Lifestyle changes due to the pandemic such as home offices continue to hold strong, along with some newer trends. New countertop materials are coming in strong, as are cozy comfort, cutting home expenses and conserving resources.
Dekton and Neolith countertops
Move over, granite and quartz! Dekton and Neolith countertops are taking center stage as the new best in terms of durability, sustainability and novelty. They are brands of ‘sintered’ stone… like Silestone and Cambria are versions of quartz countertops. The same basic materials used to create quartz, glass and porcelain surfaces are combined to create these new surfaces but the process is different. The natural, recycled raw materials are mixed under intense heat and pressure so there is no need for resin… and they are totally recyclable.
These countertops are resistant to extremely high and low temperatures and form a strong, stain-resistant surface that can’t be etched, scratched, burned or stained. Hot pans can be set immediately on the surface with no danger of harm. They are also resistant to fading so work for both indoor and outdoor installations and slabs are large so there is less need for seams.
Induction Cooking
Many homeowners are switching to induction cooking as some cities are outlawing natural gas hookups in new homes to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Homeowners are discovering induction cooking benefits, such as: water boils faster, food cooks quicker, and cooks have more precise control of heat level calibration.
Home Office Updates
The pandemic changed how and where we work, and hybrid work is here to stay for many. Separate offices are bigger, but also with windows and glass doors allowing for more interaction and not so much isolation. Nice views are also a plus. I know I wouldn’t love my home office nearly as much without my view of the creek and walkout to our patio!
Cozier, more natural interiors
Homeowners are gravitating to cozier comfort… warmer colors, live plants creating a more natural environment. Think big lounge furniture, warm wood or wallpaper ceilings, rugs, upholstered headboards in the bedroom.
Bidets
It took a pandemic, but America discovered the bidet when toilet paper was selling out. Bidet sales, including combination toilet seats soared in 2020, and homeowners continue to embrace them as more environmentally friendly. Expect to see some as you are home shopping.
Affordable design choices
Higher interest rates have made affordability an important feature in new builds. Expect smaller square footage and well designed homes without fancy cabinets, finishes and appliances. Buyers can still live well in smaller homes without so many bells and whistles.
Eco-friendly features, including EV charging stations
Eco-friendly design is becoming a higher priority for many, including solar panels, energy efficient windows, smart home technology, and EV charging stations. Electronic vehicle registrations grew 42% year over year nationwide 2020-2021, and surpassed 5% of all new vehicle registrations nationwide in August 2022. Expect to also see growth in home EV charging stations. According to Bloomberg, just over half of passenger cars sold in the US will be electric vehicles by 2030.
What is NOT Hot
Here are four design choices losing their appeal, according to 2023 Home and Design Trends to Watch by Barbara Ballinger, from Realtor.com.
- High pile carpet
- Gray cabinets
- Standard subway tiles
- Open shelves
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.comÂ
