As the pandemic has changed the way we live, homeowners have also made significant investments in modernizing their places of residence: approximately $ 420 billion worth of home renovations and repairs in 2020, according to the Joint Center for Housing. Studies from Harvard University. This same team anticipates a continued increase in maintenance and renovation spending throughout 2022.

If you plan to redo parts of your home this year, think about not only what you want, but also what others might be looking for in a home, so that you have a chance to recoup some of the expense. Here are five decor and design trends that will win over homeowners and buyers in 2022.

1. Greening everything

To get a feel for what’s going on inside homes, we started with what appears in online searches. Everyone wants to breathe green into their home, according to an analysis from the design website Houzz: Online searches for green kitchen cabinets, green tile bathrooms, and green accent chairs have jumped more 700% in 2021.

It’s not just about adding the color green to your design. More of us are looking for artificial plants and trees, as well as indoor pots and planters, the Houzz report revealed.

2. Gray leaves

Green isn’t the only hue that brings homes to life in 2022. This year, more homeowners are moving away from “safe” color palettes in neutral tones for a bolder approach.

“Traditional grays are all the rage and warmer, more inviting colors are making a comeback,” says Christy Walker, broker / owner of RE / MAX Signature in Phoenix, Arizona.

3. Sustainable materials will increase

As businesses and countries seek solutions to address the climate crisis, individuals also seek to play a role. A recent survey from Fixr.com shows that 90 percent of experts in the construction and home improvement industry believe there is growing interest in green home design and decor. This means that there will be an increased demand for materials like bamboo and those that contain recycled content – carpets and reclaimed wood, for example.

4. Floor covering evolves

In 2022, interior design isn’t all about what your eyes see; it’s also about what’s under your feet.

“Flooring styles are also changing, which is the basis of look and feel,” says Walker. “New materials allow people to explore a more creative side with tile, stone and even a wide variety of quality vinyls. Oversized block tiles are all the rage in the Southwest, rather than the traditional square or even plank options. “

5. The outdoors are coming

A focus on the outdoors defined in 2020 and 2021, and that emphasis will not go away in 2022. A recent survey by the American Institute of Architects shows continued interest in building outdoor living spaces, with more and more more homeowners asking for plans for mixed indoor / outdoor living, such as garage style doors opening to the backyard.

As you look to spruce up your home and search for interior decorating ideas this year, remember that you don’t have to spend a big budget on a top-to-bottom remodel. As a real estate agent recommends, focus on identifying design components and color schemes that can dress up your existing space.

“Design these days is all about color, light, comfort and having your private oasis,” says Catherine Allen, agent at RE / MAX One in Woodland Hills, Calif. “Attractiveness on the outside is almost as important as what’s inside the house. The design and color that enhance and complement the space and the best attributes of the home, without being picky or too austere, make the highlighted areas sing and impress.

If you’re embarking on a bigger project, consider these top ways to pay for home improvement projects.

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