If 2022 is the year you decide to jump into a home remodel, we want to help you get started! Let’s talk about what remodeling trends we are seeing now in 2022 and how to get started on those renovations.

TREND 1: TIMING

Whether it’s a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, bedroom update, or all three of these, this will help you get started. It’s hard to know where to begin when you take on such an important project, so we believe allowing yourself time to explore and enjoy the process is critical.

Additionally, the Columbus Ohio Remodeling Industry is booming and allowing for time between your initial consultation to the start of a project is a necessary step for anyone. We also work with all our clients throughout the process of their selections, and we are finding that the sooner you have identified the details, the quicker we can order them. That helps keep all projects moving forward.

TREND 2: RESEARCH

We are thrilled that most every client we work with has done their homework and with Trend 1: Timing being what it is–the research our clients do truly helps every project. From finding inspirational photos and design ideas to knowing what they are willing to live without, we appreciate that you know what you like.

A few helpful resources for you as you conduct your research:

  • Did you know it’s a really good idea to actually live in the property for as long as you can stand, prior to starting a major remodel? This way you’ll get a sense of what works, where the light falls, and what really needs to change, just by being there and living in it day to day. Once you’ve done this you will have a better understanding of the space you have versus the space you want.
  • Knowing the size of your space. It’s so important to get this right when you start your home renovation. Having something even a centimeter off can mean a big challenge for fitting items like kitchen units, shutters or closets. Measurements and plans are helpful when discussing ideas with architects or builders at the beginning stages—this allows them to have a better idea of costs and what will or won’t be possible.
  • Websites have both good and bad information. We like spending time online looking at all kinds of inspiration, but what’s hard to know is the COST behind the ideas. A great idea as you do your research is to know your budget and plan for contingencies.
  • Sometimes clients find that by putting together a mood board, using virtual planning tools, or visiting showrooms, you can understand not only what you like and don’t like but also what you can afford. If you are interested in visiting our showroom you can stop by anytime!

TREND 3: KITCHENS

The kitchen has always been one of the most important places in the home, but we have seen a rise in the number of folks deciding that there is no time like NOW to renovate their kitchen. A few trends that are being asked of us as we are working to remodel kitchen spaces:

  • Gaining more space with a kitchen reconfiguration is always part of our process.
  • Sometimes you don’t need an addition, but rather a reconfiguration. Often, when we are working with kitchen remodels our expertise really shines in the configuration of how you plan to use your space. It is not so much about how big the space is but rather how you plan to use the kitchen. Here are some great before and after photos that show some decluttering and clever storage solutions. Is there an idea that speaks to you? You can also check out our kitchen galleries to help get your creative juices flowing.
  • Product selection is critical in kitchens, and we cannot stress to you how important it is to invest in quality products and cabinetry for your kitchen.

TREND 4: NO MORE CORNER TUBS

The fad of the 90’s is no longer. In fact, we are seeing more and more removal of all bathtubs and a surge in replacing tubs with large walk-in showers. In a bathroom we always suggest considering wall panel systems as well because the ease of cleaning makes a world of difference as the years go by. Interested in seeing some wall panels and projects we have done? Check out our bathroom galleries for inspiration!

TREND 5: HOME OFFICE

As much as we willed 2021 to be a return to “normal” or at least a departure from 2020, the year was still an uphill battle full of uncertainty. Overall, the “return to work” is not what it was and so the dedicated home office space is a trend we see standing the test of time. When planning your home office here are a few questions you might want to consider:

  • Do you have a guest room that might be able to pull double duty?
  • What internet/connectivity needs does your office space require?
  • Are you a “zoomer”? If so, be sure to plan for lighting and/or natural light options for your office space.

As design-build remodelers we know office spaces are often not top on the design list. However, there are some critical design steps that make your home office a productive place. “We are all becoming more aware of how the layout and aesthetics of a room can affect our energy and productivity. Transforming a current room into your new home office space is not just a fun project, but a necessity for many people who work remotely. When trying to boost the functionality of a home, this room may be at the forefront. People will spend more time and effort in designing a unique working space to maximize their concentration, motivation, and productivity this year.” —Farris Wu, founder and CEO at DecorMatters

TREND 6: OUTDOOR SPACE

In Central Ohio, home remodelers have always known that kitchens and bathrooms were keys to success, but we have truly enjoyed getting outside and creating some amazing spaces. Not to be left out in the 2022 trends list is the must-have outdoor space.

