Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

As we prepare to close out another year, we look ahead to see what the next one brings in the way of trends that can influence the design world. There are multiple categories to consider from cabinets to countertops and storage to styles. Homeowners are enjoying the freedom of expression through color and the smart home technology that provides convenience for the on-the-go lifestyle. Wellness and connection continue to remain a priority as well driving designers to create layouts that make it easy for everyone to gather and rest. Storage and maximizing space are trends that will carry over into the new year too. Let’s look ahead to what the new year has in store for our family and homes.

Wellness trends

Wellness is still a major priority for homeowners as they look for ways to protect their families from as many germs as possible as well as safety. Some of these elements include selecting materials that are more hygienic such as quartz countertops which are non-porous giving bacteria no opportunity to embed. Another aspect is eliminating anything that could create a hazard such as uneven flooring, area rugs, and a cluttered entryway. This idea of wellness however extends beyond the physical and includes mental which is why designers are placing more emphasis on self-care options like soaker tubs and relaxing color schemes like blues, greens, and neutrals. They also strive to create a peaceful and positive atmosphere for their clients to enjoy with additional design choices like maximizing natural light, incorporating plants into the room, and comfortable furniture. Read more about ways to incorporate wellness into your home with this article from Houzz.

Kitchen trends

As the heart of the home this is one place that deserves a lot of love and should be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. The coming year will be filled with an abundance of trends and styles sure to shake up the traditional colors and layouts with a little fun and expression. One way is through hardware and gold seems to be rising to the top of the list for many homeowners. It is a beautiful way to add a little warmth and character to your cabinets. Two toned kitchens are here to stay for the foreseeable future with homeowners enjoying the contrast or pops of color they provide in their design. Unique cabinet doors style such as reeded and louvered make a visual statement in the kitchen plus give it that little extra something. Switching out the lower cabinets in favor of drawers is also gaining momentum especially with senior citizens who prefer to grab from below instead of having to reach above. These are just a few of the forecasts made by designers. You can read more of their predictions in this article from Good Housekeeping.

Storage

Functionality still plays a critical role in designing any area of the home as people continue to find ways to create storage solutions that integrate into their daily lives. One area in particular that is receiving a little extra attention is the work-from-home spaces. More and more individuals have made the transition from office to remote which lead to an increase in workstations with ample storage space and functionality. Building a customized desk is a great option since you can create exactly what you want and most importantly what you need such as extra drawers or a specific desk length. Entryways are another area in the home that benefits from extra storage features since this is the place everyone tends to drop their belongings such as backpacks, shoes, coats, and briefcases. This can cause a tripping hazard and frustration as you look for something while trying to get out the door on time. A designer can help you form a plan that gives you the most storage out of your home.

Fixtures and faucets

While gold is trending with cabinet hardware, copper and brass are making a big comeback into multiple accent pieces such as light fixtures, sinks, faucets, and even mirror frames. These elements can take your ordinary space to a luxurious feel in an instant. Both integrate well into multiple styles such as farmhouse, traditional, and modern plus they mix with a variety of color palettes making them a versatile choice. They can be used throughout the home whether that is the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom. Their ability to work well with an array of materials such as wood, ceramic, and granite is an added benefit. The warmth these metals add to a design whether that is through an elegant light fixture or faucet can make a big difference in the final look not to mention a touch of uniqueness too. Talk to your designer about exploring this option for your upcoming project.

Bathrooms trends

The bathroom has seen a dramatic shift in design choices over the decades with homeowners exploring more options with color, pattern, and texture. Bright tile choices make a visual statement and instantly lighten up the space and there has been an increase in tile shapes too. From hexagons to chevron to even completely unique options, designers enjoy showing their clients the wide range of options available to them now. Wallpaper is another item that has been slowly making its way back into the design world and the results are impressive. It brings so much to the design whether it is a soft, mellow choice or one with a bold pattern that grabs your attention. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore places on inspiration like Pinterest.

Technology trends

Smart home technology is making life easier for homeowners all over and the innovation continues to expand. Much of the smart tech allows homeowners to streamline everything onto one device meaning you can control your thermostat, lighting, and even security cameras with a simple touch on your device. The ability to take care of things from your phone provides peace of mind as well since you don’t have to worry if you locked the front door or not when you left this morning. More and more manufacturers are also prepping their products such as light fixtures and appliances to integrate with smart home technology meaning it is easier for your designer to provide you with the perfect options.

Looking ahead to the future

A new year is always an exciting time as it symbolizes the start of new beginnings and new possibilities for not just you but your home. If your home isn’t working for you, now is the perfect time to begin your renovation journey to a new home redesigned with you and your family in mind. Here’s to a wonderful new year.