The last year has made a big impact on how we use our homes. As we try to make our living spaces do double- and triple-duty as remote offices and schools, we’re seeing some very interesting trends emerge this year.
For one, open floor plans are out. Outdoor spaces are being transformed into segregated areas for entertainment or gym space. Walls are being updated in bright colors, and homeowners are turning to creative solutions to get the most out of their homes. At the same time, increased demand and safety concerns have made the remodeling process just as challenging as it was the year before.
Make space
Some homeowners are finding inventive ways to create dedicated spaces within their homes with temporary pony walls or ornate screens. Others are taking the full renovation route by building permanent walls. Contractors say that homeowners are stepping away from the previous trend of knocking down walls to achieve the popular open floor plan in favor of a home with spaces that allow for better privacy and noise insulation.
Design for the future
From smart home devices to new, environmentally friendly materials, homeowners are increasingly trying to make sure that the changes they make will last far into the future.
Smart home devices like water sensors and smart plugs are becoming increasingly popular. By preventing certain types of major structural damage, they not only save the homeowner money in the long run they also prevent the waste of resources and building materials that would have been needed to repair the damage.
Environmentally friendly materials and sustainable design choices are becoming more and more attractive, as well—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because these materials and services are becoming much more readily available in the marketplace. Some home reno programs will even pay you for making these updates!
Go bold
Adding color is often the most affordable, adaptable, and instantly appealing way to affect your environment, adding depth and personality to a space. Bold and saturated color combinations have been trending the past few years, according to the experts at Benjamin Moore (popular color: Aegean Teal) and Pantone (Illuminating). Whether they’re adding color with a bold rug, painting the walls, or hanging bright curtains, homeowners are using color to get creative this year.
Dream workspaces
Working from home? You’re not alone. By 2025, 36.2 million Americans are expected to work remotely, an increase of 16.8 million people from before 2020. And with so many people expecting to continue working from home into the future, many homeowners are beginning to embrace creating their dream workspace at home.
We’re seeing people create areas that address their work needs, from choosing a desk, adding comfortable seating, and making space for organization. Homeowners are choosing to carve out a spot meant for them to do the hard work both at their place of business and at home.
A home office is also becoming extremely valuable for those looking to sell their home. Zoom room, anyone?
Health is wealth
Whether they put a spin bike in the corner or build a whole zen space for meditation and yoga in the backyard, homeowners are creating special areas inside and out of their homes to make space for their physical and mental health. Some are even making additions based on their personality type.
Studies have shown how physical exercise, green spaces, and mindful retreats boost endorphin and oxygen levels, which improve your cardiovascular system and mood and help everything work more efficiently. Having these spaces at home will continue to be important to homeowners as they continue to work from home—plus, you always know how clean the equipment at your own home is.
Feed your soul
Homeowners have embraced their kitchens in a whole new way after 2020, and many have realized how much they love being in the kitchen. People are paying more attention to their appliances, using smart appliances to rejuvenate the kitchen and add more functionality.
New kitchens are also prioritizing storage in new ways. As home cooks add new tools to their collections and people upgrade their everyday service ware, homeowners are looking for elegant solutions to keep their countertops and shelves nice and neat.
Go cozy
Like the rest of us, homeowners are leaning into everything calm and comfy these days. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish word that means “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” In short: Make yourself at home.
Real estate agents, homeowners, contractors and interior designers are leaning into hygge this year as they sell, decorate and design homes. The key is not to overthink it. Introduce soft textures and furniture design to your space, add natural wood details for warmth, keep things clean and simple where you can and make sure your displays all evoke feelings of happiness and positivity.
If you’re considering making any major changes to your home this year, remember to let your home insurance company know. They can not only make sure that your upgrades are adequately covered, but they may even offer you a discount for certain smart home devices and home upgrades such as a new roof or water pipes.
At Hippo, we send free smart home kits to qualifying customers and offer complimentary Hippo Home Care services to help our customers enjoy their homes well into the future.
