Home design is getting more personal. More homeowners are using their homes to show their individuality and design freedom, according to home design experts at The Plan Collection, an online home design firm.
“It makes sense as people have gone from having to be home to wanting to be at home in an environment that expresses their personalities and individual tastes,” says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection. “Since no one could travel, homeowners had to bring those experiences into their homes.”
The Plan Collection’s team offers its predictions of the hot home design and building trends for 2022, including:
Curvier building elements: Curves can add an element of surprise and counter the “straight-line syndrome” of recent years, designers say. Expect to see more arched openings, barrel-vault ceilings, and curvy furniture, designers predict. Outside, arched windows and doors, arched openings, and ceilings for porches or decks will make statements, as will curved walkways. Editor’s Note – I have seen curved granite and quartz counters move to a square edge. I have also seen a move away from rounded corners. Has anyone tried to cut in paint on a curved wall? Vaulted ceilings are so not green as they cost a lot more in heating and cooling bills not to mention the echoes, echoes, echoes.
Patterned hardwoods: “Greater interest in Old World craftsmanship with two-tone inlays, patterns, or even different tones” are growing more popular, designers say. Expect to see lighter hardwood flooring, whether in one room or even just part of a room. Editor’s Note – Huh. I guess Victor and I were way ahead of the trend when we replaced the carpet in our dining, living, and family rooms with solid oak flooring 30 years ago when we move into our Tempe house. Now if we had just been smart enough to pull up that despicable sunken living room. . .
Colorful kitchens: “Homeowners are tired of the all-white kitchen and counters,” designers say. “They want to add some spice.” Expect to see more painted or wood cabinets in warm or neutral hues and countertops that feature alternative material choices. For example, more homes may mix two countertop materials, such as granite countertops and hardwood for the kitchen island. Editor’s Note – I have always despised white kitchens with gray not far behind. I know people love butch block counters but don’t do it. They are a maintenance nightmare just like Corian. Stick with granite or quartz or porcelain.
Black highlights: Black accents are trending, as are subtle colors and warm tones. Interior and exterior black window frames, black lacquered entryway doors, and black appliances—either shiny or matte—are expected to grow in popularity in 2022. Editor’s Note – Oh spare me with black paint. Do you know how hard it is to change the color once something is painted black?
Maximalism takes root: More homes are also taking on a “maximalism” look, which particularly can be seen in a Bohemian cottage or ornate English manor, designers note. “While the inventory of new furniture wanes, demand for high-quality and kitschy antiques will be in big demand,” designers say. “While people are traveling less, they have more expendable income so creative expressions of personality infuse interior design. Furnishings, rugs, art, and paint reflect past travel destinations or future dream locations that bring this idea home.” Editor’s Note – It has been my experience that a lot of the pretty furniture is not comfortable at all. Therefore no one will sit on it except maybe the cat or dog. But it will last forever since it will never be used.