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2022 Brings New Home Décor Trends

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Now more than ever our home has become our sanctuary. Everyone has spent more time in our homes in the last 18 months than ever. Here are twelve trends that professionals predict for 2022.

1. Curved Furniture Silhouettes

Furniture designs are becoming a bit softer this year with curved edges and feminine shapes. This will make the room feel more cozy and safe but with bold colors and big designs. Furniture will become more of an artwork according to designer Linda Hayslett of LH. Designed. The pieces will be more refined but will also blend with function. She says to picture softer curves with a gorgeous naked back. Comfort is not the only thing homeowners are looking for, they also want something fun and striking that creates an interesting and memorable space.

2. Decorative Cabinetry

Professionals predict that your cabinets in your kitchen, powder room or mudroom will be more creative styles. Beveled shaker cabinets are coming back into style. The shaker today will be more beveled than standard with a combination of shaker styles and rails giving a more unique look.

“I think (and hope) that 2022 is the year more creative cabinetry styles will go mainstream,” says designer Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors. “If you’re going for a more contemporary look, I always suggest something a little different, like a vertical paneled door detail or a flat-panel style with a really unique piece of hardware.”

 

3. Sustainable Practices

“Sustainability is the new sexy—and, in 2022, we predict consciously-designed and responsibly-manufactured products to be at the forefront of every home,” says Georgie Smith and Hilary Gibbs, founders of recycled tile company LIVDEN. “From building materials to furniture, consumers are looking to adopt more innovative products that are designed from the start with sustainability in mind. Next year and beyond, we see widespread adoption of green technology in residential interiors. From smart thermostats to innovative recycled water systems, homeowners will not only be more conscious of their consumption but will also actively look to reduce their energy and water usage. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing beautiful design. In 2022, we predict a surge of colorful and bold sustainable materials and products that will force us to reimagine what sustainable design is and can be.”

4. Loads Of Texture

This speaks for itself when it comes to decorating a space. You can layer the simple basic neutral palettes in different textures to get this look. “We’ll definitely be seeing an uptick in texture in 2022—the more, the better!” says designer Andi Morse of Morse Design. “There will be more soft velvets and boucle fabrics mixed with woven furniture and sisal carpets. These elements help add warmth, creating an inviting space.”

5. Parisian-Inspired Interiors

“Next year, we’re going to see modern interpretations of Parisian-inspired designs as a popular home trend,” says Kelley Carter, Bloomingdales’ Home Fashion Director. “The intersection of color and materials will be a focal point here, with pastels and metallics coming together to create an inviting space. By bringing in design pieces made of translucent materials—like colored glass and iridescent crystal—they can create a glowing effect when you place them in an area of the home with plenty of natural light. It’s a nice way to brighten up the space and create a dreamy, warm atmosphere typical of Parisian culture.”

6. Fun Foyers

The foyer is the first place a person sees the interior of your home. This is the place where you will make a first impression. “One of my favorite new trends for 2022 is fun in the foyer,” says designer Hillary Stamm of HMS Interiors. It’s the first room people see when they come to your home, so don’t be afraid to make it amazing! From vintage rugs to books and baskets, aim to create a styled but welcoming vibe.”

7. Home Bars

Homes have become more of live work and play space since the pandemic. Many rooms have learned to become flex zones such as a dining room for eating and a classroom for school from home. “Be it wet or dry, everyone wants a gorgeous, tricked-out bar in their homes right now,” says Scheer. “While it’s a holdover from the pandemic, I think it’s a trend that’s here to stay and I’m not the least bit mad about it.”

8. Nature-Inspired Hues

“Green has always worked beautifully in interiors, especially when clients ask to bring the outdoors in,” adds designer Caroline Turner. “However, I think 2022 will be the biggest year yet for the versatile hue. Whether the application is big (my preference) or small, the right green can really pack a punch. Olive, sage, emerald, and forest are some of my favorites.”

Bringing the outdoors in through color has become ever so more popular these days. “The new neutrals for home colors are actual nature colors,” says Hayslett. “The past couple of years, people have had to spend more time outdoors, where the colors are always calming and never too stark, bright or loud. 2022 will see more designs bringing in those muted nature colors such as leafy greens, bark browns, ocean and sky blues, sandy beiges, cloudy whites, and more into the home.”

