While many believe 2020 was a watershed moment for residential design, some say it was just an accelerator. Prior to March 2020, attributes such as healthy home environments, durable qualities, and work-from-home capabilities captured the interest of many homeowners, but they weren’t necessarily top needs at the time. Ultimately, the effects of the pandemic have quickly pushed these trends to the fore, and the industry is adapting to adapt.
“The pandemic has forced many people to reassess what’s most important in their lives and in their homes,” says Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow. “For many, 2022 is the time to start living those values. It could be investing in long-lasting home features, designing a space with well-being in mind, or prioritizing comfort and functionality over high-end style. »
To see what’s in store for the year ahead, BUILDER has compiled predictions from a few industry design sources, including Zillow, Houzz, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Some build on trend expectations from the past year and more, including a continued focus on outdoor living and remote working, while others focus on trending colors and multifunctional spaces. Read on for 10 trends that will influence single-family design in 2022.
Blanched thyme – Calming and nourishing, this natural green tint promotes balance.
1. Down-to-Earth Colours: Paint colors can have a huge impact on homes, and experts from multiple sources predict homeowners will turn to nature as they seek calm through color. Natural hues, such as greens, blues, taupes and browns, will prevail this year. Due to this trend, many paint manufacturers have chosen a shade of green for their flagship color of 2022.
2. Functional offices: With hybrid and remote working continuing through 2022, flexible working solutions are expanding into the home. Designers should focus on creating calm and inviting spaces, whether it’s a pocket office by the kitchen or a larger space that can also be used as a guest bedroom, with excellent light control and beautiful backgrounds.
3. Durability and efficiency: Sustainable building practices will be a top priority for young homeowners, who will be looking for features and products that allow them to live according to their values. Features such as high-performance windows and solar panels will help reduce energy consumption, while native trees and grasses can help create water-efficient landscapes.
4. Life outside: Backyard escapes were a big takeaway from lockdown periods. As a result, people want their backyards to be relaxing extensions of their indoor living spaces. From fire pits and outdoor kitchens to televisions and spacious seating areas, the boundary between indoors and outdoors is almost disappearing.
5. Comfortable and cozy: People are spending more time at home and they want their space to be as comfy and cozy as their favorite stretchy outfits. Owner’s suites should offer refuge from the hustle and bustle, and living rooms will prioritize not only what looks good, but also what feels good.
6. Smart technology: Homeowners are slowly embracing the use of smart home appliances. The pandemic has made people aware of high-touch surface points, so homeowners have increasingly turned to hands-free and voice-activated technology to reduce the spread of disease. Additionally, smart elements that can be tied to efficiency, such as energy and water monitoring, are gaining popularity.
7. Intensive storage: The right storage strategies can create a highly functional home. While the cabinets haven’t changed much over time, the interior of the cabinets has. Drawers help carry items from back to front and special shelving lifts heavy appliances from a lower cabinet to counter height. Designers also include cubbies for towels and hidden storage for items like laundry baskets.
8. Aging in place: Many homeowners today are looking to create their forever home, which could mean incorporating universal design principles that will aid accessibility for years to come. Features such as curbless showers, non-slip flooring and shower benches have become desirable and stylish features for homeowners of all ages.
9. Furry Friends: Zillow research found that pet ownership among recent movers has skyrocketed over the past year. Nearly three-quarters of homebuyers said they had at least one pet at home (73%), compared to 64% of buyers who said they had a pet in 2020. Look for pet owners to invest in fenced yards, custom feeding stations, build-in-beds, and even pet wash stations this year.
10. Health and well-being: It’s been a tough two years and people are prioritizing their mental health. Homeowners will create retreats in their home, such as private meditation or reflection spaces, reading nooks, and spa-inspired bathroom exits. Natural light will be important, especially in home offices and common areas, while indoor plants will also continue to be popular.
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