Looking Ahead To Next Year

Historical home with black shutters and large trees

Design Notes

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

Wellness Trends

Wellness remains a top priority for homeowners as they seek ways to protect their families from as many germs as possible and ensure safety. Some of these elements include selecting more hygienic materials, such as non-porous quartz countertops, which prevent bacteria from embedding. 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 encompasses the mental, which is why designers are placing more emphasis on self-care options, such as 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, incorporating design choices such as maximizing natural light, incorporating plants into the room, and providing comfortable furniture. Read more about ways to incorporate wellness into your home with this article from Houzz.

A master bathroom with a vanity and cabinets and with a soaker tub

Kitchen Trends

As the heart of the home, this place deserves a lot of love and should be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. The coming year will be filled with many trends and styles sure to shake up traditional colors and layouts with a touch of fun and expression. One way is through hardware, and gold seems to be rising to the top of many homeowners’ lists. It is a beautiful way to add 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 door styles, such as reeded and louvered, make a visual statement in the kitchen, adding that little extra something. Switching out the lower cabinets for drawers is also gaining momentum, especially among senior citizens who prefer to reach for items below rather than 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.

teal kitchen with gold lights and an island

Storage

Functionality still plays a crucial role in designing any area of the home, as people continue to find innovative ways to create storage solutions that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives. One area that is particularly receiving a little extra attention is the work-from-home spaces. Increasingly, individuals are transitioning from office to remote work, leading to a rise in workstations equipped with ample storage and functionality. Building a customized desk is an excellent 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 of the home that benefits from additional storage, since this is where people often 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 create a plan that maximizes storage in your home.

Fixtures and Faucets

While gold is trending with cabinet hardware, copper and brass are experiencing a resurgence across multiple accent pieces, including light fixtures, sinks, faucets, and even mirror frames. These elements can instantly transform your ordinary space into a luxurious one. Both integrate well into multiple styles, such as farmhouse, traditional, and modern, and pair with a variety of color palettes, making them a versatile choice. They can be used throughout the home, including the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. Their ability to work with various materials, such as wood, ceramic, and granite, is an added benefit. The warmth these metals add to a design, whether through an elegant light fixture or a faucet, can make a significant difference in the final look, not to mention a touch of uniqueness. Discuss with your designer the possibility of 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 color, pattern, and texture options. Bright tile choices make a visual statement and instantly lighten up the space, and there has been an increase in tile shapes, too. Designers enjoy showing their clients various options, from hexagons to chevrons to even unique options. Wallpaper is another item that has been making a slow return to the design world, and the results are impressive. It adds a lot to the design, whether in a soft, mellow choice or a bold pattern that grabs your attention. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore places for inspiration, like Pinterest.

Technology Trends

Smart home technology is making life easier for homeowners everywhere, and the innovation continues to evolve. Much of the smart tech lets homeowners consolidate everything onto one device, so you can control your thermostat, lighting, and even security cameras with a simple tap. 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 preparing their products, such as light fixtures and appliances, to integrate with smart home technology, making it 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 new beginnings and possibilities for you and your home. If your home isn’t working for you, now is the perfect time to embark on your renovation journey to a new home, redesigned with you and your family in mind. Here’s to a wonderful new year.

byStacey Walker/onJanuary 21, 2022/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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