers become more aware of their own footprint, industry leaders such as Architectural Digest anticipate that sustainability will become an increasingly important element of home building and interior decorating in 2021. From using pillows made with recycled textiles to using healthier building materials during new construction, there are small but impactful changes that homeowners are implementing to make a difference. 

Opting out of open floor plans 

Now that houses have had to also become offices and schools, defining spaces for a single use has become less possible. Instead, the family room is also the classroom, and the basement is also the gym for many people as theyre shifting their lifestyles to do more within their own four walls.

As a result, the open concept style of the past has proven challenging because, without walls, its difficult to create separate spaces for each family members needs. Many industry professionals predict that the pandemic will perpetuate the return to layouts with distinct rooms to maximize functionality for entire families. 

As people change how they use their space, the spaces themselves need to change, too.And, as more and more people begin looking for their new homes in the booming real estate market, these are some of the features that will top many wish lists and a few of the top things to consider before buying a house.