Your home may primarily be a gathering place, but it's also a creative canvas where you can express yourself. There's something utterly satisfying about choosing that perfect paint hue for the bathroom or cabinet hardware that speaks to your soul. You might be the kind of person who instinctively knows what they like, or you might be more of the "whatever's trending on Pinterest" type. Either way, making your living space look as beautiful as possible is not only aesthetically pleasing — it's also a lot of fun.
But if updating your home with the freshest trends is important to you, there are a few things you should incorporate — and avoid — if you want to match the latest looks.
Starting with the good stuff, here are four design elements that are very popular right now, according to area experts.
Black accents
As far as color schemes go, you really can't go wrong with classic black. Incorporating black accents around the house is one trend that's likely to continue into 2022 and beyond. Interior and exterior black window frames, black lacquered entryway doors and black appliances — with either a shiny or matte finish — are definitely in right now. Writing for The Spruce, interior design expert Laura Flanagan says, "Just like a coating of mascara on the eyelashes, black enhances the colors and shapes around it. Black can be used in any room, in any style."
Colorful kitchen
Monochromatic kitchens are like mashed potatoes without gravy or vanilla ice cream without the toppings — they're pretty, but they're a bit bland. That's why homeowners these days are moving away from the all-white kitchen and counter look and adding some spice to their color scheme. Expect to see more wood cabinets or cabinet doors painted in warm or neutral hues, as well as countertops featuring alternative materials. For example, more kitchens may feature mixed materials, such as granite countertops paired with a hardwood island.
Patterned hardwoods
Just as people are adding more color to their kitchens, they're also mixing things up with their flooring. Laurel Vernazza, chief marketing officer and director of content for The Plan Collection, wrote about the flooring design trends that will be popular in 2022. "We see homeowners incorporating lighter wood into their designs, whether in one room of the home or part of a room," Vernazza writes. "Expect a greater interest in Old World craftsmanship with two-tone inlays, patterns, or even different tones throughout the floor."
Curvier building elements
Perhaps it's a reflection of the "quarantine 15" many gained during the pandemic, but people are starting to embrace the beauty of softer, rounded edges. Curves counter the "straight-line syndrome" of recent years, designers say. Expect to see more arched openings, barrel-vault ceilings, and curvy furniture, Vernazza and The Plan Collection team predict. Also, you may spot more arched windows and doors as well as curved ceilings for porches or decks and curved walkways.
Here's what are now considered outdated design elements.
All-white kitchens
There is an undeniable freshness to an all-white space. Clean and neutral, it's a palette that complements any and all décor inclusions. Yet, washing every wall in this hue is playing safe these days, say Lyndsey Scott and Wendy Robinson, co-founders and principals of How We Haven. "All-white kitchens can feel very sterile and flat," Scott states. "Having little diversity and void of personality, they lack the ability to evoke an inspiring emotion."
Shiplap
There was a time when people would have put shiplap on every wall. The look is textured, inviting, and warm. However, more contemporary options warrant a look today. "Shiplap is overdone," Scott and Robinson says. It's been to too many places and graced too many surfaces.
Word art
Do you really need a giant set of letters hanging in the kitchen to remind you that this is, indeed, the kitchen? Or a giant wooden spoon that accompanies the word? No. You do not. The same can be said for those perfunctory motivational mantras. "Any text art hung in the home meant to be positive just comes across as cheesy and predictable," Jessica Boudreaux, an interior designer in Miami and New York City, tells realtor.com.
Want more design ideas? Check out the Parade of Homes!
Of course, in the end, the only thing that really matters is choosing the design elements that you like best. And if you're not entirely sure what your style is, it may help to get some creative inspiration at your local Parade of Homes event.
For 75 years, Parade of Homes has featured new homes built to showcase the latest design trends. Parade participants get to tour these homes and glean fun ideas for their own dwelling spaces. Here's what's coming up in Utah:
- The Utah County Parade of Homes will be June 9–25.
- The Salt Lake City Parade of Homes will be July 29 to Aug. 13.
- The Park City Area Showcase of Homes will be Aug. 26–28 and Sept. 2–5.
You can find out more about each of these events by clicking the links above.
If you're in the market for a new home, contact The Stern Team today! They can help you find a home that perfectly encapsulates your style and needs. Visit their website to see how you can find your dream home.