What trends are we seeing so far for 2023? Cutting home expenses and conserving resources are still top of mind for many and cozy comfort is taking the place of minimalist design. Here are a few of our favorites this year!
Induction Cooking
With many cities outlawing natural gas hookups to reduce fossil fuel emissions, many homeowners are expected to switch to induction cooking from natural gas. What are the benefits (besides helping the environment)? Water boils faster, food cooks quicker, and home chefs have more control of heat calibration, not to mention a smooth surface that is easier to clean. We have not seen an overnight switch to induction cooking but do believe this will be a gradual change and expect to see a lot more of them in new constructions.
Biophilic Interior Design
Biophilic Interior Design means incorporating nature into our indoor environment. It comes from the word Biophilia - meaning Love of Nature. Biophilic Design focuses on creating a calming space with a visual connection to nature. The benefits are said to include improving general wellbeing, health & productivity. During the pandemic many homeowners opted for cleaner, minimalist interiors to set a clear boundary between personal space and the outside world. They now want to return to a new form of nesting, through an accumulation of organic furnishings, live plants and warmer colors to enhance the feel of a natural environment at home. An interior green makeover may be the change you are looking for if conservation and sustainability is a priority for you.
Cozier Comfort
Stress levels seem to be at an all time high and people are finding they need an escape from their busy schedules and constant flood of information available because of the digital age. For many the answer seems to be a dose of comfort they can find at home. You want your home to be a safe place to escape from the stress of the outside world and that vibe will be different for every individual. I picture a room you can cozy up in by the fire at the end of the day with a good book, sipping your favorite wine on a comfy chair, surrounded by fresh flowers, calming wallpaper, beautiful art & a favorite scented candle.
Dekton & Neolith Countertops
New technology processes have led to the development of stain-resistant, strong surfaces, and kitchen countertop durability has become the latest trend in new construction and home remodels. The latest “it” surfaces are newer “sintered” stone which is a combination of minerals that form a solid surface that can’t be etched, scratched, burned or stained. Dekton & Neolith are appealing because they resemble marble and other high-end materials. Because the slabs are large, there is less need for seams. Additionally, these surfaces are resistant to fading and can be used in outdoor kitchens without cracking in extreme temperatures. If you can get the look of marble without the stress of wine stains & scratches then this trend will most likely be here to stay!
Eco-friendly Design
More homeowners than ever are looking to sustainable design due to climate change. Preserving resources is top-of-mind and many are choosing to build, remodel or upgrade to eco-friendly designs. We are seeing more listings emphasizing “eco-friendly” as a priority and highlighting solar panels, energy efficient windows & stronger materials that better resist weather. We are also seeing tons of tech features including programmable thermostats, gardening apps and even smarter, environmentally friendly, hygienic toilets. Not all developers have chosen to adopt this trend yet, as there is typically a bigger upfront cost, but if home buyers continue to express their desire for ecofriendly design, developers will move toward making that a priority to meet demands.