“Outdoor spaces continue to be in the spotlight with people spending more time at home. Outdoor showers work in all climates and have controls that allow complete control of water flow and temperature. Outdoor showers can be created in a variety of ways, and, typically, the all-in costs are under $1K for most designs. We’re loving the more sculptural and architectural styles that include features such as benches and stone flooring and walls.” —Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design

From patios, firepits, and outdoor TVs to kitchens, pools, and putting greens, nothing is off-limits when it comes to designing your perfect outdoor space. “In 2022, we anticipate seeing more and more photos on Houzz of outdoor living rooms that look like indoor rooms. Houzz search data has shown that people want their backyards to be relaxing extensions of their interior living spaces. There have been major advances in outdoor materials in recent years, allowing manufacturers to create stylish and durable outdoor sofas, tables, rugs, chairs, and decor. Add an outdoor fireplace, maybe a TV, and the line between indoors and out seemingly disappears.” —Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz

TREND 7: TEXTURES

We were surprised as we reviewed our 2021 projects that a common theme was integrating multiple textures into a space. Some interesting trends we saw included designs utilizing paint, textured tiles and flooring, as well as wood paneling, not like the 1970’s, but rather art designs made of various types of wood. A few other industry experts share their insights on texture, and we love the way they clearly articulated some design trends.

  • “We’re finding that clients have become bored with basic paint for wall applications and are now looking for dimension and visual interest. Grasscloth is a great option for more traditional and transitional spaces and brings a soft, subtle yet dimensional addition to a room. We’re also seeing new lines of 3D wall panels popping up, which designers are loving for modern and contemporary projects.” —Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design
  • “Textured fabrics are here to stay: Cream bouclé was huge in 2021, and you see cream textured upholstery everywhere! Different colorways, such as sage greens, pale yellows, pale grays, and blues will be seen in 2022. Texture adds a feeling of warmth to the home, and we tend to gravitate towards tactile and soft-to-the-hand fabrics.” —Peti Lau, trend expert at Kaiyo and interior designer
  • “Interesting materials are taking a front seat. People are excited about making a sophisticated statement that represents their style and personality. Raw metals and other paneling are frequent requests on our modern and contemporary projects. Natural wood textures with a patina tone are being used more and more on our farmhouse projects and some of our more traditional home projects. With material options these days that can simply be placed on top of existing walls without expensive structural work, people can make a huge transformation without a monstrous investment.” —Matt Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly
  • “Using textures in the build environment gives it soul. You want to touch and connect with it, adding a fifth dimension to the experience. The tactile nature of materials brings a richness to how a space affects us.” —Jhoiey Ramirez, principal of the Sycamore Collective

TREND 8: TECHNOLOGY

There is no denying that the “smart home” of the Jetson’s is upon us. The key to success for most of our clients is ensuring that their technology needs meet their design styles. Often our clients come to us with the challenge of integrating different technology wants and desires but don’t necessarily think of the design impacts.

For us, referring back to Trend 2: Research, is always helpful when it comes to designing your remodeling technology footprint and map. We encourage you to think beyond outlets and wires but include your research when it comes to:

  • Home security integration
  • Your family’s charging needs and where you want there to be ports and places for everyone to charge up
  • Acoustics for gaming, music and television
  • The impact of lighting on your spaces
  • How natural light enters your space and when you want and/or don’t want that extra light

TREND 9: SUSTAINABILITY

It is not just about being nice to the environment, each element of a home remodel involves an ability for homeowners to make their personal choice on long-term efficiencies.

Key areas that we see being “musts” when it comes to your next home remodel in hopes that you create a more sustainable home for years to come:

  • Lighting
  • Heating
  • Electrical
  • Flooring
  • Fixtures
  • Plumbing
  • Insulation
  • Windows

All these areas are critical ways to ensure your space helps you live better. Trends we see on the rise when it comes to choosing for a more sustainable home include:

  • Solar panels
  • Electrical charging stations in home garages
  • Repurposing and reusing materials
  • Integration of live plants and greenery into your home
  • Integration of Irrigation systems utilizing rainwater
  • Web-enabled appliances, equipment and fixtures to help you maximize home efficiency

In fact, “Yelp’s research showing that searches for reclaimed materials are up by 38%. I can see the majority of home projects in 2022 being centered around getting back to the root of materials. For example, stripping down lacquered cabinetry to expose the unfinished walnut underneath or replacing existing countertops for a marble slab with raw edges—there’s something perfectly imperfect about reclaimed materials that help your space really begin to tell a story.”—Jeremiah Brent, interior designer

Sustainability also reflects bringing the outside in. This trend of connecting with and having natural elements in the home is definitely here to stay. “Homeowners have been requesting more natural light in their homes through bigger window and door openings for years, and that’s a trend clearly continuing into 2022. People are increasing the natural light in their homes and creating a more direct connection with nature by adding doors where there were once windows or adding larger windows for a greater sense of connection to outside. We’ve noticed homeowners embarking on remodeling work to replace more traditional patio doors with large scenic versions to create a connection between interior and exterior spaces for more seamless transitions and a sense of freedom.” —Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin

From color tones, textures, and materials, the commitment of our homeowners for longevity as well as sustainability may be a permanent shift. We know that just because you can save a little now it does not mean you save a lot in the long run. Decisions made during a remodel are ones that can impact the bottom line for years to come and we work closely with you to help guide you to make the best ones for now and for the future.

