2022: Are we there yet? Part 1

Admin

Well, this is another new year, it is not just another year. We are now six months into 2022, and we are still dealing with the Pandemic--just in a slightly different way. While we find ourselves looking forward to a time when we can say that it is all behind us, we have to acknowledge we are simply not there yet—But we seem to be getting there. So, as we endure this strange world we currently live in, we realize that the trends we are seeing have a lot to do with the unprecedented change we have experienced.

In the building world, we are seeing the influence of having been in lockdowns. Many people have a desire to create extraordinary outdoor living areas, open concept indoor spaces, and even more tranquil luxury bathrooms. Pandemic confinement has created an even greater desire for space than ever before.

While many people have started booking holidays away and trying to return to normal travels, others have decided that they are more comfortable investing in their own property and creating their own personal getaway–one that they can rely on, even during another Pandemic.

So, for another year we are finding ways to express ourselves and our uniqueness through the changes we make to our homes. People are not just choosing a new trend…they are the new trend. Unique, is the way to go.

General trends that have not changed:

Continuing from last year, the most important trend again in 2022 is to incorporate your personality into your space. Your design should not just aesthetically represent who you are, but it should most importantly be efficient for the way that you function in the space you have. If you work in your home, you should want your space to create a feeling that you can do it all and allow you to do it with a smile! Make your home, yours!
As we have said many times before, space is a commodity! It is vital to design your home in a way that works for you and your family. Those with little available space in their homes are creating multi-purpose rooms, such as guest rooms/home office spaces, or entertainment/gym areas. While others are building additions to their homes or reclaiming wasted space in order to eliminate the need for multi-purpose rooms and to design a dedicated space that is all their own.
Energy efficiency is a requirement in custom home building and renovations, not just in the building code, but because homeowners everywhere are looking to reduce their energy consumption. With a lack of available materials, and higher fuel and electricity bills, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and less waste have become more of a priority in design.
The ‘smart home’ appeals to everyone, regardless of generation. Incorporating technologies in your home, such as but not limited to, smart switches/outlets, cameras, smart thermostats, automatic blinds, A.I. (Siri, Alexa, etc.), security systems, etc. is part of most new custom renovations or home designs. Just remember that implementing your own security protocols for the technologies you incorporate in your home is a vital part of the ‘Smart’ design.
Out of necessity or choice, multi-generational living is still part of our trending culture. With the need for affordable family care and affordable home ownership – in-law suites, nanny suites, suites for adult children and their families, rental units and joint homeownership are a strong trend for many homeowners and a new realization for families.

Outdoor Rooms are more prevalent than ever:

Detached homes have been in great demand since the start of the Pandemic, and 2022 is no different! Many people have seriously considered the impact of being confined to their homes and have made significant moves to reinvent their lifestyles. With restaurants, bars, and shopping becoming less accessible, many homeowners have relocated to detached homes in different communities to enjoy their own little piece of green space and fresh air.
Making outdoor living spaces as efficient and comfortable as the inside of a home is definitely trending and can be a great investment in your property. What many homeowners would have considered to be a luxury in the past, has become a ‘must have’ in today’s new world. Outdoor T.V.’s, outdoor heaters, fire tables, fireplaces, covered patios, pergolas, awnings, sunrooms, stylish comfortable seating, stone and concrete patios, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, pools, pool heaters, hot tubs, etc. are all the rage! It's likely that these outdoor amenities are no longer just trends and will be considered a ‘must-have’ in the years to come.
Incorporating a backyard playset became a trend when lockdowns kept families from going to parks in 2020 and 2021. While parks and schools are currently open, the backyard playset/fort/treehouse continues to be a trend in 2022.
For some, redesigning their outdoor space means recreating their own favourite mini-vacation spot right in their own backyard. Backyard renovations and reclaiming of an outbuilding/shed/garage for use as a man cave, home office, she shed, and luxe lounge will continue to be a trend in 2022!
This year, front home exteriors, walkways, driveways, and patio/porch living spaces are also getting much-needed face lifts. After being in and out of lockdown for two years, many people have grown to miss social interactions and are hoping to reconnect to their ‘neighbourhood’ by adding to their outdoor living space and beautifying their home entranceways.
Self-sufficiency has also become a trend in the last two years, and out of necessity may continue to be increasingly prevalent. Whether it’s because of rising food prices, a desire to reduce exposure risks, a need to feel in control of one’s food supply, or the need for a hobby, building a small greenhouse, backyard vegetable garden, chicken coop, and even indoor herb gardens have become more common.
In 2022, homeowners want clean lines and custom-built multipurpose outdoor entertaining rooms and quality materials that can sustain the changing of the seasons are in high demand. The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is becoming blurred as more people seek outdoor spaces that include everything found indoors. (i.e., televisions, dining sets, outdoor sofas, kitchens, etc.)
Calming colours, a plethora of plants, edible gardens, outdoor art, proper electrical and lighting, as well as a variety of upholstery textures are common themes of the 2022 tranquil outdoor living and outdoor workspace trend.
With pressure-treated wood being difficult to get and expensive, homeowners have reconsidered the materials they want to use in their outdoor living spaces. Wood decks are still popular, but stone, concrete, and composite decking have become the choice for many homeowners. Little maintenance, a longer life expectancy, and a greater return on investment have made homeowners rethink the standard deck option for a more luxurious-looking space.

It’s important for homeowners to remember that trends are ever-changing. The design crazes that are in style when you’re revamping your home may not be the same ones when it comes time to sell. Rather than renovating your home for the next potential buyer, consider establishing a sense of balance between form and function that will last the test of time.

If you are looking to renovate or add on to your existing home, call us at Vanderzalm Construction Inc. at (905)562-4463 or (905)684-5823. We look forward to working with you to make your existing home your dream home!