The past few years have been...no words can really capture what they have been! But finally it seems we are on the path to some sense of stability and 'normality' whatever that might mean. Property too has not been immune to the COVID world, and has seen its share of spikes, dips, and changes as a result of the pandemic. But today we look forwards, to a new year, and new interior design trends that we have noticed in our clients luxury homes, via their requests, or in the property market as a whole.
Pet Friendly Design
There has been a huge boost of pandemic-parents (of the fluffy kind) during COVID! In fact, a whopping total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association. That means the country now has 17 million pet-owning homes, and with this comes a whole new pet focused design agenda for homes. One of the most popular pandemic pets has been puppies, so it is no surprise that there has been a huge increase in requests for doggy showers, feeding rooms, luxury kennels, under-stair dog bedrooms, and even dog furniture - yes Ziggy needs a chaise lounge too. Instagram and TikTok has fulled the fire of pet owners desires to have the best possible spaces for their fur babies, with accounts dedicated to the cause.
Biophilia-Centric Design
Biophilic Design is a concept that connects us to our natural environment. It’s not a new concept, but it’s not been prevalent in modernist architecture with its hard lines and materials which physically and psychologically disconnect us from the natural world. Our innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings is more than just a philosophy or hippy behaviour, it has been scientifically found to support cognitive functions, physical health, and our psychological well-being. Common biophilic design elements include skylights providing natural light, green walls, or living walls, covered with living greenery, and the presence of natural water, such as fountains or ponds. One of the biggest trends we have noticed in this realm are houseplants, with companies like Patch Plants sprouting up all over the place.
Laundry Room Oasis
Luxury, where you least expect it comes in next on our list for 2022. Because no luxury home is complete without a laundry, or mudroom oasis. Not only are they super practical, they are quickly becoming a must have for many buyers. First-floor laundry rooms with additional storage cabinets or their own closets are a huge selling feature. We have seen homes sell for thousands more just because they have a laundry or mudroom, so they are a wise investment too it seems. This trend has very much been facilitated by the more than 700,000 people that moved home in England & Wales during the pandemic & stamp duty holiday. With many pandemic movers having swapped the city for the countryside in the race for space post-lockdown, we’re confident there will be a notable number of greenbelt dwellers deciding that they’re in urgent need of a luxury mudroom upgrade in 2022. Depending on the size and age of a building, sometimes the laundry room is next to kitchen, but it’s equally not uncommon for it to be designed into the basement or even on a higher floor closer to the bedrooms, making it more convenient for returning freshly laundered clothes, towels, and bedding to their rightful destinations. So what exactly is it about laundry room design that makes it such a covetable space? The best laundry rooms incorporate a number of features; the functionality of a utility room, the amenities of a laundry room, and the added benefits of a boot room and cloakroom all rolled into one beautifully designed space. Not forgetting the dog shower too of course!
The Curb Appeal
First impressions count, we all know that, well your home is no different. We have noticed a surge in requests for front door painting, railing refurbishing, and front garden landscaping with our clients this year. Even just the Christmas wreath purchasing was unprecedented compared to previous years. It would appear with so many of us still spending more time at home than pre-pandemic there has been a conscious shift in our desires to make our homes somewhere we are proud of, and as we excitedly anticipate going back outside and finally welcoming guests, beyond six, back into our homes we predict that this demand will further increase in 2022.
Home Digital Detox Havens
We all know the home office trend of 2020/21, well in 2022 it is all about having a space for doing nothing, like a digital detox room. Think calming tones, natural fibres, a strict policy of zero technology, ambient lighting, beanbags, and perhaps books. This might all sound a little 'Kanye', and you might be right there, but there is real value for your mental well-being in a space like this (if you have the space for it). Of course each persons idea of a home haven is somewhat unique to them, and so it should be, but we expect that these calming spaces will increase in demand for 2022 as we see the trend in wellbeing focus getting some deserved attention in our homes at long last.
Japandi Aesthetics
You may not immediately think that Japan and Scandinavia have a lot in common, but when it comes to design elements, they're more similar than you may initially think. Each one's aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort, so it's no surprise that we're seeing more and more designers combine the two looks together and calling it Japandi (aka Japanese and Scandi). Though a relatively new trend, expect to see Japandi pop up on your Instagram feeds in 2022. Simply put, Japandi is Japanese design meets Scandi minimalism, and there is a focus on quality pieces and neutral colour palettes and paint choices to complement the often wooden furniture, green plant life, and practical accessories. Calming, tranquil, and peaceful are the vibes, and when brighter colours are incorporated they are done so meaningfully and subtly. We adore this trend for 2022 as it perfectly blends and combines the best aspects of two of our absolute favourite design influences.
Our home team take care of all of these requests for our clients through our unparalleled black book of contractors. From interior designers, to builders, architects, and award winning landscapers, we have a relationship with the best in the business and get preferential rates with them too so we can offer our clients a truly VIP experience and service. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you to maintain and improve your home with our fully bespoke and personal home services please get in touch with the team today for a chat.