TREND 10: LIGHTING

While technology can help you control your lighting, on & off as well as brighter & dimmer, choosing the right lighting for each space being remodeled is also important. Not only does your lighting choice need to have purpose, but it also needs to look good. As our designers review how you want to function in your remodeled space, different types of purpose lighting such as accent, ambient, decorative or task will be discussed.

  • Accent lighting can be used to create a focal point, such as showcasing wall art, or to brighten a shadowed space, such as under your kitchen cabinets. Track lighting is another type of accent lighting where you want to direct the light exactly where you need it to go.
  • Ambient lighting is the general illumination in your home. It provides the needed light to navigate in your kitchen, home office, hallways and stairs, to mention just a few spaces. Ambient lighting can be achieved by recessed lights, chandeliers, or other lighting that hangs from the ceiling.
  • Decorative lighting is used to create a mood or theme for a room. It can be fun, creative, or even colorful.
  • Task lighting, as it implies, is to help illuminate an area to complete a certain task, such as reading, working in the home office, sewing, cooking, or anything else that needs bright, dedicated light.

Nature and sustainability are just a couple of the shining trends in 2022 lighting. The use of natural earth or green tones, as well as textures on lampshades, create a warm and relaxed feel. Additionally, the use of LED Smart bulbs set the tone for the room and can be changed when the mood needs to be changed.

TREND 11: DURABLE SURFACES

The days of peeling vinyl flooring and wallpaper lifting at the seams are behind us—thank goodness. “Homeowners are expecting greater performance from surfaces in their homes, especially as the majority of us are still spending a lot of time at home and cleaning our countertops more often, meaning they need to stand up to extra scrubbing. As homeowners continue to get savvier about the maintenance required for many popular countertop options, we’re seeing a rise in demand for acrylic solid surfaces that are seamless and offer durability with no additional maintenance, yet don’t compromise on sleek, beautiful design.” —Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica Corporation

Every element of a home needs to withstand our new “normal” wear and tear. We love hardwood flooring but if you have kids, dogs and/or wheelchairs, we often suggest luxury vinyl as it looks great and stands up better over time.

Countertops need to be customized to each family because what you do and how you use your countertop will guide you on what you should select. The choices are endless and at NJW Renovations Unlimited our specialty is working with you to customize your selections based on your individual needs.

If you have questions regarding different products and materials, we advise all our clients to visit our showroom. We love how we can digitally show you spaces but there is no substitute for touching and seeing the surfaces up close to make the ultimate decisions. Patterns and colors can create chaos on a screen, but not in the showroom! We invite you to stop by anytime to touch and see all the different options we have for surfaces. This way you’ll know exactly what you’re ordering and what it will look like in person.

TREND 12: NOTHING IS OFF-LIMITS IN DESIGN

One of the biggest changes we see in 2022 is that people are different, thus when creating a new space and when the long-term plan is to stay put, we have found resale value isn’t part of the equation or process. Our clients want their personalities and family’s needs incorporated into every part of their remodel. From color combinations to light fixtures, personalities are shining in 2022 and we love it.

 

We have always believed that your family is the most important part of a remodel. We work with you to find a way to create a space that will represent who you are and helps you grow and evolve. In 2022, we anticipate that this means nothing is off-limits. As you plan your remodel, remember to be inspired, have fun and don’t be afraid! We know from experience the rooms that you dare to be bold in will be the ones you love the most!

“Dark is the new white. For the last several years, white has been a dominant force in color choice for both new homes and exterior renovation. We are seeing a strong interest in dark neutrals and naturals. For example, natural wood paneling with a dark stain or changing from a light-colored house to a bold, dark gray are becoming increasingly popular. We expect this trend to continue gaining traction for the foreseeable future. Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze, Benjamin Moore Black Knight, Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore and Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain are excellent darks with a timeless hue.” —Matt Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly

Whether you’re thinking 2022 is the year you take on a home remodel, or perhaps a home reconfiguration, we hope these trends provide you some great inspiration for your project. We are happy to help you throughout this entire process. Contact us, or feel free to check out our website for even more great ideas!