Top 10 renovation trends for 2022

If you thought 2021 was a big year for home renovations, be prepared for 2022 to be even bigger. 

Home renovation spending is predicted to increase by 9% in the first quarter of this year, and then continue to increase by 8.8% in the second quarter. 

Some states will be renovating even more than that rate this year: Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. 

What does this year of renovation mean for you?

It’s time to start planning. The further ahead you lock down your contractor, start date, order materials, and secure financing, the more likely you are to be able to renovate on your set timeline. 

And of course it’s time to start one of the most fun aspects of planning a renovation: design. 

Chances are you’ll want your home renovation to add value to your home as well as fit your personal aesthetic and lifestyle. 

“At the end of the day, home renovations are for you and your family,” says Justin Goldman, RenoFi CEO. “Don’t renovate with a future buyer in mind. Renovate for your forever home.”

These top 10 design trends for 2022 will not only add value, but will be seen on every Pinterest board moving forward this year. 

1. Colored kitchen cabinets

Move over, white cabinets. We’ve seen enough of you! You’re not practical. The era of plain is over, and color is coming back into style. As we’re spending more and more time at home, we’re realizing that it’s okay to add more personal style choices into our home design. If you love purple, paint those cabinets purple. 

“As designers we are looking at the gorgeous cabinet colors in the European kitchens. Think  greens, creams, taupes and even brownish-pinks,” says Maria Martin, interior designer.

2. Converting spare room into an office

Yeah, we thought we’d all be working back in-person in 2021 and then Omicron came along. If you’re working in an office, it’s safe to assume that you’ll need an office space at home in the coming years in case any other variants pop up and you need to transition to working from home.

If you’re hesitant to turn a full room into a home office, consider a multifunctional space. 

“The most common one is the kitchen counter/home office hybrid,” says Darcy Willis, home design expert.

3. Bright wallpaper statements

If you’re still spicing up your Zoom calls with a virtual beach background, you need to get with the times. It’s time to create something more permanent. 

Lots of homeowners are experimenting with bold wallpaper statements across their home that reflect a more colorful style. No longer is wallpaper seen as tacky or old-fashioned - it’s making a comeback. 

“An easy way to bring joy into the home is through the use of color,” says Maria. “Whether it’s a painted accent wall, a fun wallpaper print, a colorful sofa or a funky tile backsplash, people will continue to find new and unique ways to add color into their spaces.” 

4. Vintage elements

With the supply shortages we’ve seen over the last year, many homeowners are wary of purchasing new items out of fear of longer wait times. 

Vintage or refurbished elements can add uniqueness and charm to a space (and help you avoid shipping delays).

5. Glass walls

“After staying indoors for almost a year during the pandemic, homeowners now want to feel as if they’re outdoors,” says Peter Rossi, interior designer. Interior or exterior glass walls can make a home look more spacious and inviting.

Glass walls are a great way to keep an open appearance while still giving family members some separation.

6. Large master bathrooms

The idea of a “master bathroom” is newer than you think. These larger suite spaces didn’t really become popular until the 1980s, and now they’re getting bigger and better again after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Most of us have really upped our personal hygiene game in the last year, consciously and subconsciously, and a master bathroom is a huge part of that. 

The walk-in shower, the double sink, backlit mirrors, touchless faucets, more storage and heated floors are starting to feel less like luxuries and more like commonplace features.

7. Black design accents

As all-white designs fade out, black design accents are fading in. While adding a black wall, black cabinets, or even black exterior paint seemed like a “bold” choice in the past, it will become much more commonplace and trendy in 2022. 

Real estate expert Liz Hutz predicts “there will be a more eminent usage of black and metallic-colored accents in 2022. These will add depth and an edgy feel to any minimalistic or contemporary design.

8. Outdoor pergolas

Firepit nights, neighbor hangouts, barbecues and more…the backyard is no longer just a patch of grass, it’s a space to utilize on a daily basis! Now that outdoor heaters exist, they can be a great hangout spot year-round.

The centerpiece of your outdoor space is the pergola. It’s a great piece to hang lights, shade guests from the sun, and add some visual appeal to your seating area. 

9. Sustainable design

“Whether that is solar-powered lights, refurbishing old furniture instead of buying new pieces, or building garden spaces, people are going to find ways to be more eco-friendly in their home,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. 

This year homeowners will also be considering smart home features and technology more than ever before. From Tesla charging stations to eco-flushing toilets, there are so many different options that may cost more upfront but can save money in the long run.

10. Large-scale renovations

Why live in a never-ending construction zone with a different project every year when you can do it all at once? That’s the mindset of most homeowners going into 2022. 

Now that there are better loan options that allow you to tap into your future equity, it’s possible to do a large project now rather than wait and save up for a series of smaller projects. 

“2022 is the year to tackle your entire renovation wishlist,” says Justin Goldman. “Your future self will thank you for getting it all done at once.”

If you’re ready to get started on your renovation, hit the Find a Lender button below.