SEATTLE, Nov. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zillow
predicts that in the coming year, homeowners will invest in
projects and features that make their home feel comfortable and
calm, energized and inspired, safe and healthy — a home where they
can thrive in 2022.
The new year marks an opportunity for renewal, and for many,
that process will begin at home. Those who moved during the
pandemic and those who stayed put will double down on their homes,
and rethink not only how they want that space to look, but how they
want it to feel.
"The pandemic forced a lot of people to reevaluate what's most
important in their lives and in their homes," says Zillow home
trends expert Amanda Pendleton. "For
many, 2022 is the moment to start living those values. That could
be investing in sustainable home features, designing a space with
well-being in mind or leaning into comfort and function over high
style."
Zillow combined its housing market data and analyses to identify
the top seven home trends to watch in the new year.
Down-to-earth color scheme
Paint colors have a huge
impact on the vibe of a home, and people will gravitate toward
nature as they seek out calm through color. Natural colors will
prevail — think greens, blues, taupes and browns that match the
colors of Mother Earth. The Behr 2022 Color of the Year, Breezeway,
is a silvery green shade inspired by the earth's beauty and
reminiscent of sea glass found on the shores of salty beaches.
Potential and recent buyers also appear to be drawn to colors
associated with water and sky. Zillow's interior paint color
analysis found homes with light blue bathrooms could sell for 1.6%
more than expected, or nearly $5,000
on a typical U.S. home. Meanwhile, dark, moody blues in the bedroom
could sell for a nearly $1,500
premium.
Give in to the green scene
It won't be just paint that
makes homes green. Sustainability will be a top priority for
younger homeowners, who will seek out home features and products
that allow them to live by their values.
First Insight's The State of Consumer Spending1 found
that younger generations are the most likely to make purchase
decisions based on their values and principles, and the Deloitte
Global 2021 Millennial and GenZ Survey found that nearly one-third
of respondents started or deepened consumer relationships with
businesses that benefit the environment.
Sustainable home features can make a home more energy efficient
and less wasteful, and are associated with homes that sell faster,
too. Zillow research finds that home listings with descriptions
mentioning "eco," "energy efficient" or similar terms have sold
more than two days faster than expected. Listings that mention
drought-resistant features sold 13 days faster, and smart sprinkler
systems and double pane windows installed for energy conservation
were associated with homes selling more than a week quicker than
expected.
Throwback style is so hot right now
As supply chain
issues persist and with sustainability top of mind, homeowners are
turning to secondhand furniture and décor to furnish their homes.
Just like fashion from the '90s is back, so is throwback home
design. Instead of replicating Granny's house, younger homeowners
will find comfort in design trends they grew up with in their
childhood homes but with those trends getting a modern twist. For
example, faux paint finishes are updated with plaster finishes,
wallpaper is in style again with contemporary and geometric
patterns, and all-wood kitchens are back — although cherry cabinets
have given way to white oak.
Homes as comfortable as sweatpants
People are spending
more time at home, and they want their space to be as comfortable
and cozy as their stretchy outfits of choice. Instead of furnishing
the home with what looks good, homeowners will prioritize what
feels good. Furniture styles are already starting to reflect this,
with curved couches and rounded corners dominating the market.
Nubby fabric upholstery — versus leather — will be all the rage,
ottomans will replace sharp-edged coffee tables, and there will be
more cozy accent chairs that hug the body.
The Year of Renovation
Longtime homeowners and recent
movers alike will be doubling down on their current homes and
making improvements to meet their new, evolving needs. A survey of
homeowners2 found that nearly three-fourths would
consider at least one home improvement project in the next year.
These projects include adding or improving a home office space
(31%), finishing a basement or attic (23%), adding another room
(23%) and putting in another dwelling unit, such as a backyard
cottage or guest house (21%).
Renovations will come in all shapes and sizes in 2022, given
supply and labor shortages. That will spur homeowners to become
more creative in improving their homes' functionality by turning
garages into full-scale home gyms, transforming sheds into home
offices and even clearing out old clothes from closets to make room
for "cloffices."
Mental health at home
It's been a tough two years, and
people are prioritizing mental health. Thoughtful wellness home
design will reflect that. Homeowners will prioritize creating
retreats within their homes, such as private spaces for meditation
or reflection, reading nooks and spa-inspired bathroom escapes.
Retreat features, such as a "she shed," can help a home sell for
2.2% more than expected, while a freestanding bathtub can
contribute to a home selling for a 2.6% premium.
Natural light will be a priority, especially in home offices and
common spaces, while indoor plants will continue to be popular for
their soothing properties.
Pawesome features
As more people bring home furry
friends, they will be designing their homes with their pets in
mind. Zillow research found that pet ownership among recent
movers soared over the past year , impacting housing
decisions. Nearly three-fourths of home buyers report having at
least one pet at home (73%), up from the 64% of buyers who reported
having a pet in 2020.
Zillow research finds homes with a doghouse often sold for more
than expected last year, while homes with a fenced yard or dog run
sold faster than similar homes without these features. Look for pet
owners to invest in custom feeding stations, built-in pet beds and
even pet playrooms in the new year.
About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z and
ZG) is reimagining real estate to make it easier to unlock life's
next chapter.
As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow® and its affiliates
offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying,
renting or financing with transparency and nearly seamless
end-to-end service. Zillow Home Loans™, our affiliate lender,
provides our customers with an easy option to get pre-approved and
secure financing for their next home purchase. In September 2020, Zillow launched Zillow Homes,
Inc., a licensed brokerage entity, to streamline Zillow Offers
transactions.
Zillow Group's affiliates and subsidiaries include Zillow®,
Zillow Offers®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans™, Zillow
Closing Services™, Zillow Homes, Inc., Trulia®, Out East®,
ShowingTime®, Bridge Interactive®, dotloop®, StreetEasy® and
HotPads®. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS
#10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
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1 First Insight's findings
are based on the results of a U.S. consumer study of a targeted
sample of more than 1,000 respondents fielded in December 2019. The
study was completed through proprietary sample sources among panels
that participate in online surveys. For more information, visit:
www.firstinsight.com.
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2 Zillow Group Population
Science conducted a nationally representative survey of more than
2,000 homeowners. The study was fielded in November 2021. For more
information on methodology, please reach out to
press@zillow.com.
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SOURCE Zillow