Brighter and Better in 2022

Brighter and Bet er in 2022Brighter and Bet er in 2022

By Karen L. Chandler

2022 will be brighter and better as the design and building trends are revealed this year with the winners of the National Association of Home Builders’ 2021 Best in American Living Awards (BALA).

The lasting home design trends brought to light by the BALA winners will be those that home buyers and remodelers will see both this year and several years to come. The pandemic had a lasting impact on the way people design and use their homes, encouraging a renewed focus on quality, creativity, and the comfort of spending time in their own spaces. A focus on innovation means designers can get creative and pull out the stops with unique ideas that create interest without being overwhelming.

Reach for the heights with interesting ceilings!

Ceilings are becoming interesting again, and detailed designs in ceilings of all heights will include beams and other architectural details painted white or warmed up with natural stains.

Natural wood is in too.

And speaking of natural stains, warm wood tones are highlighted everywhere from the ceiling to floors and cabinetry, rather than a predominance of painted wood from the past few years. Combining cool colors or white with the warmth of wood brings both drama and comfort to every living space.

Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes, a trusted HBA member in Middleburg, can bring the warmth of wood to your home and keep your living space on trend with this year’s top picks.

Simple is better!

Continuing the theme of a focus on details without the overwhelming fussy décor of years gone by, designers are looking to kitchens to bring a sense of both calm and function. Decluttering a kitchen design can mean the elimination of upper cabinets and the addition of shelving to including both storage and display options in one space.

Floating cabinets can create more freedom for your eye to take in a room, and architects are bringing these design elements to kitchens, but floating bathroom vanities and entertainment centers also provide more space and less visual clutter.

Color is cool, but white is too.

White kitchens may have been all the rage, but color is coming back in kitchen designs, whether it shows up in rich tones on a kitchen island, base cabinets, or backsplash. White is still cool but pairing it with warm wood and lots of texture will keep it modern.

Form meets function.

Architects and builders are taking it up a notch when it comes to adding function to living spaces.

Unusual storage spots could mean bringing a new life to a closet or spot under the stairs that may be better served for wine storage or bookshelves. Homeowners may look toward incorporating a prep kitchen, home gym, or a masterful mudroom into a new home or reno design.

And a focus on function means that some living spaces have to serve double duty. A flex room is a spot that may have been a guest room in its previous life but is recreated as in-law quarters or a business hub while serving as extra living space.

Breathe some fresh air!

A renewed interest in the great outdoors is one of the best things to come from the pandemic. Innovative outdoor spaces invite entertaining, relaxing, and even working from home and can include amazing pools, creative patios, and firepits.

An imaginative pool design by Aquavisions Inc. in Carlisle will create a space that your family and friends will enjoy for years and give your space a vacation feeling every day. More time at home means that homeowners are extrainspired to create a vacation feel in their own spaces and resort-type amenities like game rooms and pet spas are being incorporated to inspire a staycation feel every day.

In or out?

Beautiful connections between indoors and outdoors emphasize a desire for good health, and architects and builders are highlighting beautiful outdoor spaces with large windows, glass walls, and patio doors. Even a home on a small lot can take advantage of nature with beautiful skylights incorporated into its design.

Reach out to HBA members, Pella Windows & Doors in Harrisburg, ABC Supply in Camp Hill, Garrety Glass of York, and Renewal by Andersen of Central PA in Mechanicsburg for a professional take on the latest in windows and doors to brighten your space.

Landscapes and pools are now part of the total home build or renovation plan so the views from the interior and transitions between the two living spaces are both beautiful and functional.

Head to the professionals at Strathmeyer Landscape in Dover or H & N Landscaping, LLC in Mechanicsburg for an outdoor space that becomes an integral part of your property.

Passing the test of time.

The more indoor and outdoor living areas meld together, the more durable the products need to be in all conditions. Creative flooring options and wall materials all join together with glass to make cohesive spaces that flow together.

HBA member, James Hardie Building Products in Mechanicsburg, has been ahead of the curve providing durable siding and trim products for decades. Any style home will make a lasting impression with an exterior that retains the look of wood yet is crafted from high technology fiber cement.

Foundations are not to be forgotten, and durability is key when it comes to the basis of your new home or addition. Advanced Concrete Systems in Middleburg or C Squared of Duncannon can offer you the professional and high-quality start that your living space deserves.

Other housing options.

A home option that receives a design update this year is the broad arena of affordable housing. These developments are morphing from utilitarian designs to incorporate higher end details and a greater focus on the community and surrounding landscape. Check in with the PA Manufactured Housing Association in New Cumberland to hear what is new in affordable living spaces near you. The PA Housing Finance Agency is another good source for more housing information and affordable lending options.

Brighten your year!

If you feel like it may be time to brighten your 2022 with the beautiful top trends this year will bring, reach out to your professionals at the Home Builders Association of Metro Harrisburg for quality results that will enrich your life.