It’s the first month of 2022! Which means… New design trends! If you’re like us, you’ve been just itching to see what is coming “down the pike” in terms of design elements and theory for the new year. So, what can we expect to see in this upcoming year? More organics and nature, better workspace separation for clarity, and a continued trend toward “greener” houses. In essence, things should be getting a bit more cozy in the home.
Nature and greenscapes join us indoors
This year, we should see more plant life and organic elements entering the household. People are in search of that soft, fresh glow of nature, and research suggests that we’re bringing it indoors to be with us! Houseplant sales have been steady as we find cute succulents, household cacti, and flowers galore to keep our homes vibrant throughout the seasons.
Going green
Households are also “going greener” every day. Homebuilders and customers alike have been outfitting properties with more energy-efficient fixtures and appliances for several years now. This year, it looks like that trend will continue to grow for both new builds and remodels. Blossoming success markers of the “green movement” in the home include better air filtration, more energy-efficient windows, and using reclaimed materials for construction.
Changing color palettes & shapes
2022 will see a shift in color palette preferences. People appear to be growing tired of the neutral colors like white, beige, and gray. In fact, gray may be on its way out of its decade-long trend entirely, as it was one of the least-preferred colors in 2021. This upcoming year sees homeowners picking brighter and bolder colors for their interior design projects. Some of the most sought-after palettes are greens, florals, and nature-inspired interiors. Not all base colors are out though! Black accents around mirrors, bathroom edges, and kitchen backsplashes will supposedly be hot commodities this year.
Roundness is in style
Rounder shapes are also taking center stage in this upcoming 2022. Homeowners have been ditching squares and rectangles in favor of more “organic” designs all through the past year, which indicates that the trend is ready to surge as soon as the new year hits. What do you think of rounded tables and furnishing pieces in your home?
Office spaces and technology upgrades
Remote work has taken over for a major portion of the workforce, and with it, the design decisions of yesteryear have been questioned. Employees and entrepreneurs are both looking for more dedicated office space for remote work and side-hustle ventures. Many people have expressed unhappiness with their “open floor plans” in the house, preferring to work in separated areas for better focus. Several homeowners have opted to convert a big open area into unique blocked-off zones to give privacy and better clarity during work.
The Wi-Fi home
Plus, there are the new and improved technologies that we’re integrating to facilitate those work activities. Bluetooth microphones, “smart” speakers, and home devices have all been popular upgrade purchases recently. That garish-looking whole-house speaker system from a decade ago has come a long way in just a few years to meld seamlessly into our everyday lives in the house. Now, if only someone would develop a good Jarvis-style robot to automatically do the laundry!
Furniture that lasts
Thankfully, there has also been a reducing focus on the “fast furniture” that boomed at the start of the 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic. Customers are looking at more durable products that perform better under heavier daily use. Acrylic surfaces, in particular, are selling very well due to their cleaning simplicity and ease of replaceability. And, although your new, reclaimed-wood table may not be as fast to put together as cheap items, it should last for many years longer than they could have ever hoped to.
Each year brings new design trends, counterbalanced by a dropping of old styles. This year, we should expect to see many of the new trends aimed at helping our homelife feel more comfortable, vibrant, and enjoyable liveable!
We at WK Real Estate want to wish you the happiest of times during this season. If there is anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.