Cover Photo by Astro Design

The architectural design trends 2021 have one thing in common – sustainable design. development and sustainable architecture. Society in general is moving towards having the environment as a priority and this is reflected in Ottawa’s 2021 modern architectural trends.

The use of recycled and renewable materials and the design of self-sufficient buildings that support a sustainable planet are becoming more prevalent in Ottawa. Sustainability is at the forefront of each of these trends below:

1. Two-Tone Kitchens

This trend will be everywhere and there’s a reason for it- these kitchens are gorgeous! You might be interested in exploring two-tone kitchens for reasons such as creating a new cool modern kitchen or revamping an existing space. You can paint or refinish some of your cabinets to make a modern impact. This trend really has no rules and you can create any colour combo that suits your needs from modern homes to chic cottages.  

Here are two-toned kitchens from Ottawa’s very own award winning design centre: Astro Design Centre. Their kitchens are sure to inspire your next awe-inspiring interior design project.

Design by Astro Design Centre | Image by JVL Photography
 
Design by Astro Design Centre | Image by JVL Photography
Design by Deslaurier Custom Cabinets | @deslauriercustomcabinets

2. Smart Homes

Smart homes are homes that have features which allow homeowners to simplify their lives. They have low operating costs, are energy efficient and are extremely convenient. They can be fun, but also provide a sense of security by acting as your home security system when you leave the house. You can now dim the lights when watching a movie without having to miss a moment. Smart Homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, like the NEST thermostat where you control and automate your home’s temperature. In the long run, it will save you $$ and the environment will thank you. Whether it be lighting, heating, entertainment, home security system, or a vacuum the Smart Home systems offered are more impressive than ever. You can control everything in your home from anywhere in the world via the internet or your cell phone. Smart homes make your home work for you whether you are home or out of town.

3. Open + Multipurpose spaces

Open space plans are becoming very common. They create a sense of more room and can help promote connections within the home. When there are less walls, spaces feel larger and natural lighting can flow throughout – maximizing your space and allowing function and form to harmonize. I know the open and multipurpose space trend is here to stay.

Design by Astro Design Centre | Image by JVL Photography
Design by Robinson Rental Properties | Image by Josh Hotz Photography

4. Relaxing Bathrooms

A slice of Spa Nordik at home! Sit back and relax in this new trend that comprehends that we need a break from the day-to-day and this can be done all from the comfort of your home. The bathroom is where we prepare ourselves to face the outside world and these bathrooms help create peaceful and calming spaces that help give us the TLC we need from the stressors of modern life.

Design by Astro Design Centre | Image by JVL Photography

5. Building for the Future: Net Zero Homes

The future of homebuilding in Ottawa is a green one. Home buyers increasingly want energy efficiency to be on their list of key features when considering a home. “A Net Zero home produces its own energy locally and should aim to produce at least as much energy as it consumes. EnerGuide rates the energy performance of the home; the higher the rating, the more efficient the home. The lower the EnerGuide number the better energy performance of the home is. In order for a home to be completely Net Zero, it will most likely need to incorporate solar power or utilize some form of renewable energy source” explains Mike Homes from HGTV. The benefits that come from Net Zero homes are plentiful including, quieter homes with no drafts, better air quality and ventilation, lower heating and cooling costs, and no noise pollution. Ottawa-based award winning builders RND Construction have created beautiful homes (depicted below) that are stylish, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Design by RND Construction | Alta Green
Design by RND Construction | Alta Green

6. Earthy Tones

Earth tones or “neutrals” are soothing and can be very versatile. They instantly make a home feel more homey and inviting by drawing inspiration from nature. Taupe, brown, deep red, mustard yellow, beige, black and grey are colours that work well with this trend. Features should include wood and of course lots of plants that will reflect the great outdoors. They will make for a soothing and tranquil home. Think Gatineau Park in the fall. I feel relaxed already.

Design by Giacco Decor | @giaccodecor

7. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century modern is just as popular now as it was back when it first was introduced in the mid 1950s. These homes were built in a modular style to simplify construction and keep building costs low, however that doesn’t mean they were the cheapest to build. The intentions for the design of the interior was for homeowners to feel like they were living in a work of art. These single level homes also allowed home owners to be on a single level and reunite with nature. Mid-Century modern homes have lots of windows, an open concept and were built with natural materials like wood-panelled walls and stone features. Much of Ottawa’s suburban growth occurred during the 50s and 60s and large neighbourhoods were dominated by mid-century modern construction.

Ottawa Mid Century Modern Home | Danielle Jones
Ottawa Mid Century Modern Home | Marc Fowler
Modern Toronto Home that blends into the natural landscape | The Print Market

8. Daylighting and Maximizing Light

Natural light is a must-have feature for many home buyers. Exposure to daylight is proven to boost our mood and wellbeing. Ottawa’s winters are long and having a lighter and brighter home contribute to happier homeowners both with their mood and their home’s appearance. The interior architectural design has been developed so that the buildings take advantage of the natural light they receive from the sun. Designers are also now integrating artificial lighting in the most natural way possible, with a focus being on the furniture or in the form of indirect warm light. This trend will keep a smile on your face.

Here is Ottawa’s own Robinson Rental Properties with their use of modern artificial lighting which creates a warm and natural ambiance.

Design by Robinson Rental Properties | Image by Josh Hotz Photography
Design by Robinson Rental Properties | Image by Josh Hotz Photography

Natural and artificial lighting gives this home a bright and warm feeling.

Design by Robinson Rental Properties | Image by Josh Hotz Photography