9. Vintage And Reclaimed

Second-hand shopping has become the rage as supply-chain issues have pumped the breaks on new home items. Furniture delivery is now months to a year away for most retailers. Vintage and antique furniture will become even more popular this year. “With the massive shipping delays and increased raw material prices we’ve seen as of late, vintage pieces have become even more desirable,” explains Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home. “I’ve seen some stunning vintage pieces brought back to life with new upholstery and a little refinishing. Nothing like a global pandemic to force our hand into getting even more creative.”

10. Closed Floor Plans

“The pandemic has impacted every facet of life but especially our homes,” says Turner. “More and more time spent at home creates the need for privacy within. A big part of our job today is creating niches and nooks that feel calm and private. We’re adding walls and openings more often than we are knocking them down. The additional design opportunities are a bonus—the more closed rooms, the more creative you can be. One large open floor plan often relies heavily on neutrals and repetition to not overwhelm the eye, while a more closed floor plan has natural transition points that help a big design moment feel contained.”

11. Indoor-Outdoor Living

“Homeowners are putting more investment into their exterior spaces than ever before,” says Jean Brownhill, founder of Sweeten. “Homeowners are moving pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, and extensive seating and dining to the top of their wish lists. In warmer climates, indoor spaces extend out to patios for indoor-outdoor living, often doubling the square footage of a home’s eating and entertaining areas. Installing bi-folding and sliding doors that span the full width of a wall can help you seamlessly connect to the outdoors, while large windows are a better option in climates with four seasons.”

12. Colorful Tableware

According to Food52’s table buyer, Casey Simring, “tablescaping is quickly becoming an art form and medium for self expression. Dinnerware, glassware, even flatware, have all become opportunities to show off your personal style and curation—and the style is no longer your grandmother’s bone china plates.” This year? It’s all about mix-and-match color. “The beauty of a mix-and-match colorful table is that you can grow your collection over time,” Simring says, “adding pieces from different collections to create an eclectic yet stylish tabletop. If you’re nervous, just start with the small stuff: snag a set of mixed color napkins, fun taper candles, or even a mini cake stand. Then work your way up to the tinted glassware and dinnerware styles—I find it’s easier for me to commit to a set of funky color bowls before a full dinnerware set. If you’re intimidated at having to style colors together, start with either warm or cool tones—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a palette from there!”

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2021 Third Quarter Sees A Strong Boost In the Vacation Home Market

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The NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) released in December 2021 shows an increase in permits for second homes. The counties in the country with a high ratio of vacation homes have seen a big spike.

“Over the last year, second-home markets have increased their market shares, due to increases in hybrid work arrangements, early retirements and wealth gains in housing and stocks,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.

New construction growth has taken off in the second home market. The growth rate for single-family homes in the second home market was 36.1%, this is a rise compared to the non-second home market average of 23.2%.

In the past year, the housing market for single-family homes has been booming in suburban areas. The report shows that the higher density markets are coming back. This is not the case in the multifamily construction sector. Permits for multifamily projects were higher in smaller cities and rural areas than in larger metropolitan areas.

“As more workers transitioned back to the workplace, there was a rebound for housing production in urban core markets, as well as ongoing growth in exurban areas,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “And while builders are still grappling with affordability headwinds in both small and large markets, this rebound in housing production in some higher density markets where building is more costly highlights the need for policymakers to reduce housing supply barriers that are driving up home prices.”

“Although all geographies are showing construction growth, the suburban shift is less pronounced than we’ve seen in prior quarters as some higher-density markets see a rebound even as exurbs continue to expand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.

Single-family permit growth data for the third quarter of 2019 and 2020 was 5.6% in large metro communities while it was 12.3% in the suburbs. The current report for the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2021 shows an increase of 21.1% in large metro markets and a 30.8% increase in the suburbs.

For multifamily permits, the 2020 and 2021 data show they fell from 40.5% to 37.9% in higher density markets while they rose from 24.9% to 37.2% in the smaller communities. This is a large shift in this market. Historically, year-to-year changes in multifamily market share are usually slow to develop and rarely move more than one percentage point higher or lower. This makes these latest year-over-year numbers noteworthy.

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This family room has a nice fireplace. The home has nice hardwood flooring.

