Five new trends that can go the distance
Consider these home design features for their long-term staying power
Home design trends can be fast to come, faster to go. And once gone, they make homes feel dated.
But some have the power to endure, either because they strike the right balance of style and functionality, or they solve a real problem for homeowners.
Five trends that are here for the long haul:
1. Durable materials: Homeowners are staying in their homes longer than ever — a decade or more, up from five to seven years. That puts a premium on long-lasting materials, such as quartz countertops that can look like natural stone but are far more resistant to staining and scratching.
Porcelain tile flooring is another hot material that com- bines durability and esthetics. Wood-look porcelain is particularly popular, given the preference for hardwood flooring — including in the bathroom, where natural wood floors are prone to water damage. 2. Low-maintenance finishes: Most appliance manufacturers now have versions of black stainless steel, which has a warmer feel than traditional stainless. Black stainless steel also better resists smudges and fingerprints, making it a good fit for homes with young children.
Low-maintenance appeals to older homeowners, and examples include self-cleaning gutters and low-care ground covers in place of labour-intensive lawns. 3. Smart technology: Younger buyers are big on smart home features. The best technology adds safety, convenience and efficiency, and smart thermostats check all three boxes by controlling a home’s climate to make it more healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient. Other can’t-miss features include video doorbells, smart locks and automated lighting. 4. Outdoor living: HomeAdvisor’s latest Homeowner Happiness Index put decks and patios on the list of features that spark the most joy in homeowners — right up with modernized kitchens and bathrooms.
Manufacturers have responded with a slew of products to maximize the outdoor living experience, including weatherresistant countertops, backyard fire pits and folding glass doors that create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. 5. Wellness features: Steam ovens, a fast and healthy way to prepare meals, are being tapped by more designers, according to data from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Small appliance sales are also surging, and those include blenders for smoothies and dips, and multicookers that can whip up a batch of quinoa, oatmeal or even yogurt. Wellness rooms are also on the rise for yoga or meditation.