Home trends are like our yearly weather — hot one month and then ice cold the next, and it’s important to distinguish between the two extremes.
Home renovations are expensive, and you don’t want to waste money by having to undo a project that you just did because it turns out that it was overly trendy, has now fallen out of favour with the majority of buyers, and is hurting your home’s resale value.
Always use caution before jumping on the latest home trend. This year the trend is all about a more colourful, extra-personalized aesthetic. That’s a big shift from what we’ve been seeing in the past — the more neutral, minimalist interiors with zero personality that builders and real estate professionals favour.
It’s okay to embrace trends, but don’t overdo it. If it’s something that can be easily undone, like a bold peel-and-stick wallpaper in a powder room, go for it, especially since the use of colour and wallpaper are on trend right now. If you’re planning on living in your home for decades, we’re not saying don’t personalize to your taste, but if you think resale is looming at any point in your near future, proceed with caution. Consider what the average home buyer would fall in love with — and what they might really hate.
If you’re looking to add some personal touches to update your home this year, while avoiding costly missteps, try out these six trends with staying power.
Nature-inspired design
Nature-inspired design, also known as biophilia, is a top trend centered on increasing a home’s organic connection to nature. You can try out this trend by adding more plants and greenery, filtering in more natural light to the interior of your home with lighter curtains and glass inserts in doors, or by embracing neutral, earthy, warm colour palettes that hint of spring growth and calm water, plus eco-friendly materials, if possible.
With wellness having become a top concern of everyone — think work/life balance — this is a trend that will stand the test of time. Beyond just bringing in more plants, this trend creates a space that’s less cookie-cutter than others. Think pebble-shaped knit footstools, organic textures like woven sisal and velvet, bamboo or hardwood flooring, and stone and raw wood surfaces, as well as art that references the outdoors. The best aspect of this type of design is how it intersects with smart home technology and zen-like relaxation.
Warm metals
Warm metals are making a comeback, with brass taking center stage. Not the ugly shiny kind you remember from the 1980s, but a more modern brushed gold or matte version. Warm brass has re-emerged everywhere as a luxurious touch for lighting fixtures, cabinet pulls and faucets. Mixing metals is huge right now, so go ahead and mix brass alongside other metal finishes like matte black, chrome or brushed nickel.
Brass naturally lends an upscale flair to your home without the garishness of outright gold. Warm metals have been going strong for many years now, and even if they go out of style in the distant future, likely won’t make or break a sale. This trend has proven staying power, especially used as an accent in bathrooms and kitchens, creating a glam focal point.
Wood accents
Wood elements, like ceiling beams, trim, millwork, wall paneling and cabinetry, are adding natural wood tones back into interiors. Natural materials in general are gaining prominence in home remodels and show no sign of going out of favour. Warmer oak tones, for example, are back on trend, leaning toward French oak and, yes, even those amber tones that were so popular back in the 1990s. Who knew?
Wood will always add warmth, texture and richness to a home while complementing any decor from modern to traditional, so it’s a trend you can incorporate with confidence. It can be used prominently, in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, or less obviously, as accent walls, inlays and decor pieces such as unpainted furniture that exposes the natural grain.
Hidden storage
Who isn’t looking for more storage in their home? Expanded storage capabilities are extremely practical, and appeal to buyers who values organization and functionality. This type of storage might include a small vestibule or hall with an alcove for shoes, keys and backpacks. In kitchens, larger pantries are outfitted with cabinets and countertops to accommodate more food prep. It’s being added to previously “dead” spaces like under stairs, and hallway closets in the form of washing machine cupboards, or as laundry rooms that double as bathrooms.
These types of spaces are adaptable, making them a strong selling point, especially if you have a large family with kids and/or pets. But to keep them adaptable — so they appeal to a range of preferences — don’t overly customize, and avoid built-ins that might crowd a room. Where do you need this type of storage? Wherever a mess is constantly piling up!
Outdoor retreats
It’s not too early to start considering outdoor spaces, what with spring just a few short weeks away.
Calming and peaceful spaces inside the home are always on trend, as we already noted, and its a trend that’s heading outdoors more, as well. Projects to create a calming outdoor sanctuary include fire pits, pergolas with comfy seating, solar lighting, raised garden beds, screens to create privacy, and small ponds or fountains to drown out city noises like neighbours and traffic. Low-maintenance landscaping with native plants and a built-in irrigation system all help to maximize relaxation.
This trend is great for resale since outdoor living spaces continue to be a top priority for buyers, offering both a private escape and a place to entertain. Since we’re always trying to maximize our time outdoors during our brief summer months, this is a trend that will only keep gaining momentum.
Where to start
If you want to incorporate a home design trend or two but want a low-risk starting point, experiment with bolder designs in smaller areas of your home, like home offices, powder rooms or guest bedrooms. They’re much easier and less expensive to redo if the styles you like drastically change.
If you’re looking to upgrade with more expensive projects, like kitchens and bathrooms, choose more neutral colours for the larger design. In the kitchen, for example, install plain wooden cabinets but paint the island in a trending colour, like green or an earthy brown. In the bathroom, pair a neutral vanity with a painted or wallpapered feature wall and touches of brass for added colour and interest.
The key is balance. Do some fun things to your home to personalize it, but don’t go overboard with any one trend. Be strategic, and you can’t go wrong.