With many of us confined to our homes for the better part of 2020, DIY projects and renovations became more than just a way to pass the time. Many home improvements were directly related to the new reality imposed by the pandemic. Home offices became a necessity, and a focus on self-care and mental health led to improved outdoor spaces and home fitness areas.
Many of these trends are expected to continue into 2022. While a semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy seems to be on the horizon, the lessons we learned remain highly influential in all aspects of our lives, including what we want from our homes.
Home Upgrades You Can Expect to See in 2022
Wellness Spaces
Areas dedicated to mental health and self-care will continue to be important in 2022. Home gyms, she-sheds, yoga studios, and even mediation rooms are highly desirable. If you have to make one upgrade, though, choose your master bathroom. Homes and Gardens found that an updated bathroom with spa-like amenities provides an average return on investment between 50-60 percent!
Pet Accommodations
Pet ownership increased significantly during the pandemic. According to the most recent data from spots.com, 67 percent of American homes now include at least one pet, and pet ownership in general has increased 20 percent since 1988.
What this means is that a large majority of homeowners are looking for a pet-friendly environment: fenced yards, dog houses, built-in feeding stations, and even pet bedrooms are in demand for nearly three-quarters of buyers.
Textured Surfaces
In place of the stark, flat drywall and neutral color scheme we have seen in the past, homeowners are looking to reflect a sense of tranquility through earth tones and textural embellishments. Wallpaper is making a comeback, as well as something called “faux finishing.”
Faux finishing is a more approachable and economical means of incorporating a textured surface, such as exposed brick. It might also use painting techniques to mimic marble or granite-like surfaces. Wood paneling and textured fabrics, like bouclé upholstery, further enhance warmth and touchability in the home.
Eco-Friendly Updates
Going green with updated appliances and fixtures continues to offer a great return on investment. Consider installing power-saving electronics, low-flow toilets, and energy-efficient windows. Buyers are also interested in environmentally friendly materials, like no-VOC paints and non-toxic carpets.
Upgrades You Should Skip
Certain trends have worn out their welcome in the housing world, and you can expect these to start phasing out this year.
White and Gray Color Schemes
Spaces going for a “clean, modern” look have resulted in a seemingly endless slew of gray walls with white trim. Updated kitchens have equally drab cabinetry and white-washed surfaces.
As we mentioned above, homeowners are looking to feel calm and comfortable in their houses. This means having some fun with color and patterns and skipping that austere gray.
Modern Farmhouse
Giant, sliding barn doors are best left to an actual farmhouse, not a suburban single family home. This was an HGTV trend that became wildly popular with house-flippers and DIYers, but these doors require significant elbow grease to remove if they don’t match a buyer’s particular aesthetic. Skip the barn doors and focus on some texturing or a pop of earthy color instead.
Cookie Cutter Aesthetic
Many DIYers go for the throat with their updates, meaning they replace every last item with something sleek and ultra modern-looking. But before you gut your bathroom or kitchen, pay attention to original fixtures that lend these spaces character. So long as they are in good shape, there is no reason to remove gorgeous original tiling or a beveled, antique mirror.
Even if you think your 1950s pink toilet and floral wallpaper are an eyesore, consult with a realtor before you spend money replacing them. These time capsules can actually increase your home’s value and be highly appealing to certain buyers.
Home trends will naturally vary according to demographic and location. However, the above trends seem to tend toward one overarching theme: people want to feel “at home” in their homes. Keep this in mind when getting ready to sell. Opt for simple, accessible upgrades that make the home inviting, warm, and full of positive energy.
What trends have you spotted while house hunting? Are there any you’d like to see more or less of? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply