As 2021 comes to a close, the world is still reeling from the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly two years of restrictions drained our mental strength. People have been isolated for extended periods of time in their homes, resulting in the home needing the convenience of living at home 24/7. In addition, the home has become a workplace, which means that it should be comfortable to work in it as well.
Many residential architecture trends have changed where things were just a couple of years ago. Needs, psyche, and money played a role in this development.
Bruce Lion is the fourth generation of Lion Raisins, Inc. He is a contributor to numerous publications related to home, design and sustainability. Below, Mr. Lyon discusses many of the trends we see in residential architecture.
Trend #1: Homeowners want to connect with nature
New homeowners want an architectural design that allows them to feel connected to natural sights and sounds, rather than creating a barrier between the outside and inside of the home.
Bruce Lyon explains that as a result, many homeowners require specific elements included in the design of new homes, such as:
- sunrooms
- Green facades, rooftops and patios
- The plants are scattered around the house in suitable locations
- Gazebos that allow families and friends to gather among the green spaces, and
- More tree lining for the property.
The designs embody our growing desire to be around green space, and feel the sun, the wind, and the grass under our feet – trends that have grown as the pandemic restricts access to the outdoors.
Trend #2: Layered comfort trumps the bare minimum these days
Bruce Lion of Lion Raisins Inc. says: The days are changing from when rooms are simple as standard, chairs and sofa sets, along with bookcases and entertainment centers, will be placed in the room as independent units.
Now, architects are designing comfortable layers in the walls of the space itself. Cozy nooks, window side benches, built-in bookcases, and entertainment centers are the order of the day.
Bottom line: people want to be comfortable at home.
Trend #3: Earthy colors are back
Bruce Lyon explains that a few years ago, the trend was toward black, white, and shades of gray. Which would play a role in the minimalist nature of architecture and trendy designs.
This year, the colors are back. Warm blues, pink and yellow spots are everywhere.
Even kitchens are no longer classically white. Arrangements for kitchen design are sought similarly to other rooms – with color spots that define certain arrangements for furniture and fixtures.
Trend #4: Creating an interior space is a big thing
Homeowners go beyond wanting to call the beginning, they want the feel of the expansive spaces inside.
Elimination of interior walls to create long and visually spacious spaces affects the perception of depth and volume of the main rooms in the house. Curtains and retractable wall dividers, colored to match the wall decor, are becoming more and more popular than the walls.
Trend #5: Textures Add Art Without the Mess
Bruce Lyon notes that paintings and artwork aren’t gone yet, however, fixtures like pendant lamps can also create patterns that give a room character without adding clutter. Lighting can be used across the spectrum – from contemporary to sunken – to change the visual appearance of a room.
Trend #6: Sustainable Designs Available
The sustainable design of new homes is driven partly by federal, state, and local incentives for environmentally friendly solutions, and partly by raising people’s awareness of the environment.
Bruce Lion of Lion Raisins, Inc. Environmentally friendly designs and installations provide owners with a higher return on investment as they reduce maintenance costs and utility expenses and may lead to reductions in some cases.
Natural and eco-friendly building materials (brick and stone) are used for exterior walls, reused natural wood, low-maintenance flooring installed indoors, and drought-resistant landscaping are all in vogue. So are rooftop solar panels, small turbines and energy-efficient exchangers, as well as energy-saving lighting and home fixtures.
Trend #7: Homeowners are installing innovations to protect against disease
With the increasing concern about contracting disease from unhealthy surroundings, building sanitary protection into home design has become an important consideration. New and innovative products are introduced into the market every day and 2022 is likely to be a big year for them according to Bruce Lyon.
PROTECT® ceramic tile products with Microban® inhibit the metabolism of bacteria that can breed in home tiles – this reduces the pathogens that can be spread by those tiles. Another such product is the “whole home” air purifier that improves air quality and promotes respiratory health.
Trend #8: Protection from the natural elements is becoming more and more important
Homeowners install storm windows and other hurricane-resistant measures, and install backup generators, to protect themselves from natural disasters, the American Institute of Architects and Lion Raisins, Inc. In the latest survey of home design trends.
Trend #9: Long-distance home construction
The mental adjustments may have been in the past few years, but people seem to be taking root in certain areas and not thinking about a move anytime soon according to Bruce Lyon.
Many couples, wanting to create this “forever home,” plan ahead for when they need help navigating. For example, elevator installations in new homes and remodeling in older homes are becoming more and more common.
Architects are required to build facilities that allow for future improvements such as disabled access. Installing grab handles on the sides of the house now will make it easier to attach wheelchair ramps in the future. More homeowners today are interested in durability and having a home that grows according to their needs. We expect this trend to continue.