Home Design Trends Archives

Written By: Holli McCray

Earlier this month, the National Association of Realtors released a study called the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. It’s a compilation of surveys completed in 2021 from various consumers and home remodelers all over the country. The focus of the report was to take a deep dive into the reasons homeowners remodel their homes, and the overall happiness that is achieved once a project is completed.

From the report…

“While most consumers (83 percent) cite they would have remodeled regardless of the pandemic, 86 percent of consumers report remodeling one area of their home made them want to then remodel other areas of their home”

“When consumers remodel, it is to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials (30 percent); to add features and improve livability (20 percent), and because it is time for a change (16 percent). Most consumers are pleased with the overall result and 57 percent would tackle the project the same way, while 35 percent would make a few different choices such as finishes or materials. After remodeling, 84 percent of owners have a greater desire to be in their home. Sixtynine percent have increased enjoyment in their home. Fifty-seven percent feel happy, and 39 percent feel satisfied when they see their completed project, with a typical Joy Score of 9.6. Sixty-nine percent feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project.”

Key highlights from the study…

Painting a home’s interior, adding a home office, installing hardwood flooring, and closet renovations all received a perfect “Joy Score” in the new NAR/NARI joint study.
Eighty-three percent of consumers say they would have remodeled homes, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The highest percentage cost recovered from a remodel job was from refinishing hardwood floors – 147%.

The 2022 study calculated a “Joy Score” for specific remodeling projects by having participants rank each project between 1 (least satisfying) and 10 (most satisfying).

Here are the top 10 “Joy Score” projects…

Painting the entire interior of the home (Joy Score: 10)
Painting one interior room (10)
Adding a new home office (10)
Hardwood flooring refinish (10)
New wood flooring (10)
Closet renovation (10)
Insulation upgrade (10)
Attic conversion to living area (10)
Complete kitchen renovation (9.8)
Kitchen upgrade (9.8)

The study also compiled how well homeowners were able to recoup their costs from various renovation projects.

Here are the top 10 “Cost Recovery” projects…

Hardwood flooring refinish (147 percent cost recovery)
New wood flooring (118 percent)
Insulation upgrade (100 percent)
Basement conversion to living area (86 percent)
Closet renovation (83 percent)
Attic conversion to living area (75 percent)
Complete kitchen renovation (75 percent)
Bathroom renovation (71 percent)
Kitchen upgrade (67 percent)
Add a new bathroom (63 percent)

If you’re thinking about making updates to your home, this report is an excellent tool to help you decide which projects you should pursue. We’re also available to provide staging and remodeling advice that makes sense for today’s real estate market. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Written By: Chris Ladd

Spring is right around the corner, and as we begin to thaw out from the winter, many of us start thinking about creative ways to update our homes. Below are a few design trends we’re seeing that we recommend if you’re looking to improve your living environment or get your house ready to put on the market…

Biophilic Design…

connects inhabitants with nature. They incorporate plants and nature into a homeowner’s everyday space. They can reduce stress, enhance creativity and expedite healing. Not only do biophilic designs emphasize natural elements, such as natural lighting, but they also focus on creating a healthy and productive space. Recent studies showed biophilic designs have positive effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being.

Curved Furniture…

has a way of softening a room, letting you take a break from décor that has hard edges and angles, like built-in shelving, coffee tables, and fireplaces. Curved lines are a fantastic way of breaking up the straight lines of your home as well as adding softness to the space. Curves act as artwork and a great conversation starter whenever you have guests visiting your home. They are meant to be seen and to make a statement as soon as you enter the room.

A Sustainable Home…

is one that reduces the overall impact on our environment. This includes updates that are energy-efficient, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials in a responsible fashion while having a positive physical and psychological impact on the inhabitants. Renting furniture or shopping second-hand for home products and décor is a fantastic way to practice being sustainable and can also save you a lot of money. Facebook Marketplace is our favorite platform for finding quality second-hand furniture and products.

Opting for eco-friendly construction, such as environmentally friendly flooring is another great sustainability option. Purchasing these construction materials locally saves time and reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing the distance they need to be shipped.

Installing solar panels on your property is not only the gold standard for sustainability, they can greatly reduce your monthly utility costs. While many strides are being made to make solar panels more affordable, they are still pretty expensive and cost-prohibitive for most. Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any incentives or credits for installing solar at your home.

Recent studies show that 85% of consumers have gone greener in recent years. By doing so with your home, it will absolutely help it stand out when it comes time to sell it. More and more homebuyers are searching specifically for greener homes…

Outdoor Furniture…

is becoming more popular as a way to spend more time entertaining guests outdoors, and creating true extensions of our home’s interior. The recent pandemic has made homeowners and renters reconsider the importance of their outdoor space. Whether it be a giant garden or small balcony, now enjoy more time outdoors and make the most of what they have. Homeowners are looking to extend their spaces and have more spacious areas to relax and take in some fresh air. Natural fabrics and colors are becoming more common. Colors sage green, cashmere, and cream are particularly popular for outdoor living areas.

Dark Kitchens…

are making a comeback! Interior designers we work with are using more black floors, black marble countertops, black appliances, and shiny black cabinets in their kitchen designs. A dark kitchen design provides a unique and elegant look, especially with gold or brass accents.

70’s Home Décor…

is making a comeback but with a modern twist. Instead of the bright orange color, we are focusing more on warm earthy tones. Bold colors, curvy shapes, velvet, and rattan furniture are coming back in 2022 but better than before. Expect to see lots of retro furniture, warm hues, and leather accents along with geometric patterns. Decorating with items from decades ago can make your home feel unexpectedly edgy and fun. Bringing in older furniture is a sure way to add depth and visual intrigue that your home may be lacking.

Wallpaper…

is a trend that started a few years ago but has been growing and is expected to be huge in 2022! Tropical and botanical prints are leading this trend for wallpaper designs. Dramatic graphics, huge wall murals, florals, and archival designs are also popular. Not only will these design types capture the attention of guests, but they will also provide a unique feel for any room. Wallpaper is an affordable way to really make a space your own and allow your home’s interior to stand out.

What’s more, many of today’s wallpaper products are now peel-and-stick as opposed to the old school days of having to use messy wallpaper paste. This also makes things MUCH easier to take down as well.

Natural Textures…

brings something cozy and inviting throughout your home. Dried flowers and grasses remain widely popular decorative accessories. Faux or fresh plants blur the boundaries between outdoor and indoor living. In 2022, we expect to see an increased usage of natural materials – ranging from décor to furniture. Calm, nature-inspired colors especially in more communal spaces like the living area. Natural shapes, greenery, and raw materials are all elements that really help ground the home.

If updating the interior design of your home seems completely foreign and intimidating, we’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to provide staging and design advice…

The 10 Best Remodeling Projects For 2022