The pandemic changed many homeowner’s and potential home owner’s perspective on what they would like in a home. Those that are in the market to rennovate their current home or build a home, take note of these twelve trends those in the industry say to watch for.
1. Vintage and craft furniture
The supply chain issues have hindered household goods and building supplies. Those that are wanting to furnish a home are having a hard time finding any products. Many on the industry and homeowner are turning to vintage items that they can purchase locally.
“Unique pieces that can only be found in thrift stores and secondhand are sure to be a hit,” says Stephanie Hearn Purcell, owner and designer at Redesigned Classics.
“We are seeing some remarkable items using leftover scraps of materials to create something completely new,” Purcell says.
“Did you inherit Granny’s old dresser or armoire? Then coat it with a glossy new paint color, fill the interior with a funky wall covering, add new hardware, and voila—c’est tres chic,” says Ana Cummings, owner of ANA Interiors Ltd.
2. Houseplants galore
Houseplants are a great way to add ambience to your home. Industry leaders say they have not seen so many houseplants used since the 70’s and early 80’s. Adding greenery to the indoors of your home might be a side affect from the panedemic’s stay-at-home orders.
“With more and more people working from home, we as a society are looking for any way to connect with nature in our living and working spaces,” Riordan says.
3. No curtains (and extra windows where possible)
Homeowners now want their homes open and bright and filled with natural lighting. This year the trends say to ditch the curtains.
“Heavy draperies, color roller shades, and blinds have been popular for a long time, but we are going to see a push toward removing all window coverings and allowing the light to come in,” Riordan says. “We are seeing a sacrifice of privacy in order to have more and more light in our homes. New construction will see a push toward larger windows and lots of extra light sources in the home.”
4. Pet-centric design
Pets are wonderful companions and they say they can help relieve stress. This year home trends will be focused around pets.
“We are catering to our beloved furry friends in over-the-top ways, incorporating food dishes and water taps into the millwork and at floor level, full-on washing stations with ramps in mudrooms, and custom pet beds,” Cummings says. “It’s a lot of fun—and guess what? Those kinds of clients will never complain!”
5. Eclectic fixtures
This is a great way to update any space on a budget. Home designers will tell you that a new light fixture will give any room a face-lift.
“Mixed and interesting fixtures can bring character to a home,” Williams says.
6. Curves
This includes circular couches, shell-shaped armchairs, and round mirrors. this trend has been around for a couple of years and should be around for a while longer. This year we will also see built-in features that features curves such as kitchen islands, bath and shower walls, windows, doors, and entryways.
“If you can build it with a rounded edge—even a kitchen island—it will be unique and different from your neighbor,” Cummings says. “These undulating designs will have you swooning. There is something very playful yet comforting about them.”
7. Smarter kitchen storage solutions
Kitchen storage is a must with most homeowners. A trend this year is adding deep pull-out drawers for pots, pans and large bowls.
“Instead of playing pot-Tetris in a cabinet, deep pull-out drawers make finding the right pot a cinch,” Sunjay Williams, contestant on HGTV’s Battle on the Beach, says.
8. Woven furniture and accessories
The trend now is to bring outdoor furniture indoors. Woven and wicker furniture has come back in style and is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and more.
“From artisan baskets to light fixtures, the woven element has taken the design world by storm. … It’s not just for the porch rocker anymore,” Cummings says. “The nautical and beach aesthetics boosted this look, along with the boho, vintage, and “jungalow” looks—it all vibes so well together. We love the natural colors and organic feeling of it all.”
9. Sensual moody bedrooms
The bedroom is a homeowner’s sanctuary, so it is no surprise that the 2022 bedroom designs incude moody decor and luxury boutique designs.
“I am seeing more and more bedroom designs using asymmetrical proportions, unique mirrors, statement and strip lighting, and bed frames worthy of conversation,” Cummings says. “Feature walls are showcasing a number of different cladding materials for layering effects, dimension, and drama. Closets have glass doors and are meticulously compartmentalized and designed.”
10. Luxe laundry rooms and pantries
Once again the pandemic has changed the way we think and what is important to us. A laundry room and pantry have never been a room we feel must be decorated or designed but that is not the case. In 2022 these two rooms are getting more attention.
“We are realizing that we should take joyful inspiring moments wherever we are and whatever it is we are doing,” Cummings says.
Laundry rooms will now include include built in-storage, slide-out drying racks, washing machines and dryers built into colorful millwork, wallpaper, high-end faucets and sinks, and ambient lighting. Pantries will now include organized food and cookware storage, and possibly even a small pocket office to manage the household.
11. Laminate vinyl plank flooring
Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they are time consuming to clean and very expensive to redo. This year, the look is laminate vinyl plank flooring.
“It’s even cheaper than carpet sometimes,” Williams says. “It’s a great way to update a room without blowing the budget. Plus, it’s durable, water-resistant, affordable, easy to install, and there are tons of options.”
12. Dedicated home theater space
Everyone had a chance during the pandemic to bing watch their favorite shows. TV time is important for homeowners.
“We live in a market that loves their TV time,” Cummings says. “It only makes sense to have a room for it.”