2022 Kitchen Trends For Your Home

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Nice custom home with fully landscaped yard. This home has a side entry garage.The kitchen is the heart of the home and is a very important space. This has become even more prominent since the pandemic. Here are the 2022 kitchen trends the industry is sharing.

1. Sunny Celebration

Bright and open spaces have become very important, especially since homeowners have had to stay indoors during the stay-at-home orders. The new year brings joy and brightness. The color trends for our kitchen are nice yellows, burnt oranges that are set against cool blues and light whites. The contrast will make a room pop.

2. Two-Tone Upgrade

This look was seen at the end of 2021 and seems to be hot in 2022. Two-toned kitchens are in! Even though they contrast in color, the look is streamlined and complementary shards are used.

3. Natural Pink

Nice pastels such as pink have become a trend for the color of the 2022 kitchen. Th pastel shades give a neutral and refreshing look to your space.

4. Sands of Time

This dune-colored palette is sure to make your kitchen look serene. This design is popular for 2022 and is said to be a Minimalism and Scandinavian design combined.

5. Matte Grey

Is it grey or gray either-or, this color is a great stylish design for your kitchen. Touch-to-open cabinets in a matte grey gives a simple and sleek design.

6. Natural-Inspired Green & Oak

They say that green is a calming color. Bringing green into your kitchen is a trend you will see this year. Expect to see kitchen cabinets in colors inspired by wood-land hues such as brown and greens.

7. All that Glitters

Another trend you will see this year is a metallic accent in your kitchen. A new trend will be dark cabinets with a metallic backsplash.

8. Countertop Continued

A nice countertop in the kitchen can boost your kitchen’s look. A trend to see this year is waterfall kitchen island tops. These countertops look seamless and simple in design.

9. Backsplash & Beyond

Kitchen backsplashes have been a trend for a while now. There are many to choose from and countless designs. The 2022 trend for backsplashes will be a wrap-around backsplash. This means the backsplash will go from behind the stovetop to the ceiling and down onto the floor.

10. Practical Alternatives

Wooden beams or steel poles are being incorporated into the design of the 2022 kitchen. Also, steel countertops are the rage, they are easy to clean and durable.

11. Fully Integrated Smart Kitchens

Smart homes are becoming the norm now. Smart technology allows for smaller, more conveniently shaped appliances in the kitchen.  These appliances are energy efficient and can make your life easier. A smart fridge can actually let you know when you are running low on a particular grocery item!

Remember that the kitchen is the heart of the home and can bring family and friends together. Make sure to spruce up your kitchen for the New Year.

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Tips To Spruce Up A Home’s Curb Appeal

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When selling a home or purchasing a home one of the terms often used is curb appeal. The first impression of a home is the exterior and the home’s landscaping. Keeping the exterior of your home and its surroundings updated and fresh sets your home apart from others on the street. Here are five exterior updates that can boost your home’s curb appeal.

1. Show Your Style With Siding

Siding has become very popular, especially durable siding that has little upkeep. A new trend is using steel siding. Steel siding is strong and durable with a sustainable finish that offers tons of options to mix and match paint colors and other exterior materials.

“Using a combination of siding materials can help with the overall visual interest of a house,” says Mike Bouman, P.E., Vice President of Design and Engineering at Pioneer Construction in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “But make sure you look at how much maintenance your chosen material will need. Steel siding, for example, is really good in terms of durability and upkeep.”

“If you keep to one color for your siding, you may want to add interest by combining horizontal and vertical boards,” Bouman says. “Or, if you do introduce more than one siding material, try and use just two types or colors, and possibly either masonry or brick.”

2. Use Color to Add Personality

A house can look so much different with a new exterior color. Keep with your home’s style when selecting colors for paint, siding, trim, shutters, doors and other exterior details.

If you want a contrasting look from your landscape, go with a dark tone on your exterior. This will make the greens of the landscaping pop.

“We’re seeing darker colors such as dark brown and dark wood tones as a trend,” Bouman says, “which is where real wood, or siding that looks like wood, can really come into its own.”

A more fresh and sleek look would be to use white on your exterior with black accents. “The combination of white siding, white trim and black-framed windows is still a clean look which people want,” Bouman says.

