2922 Home Design Trends

 The increase in home values has gotten much attention.  Prices have less to do with inflation and more to do with increase in value due to remodeling and updating older homes.

As I look over the sales for the past year and work on Broker Price Opinions I find that the homes either for sale or sold have been fully updated to today's standards and buyer desires, marketability.  When an older home sells and then is remodeled and listed and sold the increase reflected in home prices have more to do with updating costs and buyer demand premium.  Increased home prices show that the new home is completely different in interior and exterior that the homes sale in the most recent past.  (Buyers are looking to buy what is current.)  The result of the sale price or list price is increased by the cost of remodeling with a demand contingent applied.  This is more a redevelopment phase in our real estate market.  

Buyers today are among three groups.  The first group is the buyer who does not wish to go through the process of remodeling.  They want to move in and go on with their lives.  The next group are buyers who want to create value and update to their desires and likes.  The last group are the fix and flippers who take on a more speculative game of creating homes for the first group.  

The result is a demand and a strong housing market that will continue as long as money supply creates funds for borrowers.

A most recent article from the San Jose Mercury News by Marmi Jameson give some prudent suggestions and forecasts of homes designs for 2022.

Here is some of the suggestions that Marmi Jameson, the author,  has obtained from Gena Kirk of KB Home who opined on-line studios have made the process of designing a home much easier than the past of hiring an in-House studio designer. 

Cabinets:  Customers still like white cabinets.  The whites are getting warmer with learnings toward Bone and Beige.  Gray is fading and the dark espresso and cherry cabinets are out and have been so for quite awhile.  Buyers want natural wood finishes in taupe and beige tones.

Counters;  Quartz counters, especially those with veiny patters are the preferred choice (75% of buyers).  Traditional buyers ( the other 25%) like granite.  The movement is away from black, white, and gray counters, toward shades of creamy white and taupe.  In the higher end homes marble is still the choice.  Counter edge are more often square with fewer rounded or bull nosed edges.

Flooring:  Luxury vinyl plank are more often the choice for lower price and less maintenance.  Floor colors are also getting warmer towards taupe and natural wood tones, red and cherry floors are out.

Appliances:  Stainless steel is strong.  Stay away from black and white appliances. Scratching and maintenance is the main reason for the opt out.

Lighting and Fixtures:  Black lighting fixtures are everywhere. Today's buyers want round light fixtures.  The 70's and midcentury retro look.  Brushed nickel remains popular and oil rubbed bronze is out!

Windows:  Black hardware is in.  Less wood and carved and fancy finials are out.  Buyers want clean and classic!

Faucets:  Brushed nickel remains a solid choice.  It fits well into the decor of black fixtures and drapery hardware.

Technology:  We are in a high tech world and so are the homes.  Touch free door nobs and faucets are in.  Smart appliances that can be controlled by phones are in!

BIGGEST MISTAKES: Don't get swept into "the trend du jour".  Chose neutral finishes that have a long staying power.  Later when a home needs updating updating painting, light fixtures, back splashes, drawer or drapery hardware can be made with a lot less cost than replacing cabinets, counters and floors.

Remember your home is not a "meme" stock.  It is something you live in for some time.

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