It’s a new year and time to re-examine home design trends for 2022. We’ve spent a lot more time in our homes the past two years, loving or hating everything around us. The 2022 home design trends reflect that by prioritizing comfort, feeling good, and function over form.
Take a look at a few recurrent themes we’re seeing for 2022 (and how they may apply to home staging):
The Color Green and Biophilic Design
“Bringing the outdoors in” continues to trend. Homeowners are turning to plant-first design solutions to increase their connection to nature and enhance their wellbeing. Staircase gardens, biophilic interiors, and floral ceilings are all trending up, according to the Pinterest Predicts 2022 report, which analyzes emerging global trends based on the platform’s findings between October 2019 and September 2021.
Major paint manufacturers, like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, have included various shades of green on their lists of top paint colors for 2022. (Pinterest has seen searches for green interior inspiration increase by 80 percent this year.)
How it applies to home staging: When it comes to adding plants, we definitely recommend a touch of greenery in every room! Really good-looking faux plants are fine to use (none of that 1980s blue-green silk ivy stuff). You can find links to a few of our favorite recommendations here. If you’re staging a home for sale, we recommend a moderate approach to using green decor. For example, an entirely green room may feel overwhelming to buyers. Adding small pops of rich jewel-toned greens in your throw pillows or small decor items can help your house feel more updated and on-trend. Take a look at these pretty pieces…
Modern Geometric Ceramic Vases Set of 2
9-Piece Botanical Plant Wall Art Prints
Large Flannel Velvet Plush Throw
Square Throw Pillow Covers
Separated Spaces
Open floor plans have been most homebuyers’ preference for years. In recent years, however, we’ve started to see a shift, with buyers favoring layouts that provide more opportunities for privacy. Improved technology has enabled more homeowners to work remotely, with Covid-19 accelerating this trend over the last couple of years. Today’s buyers want a distinction between living and working spaces.
In addition, we’re seeing more multigenerational living arrangements due to the high costs of housing and eldercare. Flexible spaces that accommodate multiple generations and functions will likely continue to be popular in the year ahead. Expect more separation between common spaces like the kitchen, home office, dining area, and living room.
How it applies to home staging: If you’re preparing your home for a sale this year, make sure each room in your house has a clear purpose. For example, stage a primary bedroom as an adult space for sleep and relaxation. Remove items that work against that narrative (e.g., exercise equipment, kids’ toys, a cluttered desk, etc.). Are you using your formal dining area as a home office? Turn it back into a space for dining and entertaining before you put it on the market. Cramming too many multi-purpose functions into one room tells potential buyers that your house doesn’t have enough space.
Curves and Waves
Curves and waves are soft on the eyes and hands and create a more comfortable, relaxed vibe within a room. Curvilinear forms are especially popular in furniture right now, but they also work well in backsplashes and other settings. You’ll likely see soft, rounded edges popping up more in bars, mirrors, kitchen islands, drum tables, or barrel back chairs.
How it applies to home staging: Use waves or curvy pieces to add a touch of modern softness to a room full of harsh edges. A pretty round lamp or a curvy chair can make a space feel more gentle and inviting.
Sustainability and Conscious Design Choices
Sustainability has become more important to homebuyers in recent years, and 2022 will likely see a continuation of that. The use of organic materials, along with responsible manufacturing and re-purposing has shaped interior design trends. From a design perspective, this translates to a shift toward accessories made from recycled metal or glass and furniture created from reclaimed woods.
How it applies to home staging: Be aware that today’s homebuyers are making a clear shift toward more conscious design choices. Your furniture will definitely impact a buyer’s perception. Keep this in mind as you begin to pack and prep your home for sale. Remove furniture that may appear inexpensive or “disposable,” like plastics, particleboard, or aluminum. Does your home feature sustainable elements (e.g. a mantel or ceiling beams made of reclaimed wood, recycled glass countertops)? Consider mentioning that in your listing description.
Preparing for a 2022 Home Sale? We Can Help!
If you’re putting your home on the market in the coming year, Three Bears Home Staging can help you prepare for a faster, more profitable home sale! Take a look at how we’re helping home sellers all over the country:
Book an Online Consultation
We specialize in positive and empowering virtual home staging consultations! Our practical, no-nonsense advice helps homeowners sell more quickly and for more money.
Enroll in Our Online Courses
Our online courses are designed with you, the DIY homeowner, in mind. From home staging to paint color selection, we break down the process for you from start to finish!
Read Our Book
In this brand new third edition of her popular book, Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging, professional home stager Vannessa Rhoades walks you through the step-by-step process of staging your home for a faster, more profitable sale. Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions!
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