As the new year draws near, homeowners everywhere are thinking about how to refresh their abode — whether it’s buying a new set of pillows and throws for the living room or a complete renovation of a kitchen.
And sellers may be even more inclined to invest in a redo since something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can boost a home’s value by as much as $5,400, according to a Zillow report.
Before going total HGTV, HomeAdvisor home expert and smart home strategist Dan DiClerico says homeowners and sellers should realize that home design trends, unlike consumer fashion, tend to have a longer life since most people tend to do complete overhauls only every 10 to 15 years.
“In general, home design trends tend to move pretty slowly,” he said. “It’s different from the world of fashion where you have whole new clothing looks coming out every year.”
Houzz editor Mitchell Parker echoed DiClerico, saying it’s important to note that design is very personal and that often times a buyer not liking a kitchen backsplash or your bedroom’s paint color isn’t going to make or break a sell.
“For example, backsplash tile is a relatively low-cost project, and let’s say a future homebuyer was touring the kitchen and thought, ‘This backsplash really isn’t for me,’ I don’t think [the sale] is going to become a no-go,” Parker said.
With those ideas in mind, here’s what designers are looking forward to in 2019:
Black and white kitchens
You can never go wrong with black and white. (Photo credit: Marko Poplasen for Unsplash)
In 2017, Zillow Digs named tuxedo kitchens one of the top trends, and according to Parker, they’re not going anywhere soon. “It’s a cliche to say that black is back,” he said. “But it’s always classic and it’s always popular.” He says a black accent wall creates a striking contrast when matched with white cabinets and countertops.
Blended spaces
Open up your living room with large, glass sliding doors. (Photo credit: Andersen Windows)
Blended spaces, the idea of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, emerged in 2017 and is expected to really take hold in 2019 said Houzz’s Julie Noble. According to Noble, buyers are looking for kitchens that offer easy access to a backyard patio, which is perfect for entertaining. This is usually achieved by installing large, glass sliding doors. If your kitchen doesn’t allow for that, no worries — it works just as well in the living room.
Add a pop of color with ‘Living Coral’
Don’t want a wall full of Living Coral? Use it in your decor. Photo credit: Houzz
DiClerico says one of the easiest ways to bring life to a new space is through repainting. He says Pantone’s Color of the Year choices are always a good starting place for inspiration, and that Pantone’s 2019 choice, Living Coral, will be a favorite amongst homeowners. Not inclined to use such a bold hue? He says blues, greens, and pastels are also gaining traction.
Farmhouse chic exteriors
Create a farmhouse look with white siding. (Photo credit: Houzz)
Feeling a little country? Lucky for you, the farmhouse trend is going strong, especially with exterior home design. The board and batten method siding (gapped wide vertical siding boards with narrow overlying vertical battens to cover the gaps) gives your home a vintage, farmhouse look. Keep it fresh with gleaming, white paint and pops of dark-stained wood.
Not willing to invest in a new exterior? Bring the farmhouse look indoors with reclaimed wood, neutral color schemes with pops of green and blue, and geometric patterns.
Using smart home technology to improve health
Samsung’s SmartHub fridge connects health and nutrition apps. (Photo credit: Samsung)
Home ProjeKt, a Hanley Wood Builder Concept Innovation and Learning program, says homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to improve their overall health starting with what’s in their homes.
“Hanley Wood’s research reveals a fundamental shift among consumers towards embracing a concept we call ‘Wellness Real Estate’ because they see their homes as an invaluable asset in supporting their physical and emotional well-being,” said Barbara Spurrier, managing director of the Well Living Lab, in an emailed statement.
Spurrier noted that homeowners are investing in lighting systems that help regulate sleeping rhythms, smart appliances that connect to health and nutrition mobile applications, and indoor food gardens.