3. Choose Your Trim

Trim not only protects the edges of your home’s roof, porch and other overhangs and windows but also gives the exterior a completed look. When choosing trim, make sure the style complements your home’s architecture.

“We see homeowners choosing trims and siding in a similar color or the same color,” Bouman says.

4. Invest in Your Outdoor Space

Make sure your porch, patio and outdoor living spaces are all up to date. An outdated living space or bland yard does not give off good curb appeal. Adding evergreen plants, ornamental grass and flowering perennials adds ambiance and color to your yard.

Add a maintenance-free ceiling that is constructed of durable aluminum to your outdoor porch or covered patio. The ceilings come in many colors and even a wood finish.

“It really makes a difference,” Bouman says of the aluminum under-porch and soffit products offered by Quality Edge. “Whether it’s a solid color that looks painted or a wood finish, the style really makes it look authentic without the maintenance.”

5. Go for New Gutters

A home can have new trim, a new roof, new exterior painting and great landscaping but if the gutters are dingy your curb appeal is ruined. Not only do you want your gutters to look nice, but you also want to make sure they are intact and standing up to the outdoor elements correctly.

“Matching it with your home’s trim color means that the gutter doesn’t have to stand out,” Bouman says. “There are lots of different options to choose from, so choose one that works with the architecture of your home. If you’re going for a more historical look, for example, you might want to select a specific profile or material to suit that style of house.”

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This home sits on a cul de sac lot and features three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Third Quarter 2021 Reaches a 13-Year High for Conventional Loan Share of New Home Sales

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This is a nice home office with windows thatThe National Association of Home Builders shared that 75.5% of new home sales that were recorded in the 2021 third quarter was the largest share seen since the first of the 2008 Great Recession. The data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Sales by Price and Financing.

The Quarterly Sales by Price and Financing reports are surveys of New Residential Sales that are done every March, June, September and December. These are tables that are published through the U.S. Census Bureau.

This record share saw an increase of 1.7 percentage points over 2021 2nd Quarter and has kept rising for the last three quarters. This has shown an increase of 6.9 percentage points since Q4 2021.

As for sales backed by conventional loans, the share increased quarter-over-quarter 74% from Q3 2020 to Q3 2021. The data shows a 4.9 percentage points gain over Q2 2021. FHA-backed sales came in at 11.9% in Q3 2021 which was a decline of 1.1 percentage points over Q2 2021. As for year-over-year, it was a decline of 6.6 percentage points.

VA-backed sales also came in with a decline of 1.7 percentage points from Q3 2020. The data shows a 4.9% decline which is the exact opposite of cash purchases.

Cash purchases rose 7.6% making this a rise for the past two quarters. It is now 4.4% which is the largest we have seen since Q4 2014. For Q3 2021 there was a 7.7% climb with 1,000 sales and a 4,000 increase year-over-year.

The 30-year fixed rate for both conventional and government-backed mortgages also declined quarter-over-quarter. Conventional-backed mortgages reported a 93 basis points decline while government-backed mortgages came in 72 basis points lower than seen in Q4 2019.

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A custom home that has a side entry garage and fenced in backyard.

Holiday Spending Will Be Backed by the Rising Consumer Confidence This Year

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Bright and open family room with recessed lighting and hardwood floors.The COVID-19 vaccines are helping to get Americans back out into the physical consumer world. Even with the supply chain problems and rocket high inflation, consumers are still planning on spending the bucks this holiday season.

The Consumer Confidence Index saw a rise in the third quarter of 2021 to 113.8 points. The level seen this October was the highest level seen since July 2021. American’s mindset also rose for future consumer spending. Many see purchasing a house car and major appliances before the year-end.

Close to 50% of those surveyed are planning on taking a vacation in the next six months. This is the highest level we have seen before the pandemic.

“While short-term inflation concerns rose to a 13-year high, the impact on confidence was muted,” said Lynn Franco, The Conference Board’s senior director of economic indicators.

In a nutshell, Americans are not fazed by price inflation. Luckily this is pushing the labor market to recover. It will be a while before consumers get fed up with the price inflations.

“And most of that is due to the job market,” said Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO. “And though the share of those respondents finding that jobs are plentiful slipped a bit this month, the share of those who find that jobs are hard to get fell even more.”

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