Neil Kelly Announces Top 8 Home Design Trends For 2022
December 29, 2021 (Portland, Ore.) Neil Kelly, an award-winning design/build remodel and home improvement company, shares changing demographics - more Millennials are becoming homeowners – and a lasting pandemic effect, are shaping the way people live and work in their homes.
“Stresses from the outside world are driving homeowners to create more tranquil spaces at home,” states Barbara Miller, design director. “We’ve never spent this much time in our homes before and people are drawn to design styles that are psychologically soothing.” Neil Kelly’s team of expert designers share predictions for the top home design and renovation trends for 2022.
The sculptural freestanding tub and reclaimed cedar wall paneling create a visual connection with nature in this master bathroom.
- As homeowners seek tranquil, clutter-free homes, one design style will rise to the top of the list: Natural/Organic. This style incorporates shapes, colors and textures found in nature. People will move away from the Contemporary design style towards a more Natural/Organic style that features warmer browns, greens and blues, as well as curving lines, found in nature. “Bringing the outside in can help people feel more grounded,” Miller shares.
Inspired by the outdoors, this kitchen’s color palette is unified by lush grey-green backsplash tile extending all the way to the ceiling.
Image: Neil Kelly Company
- Nature-inspired Colors: The color trend is moving away from all-white or all-grey kitchens and bathrooms to the use of more color. Nature-inspired colors like green, blue and brown are hot. “Green is really having a moment as you can see in Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog and Benjamin Moore’s October Mist,” states Miller.
Black cabinets add drama and sophistication to this kitchen design, especially when paired with brushed metal hardware.
- Black as an Accent Color: Black pairs well with other neutrals, is gorgeous on cabinets and really pops with metallic hardware. Adding higher levels of contrast than we’ve seen.
Though they require precision to install, porcelain slab counters are becoming more popular because of their beauty and resistance to staining.
- “Cleaner” Kitchens: One pandemic effect is an increased interest in health, hygiene, and sanitation. There is growing demand for easy-to-clean surfaces and materials such as porcelain counters, touchless fixtures, and sanitation/recycling hubs.
More contemporary baths are incorporating square tile alternatives, such as the herringbone tile adorning this master bath.
Image: Malia Campbell
- Tile in non-traditional shapes. Homeowners looking beyond classic gray and white subway tiles, and exploring different colors, sizes and patterns, such as herringbone. Look for interesting, tone-on-tone patterns.
For homeowners concerned about the environment, bidet seats offer a more sanitary, more sustainable option for the bathroom.
- Bidets and Bathroom Safety: If you don’t know someone who recently installed a bidet, you may soon! Americans are discovering bidets are more sanitary and offer less waste.
Popular upgrades include adding aging in place features such as: wider access for walkers, easy to reach vanities, curbless showers with high-contrast tile, safety bars and enhanced lighting.
In this SW Portland home, an addition added more space to the kitchen, and created an entirely new master suite on the second floor directly above.
- Additions, Backyard Cottages and ADUs: More homeowners will look to add to existing homes because of a tight real estate market including: second floor additions, basement conversions and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Flexible space is especially attractive to artists, makers, and those working from home.
With this glorious covered patio, which features its own kitchen, living room, and fireplace, the homeowners can experience the outdoors any time of year – even in the Pacific Northwest.
- Outdoor entertaining may have started as a way to safely gather with friends and family, but outdoor living is here to stay. And for many, extends to all four seasons. Decks and patios are becoming an extension of home and offer built-in storage, dedicated furnishings, full sized appliances, full bars, smart technology/media, and comfort controls.
About Neil Kelly
For more than 70 years, Neil Kelly has built a reputation for award-winning design, innovative practices, outstanding craftsmanship, and community engagement. The largest residential design-build remodeling firm in the Northwest, Neil Kelly helps homeowners care for all aspects of their homes. Services include award-winning design-build remodeling, custom homes, energy-efficiency upgrades, and home improvement repairs.
Neil Kelly is proud to be a certified benefit company (B Corporation) and seeks to be a caring corporate citizen. With locations in Portland, Seattle, Bend and Eugene, Neil Kelly is renowned for its innovative design and remodeling services, quality craftsmanship and sustainable building practices. Homeowners are invited to visit Neil Kelly design centers or attend free educational workshops. Visit www.neilkelly.com.
