When it comes to our homes, most of us aspire to achieve the perfect balance between style and functionality, particularly for those who have one eye on adding value to their property for a future sale. These days, there are lots of different ways in which we can update our homes.
A construction law specialist may tell you that anything, from remodeling to simple decorating, can help if you’re looking to sell. Below, we’ll look at the 10 best construction and design trends of 2022 for you to get on board with.
Adding An Extra Room
In the past couple of years, construction companies have experienced a surge in inquiries from homeowners looking to increase the value of their properties by adding an additional room. An extra room can add around 21% to the asking price of your home as well as provide more space, and this can be done in several ways, including:
A Conservatory
Adding a conservatory to your property can provide a pleasant space for relaxing and enjoying the view of your garden, even on cold or rainy days. A conservatory can also add between 7% and 10% to the value of your property. In most cases, you don’t need to gain planning permission for a conservatory. However, it’s always worth checking whether or not this is the case. -Particularly if there is a possibility that your project may impact on a neighbor’s property, for example, blocking their light or view.
A Loft Or Cellar Conversion
An increasingly popular option is to repurpose these unused spaces to create a spare bedroom or home office. This conversion, although it requires a financial outlay, will generally give you a 10% return on your investment. When embarking on this kind of project, you should always seek the advice of a professional to help you to avoid wasted time and money.
A Garage Conversion
If your property has a garage, but you don’t have a car, it’s probably currently filled with tools and other detritus. For a fairly modest outlay, a garage can be converted into an extra room, giving you more space and upping the value of your property.
A Garden House
Sales of garden houses, or summer houses, surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as these are a great way of adding a home office or playhouse to your property. In many cases, these can be delivered fully formed, meaning that installation is fast and hassle-free. Alternatively, you can buy kits that allow you to build your own, but with this option, you’ll need to make sure that you have the time and the patience to complete the project. Otherwise, you may end up with an expensive pile of materials sitting in your garden until next summer.
Smarter Furniture
As many people continue to work from home, there’s been a distinct blurring of the lines between work and home. As such, homeowners are now looking for additional functionality in their homes – as well as a considerable amount of multi-purposing. In 2022, homeowners are investing in space-saving furnishings such as wall-mounted, drop-down desks, duty box wardrobes, and multi-position sofas.
Surrounding Yourself With Nature
In 2022, indoor foliage is growing up. Gone is the humble houseplant, and in its place, homeowners are installing living walls and choosing home gardens and indoor trees in order to create tranquil, life-affirming spaces in which to live and work.
Experts tell us that surrounding ourselves with natural plants and foliage can positively impact our well-being and add a pleasing look to our homes. If this is all a little high maintenance for your liking, there are loads of realistic fake versions available.
Sustainability
Another type of green is continuing its upward trajectory in 2022, and that is sustainability. Around 86% of those looking to buy a new home state that sustainability and energy efficiency are essential factors in their search.
As this trend continues to grow, more and more homeowners are investing in sustainable features for their properties, including solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving devices such as tap aerators. If you’re interested in solar panels, you may be eligible for government help with payments, so this is worth checking out before going ahead.
Open Spaces
In the past 12 months, construction law specialists have recorded an uptick in homeowners inquiring about remodeling their homes to create airy, open-plan spaces. Perhaps as a result of being cooped up during the lockdowns, the desire for lighter, open spaces is gaining momentum at speed in the UK.
The most popular option here is the knocking down of walls between the living room and dining room in order to create one large living space. However, some also choose to open up the kitchen and living room; however, be warned that this may mean your living space is permanently filled with cooking smells.
Injecting Colour Into Your Designs
When it comes to home interiors, color has always been subject to trends, and this year is no different. In keeping with the current trend for light and airy interiors, the previously popular teals and reds are being replaced with ivory, champagne, and cool sky blue for walls and ceilings. If this is all too vanilla for your taste, try adding a signature wall in a contrasting color to add a bit more interest to your room.
Kitchens Get Cosy
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home and, in 2022, the farmhouse-style kitchen will be big news. Incorporating natural wood, antique-style equipment, and large, family-style tables, this trend is all about returning the kitchen to its rightful place, the hub and beating heart of the happy home.
In direct contrast, others are choosing to go with sleek and shiny kitchens with hidden cupboards and compartments, smart features, and integrated islands and breakfast bars.
Adding Smart Devices
As we strive toward more efficient lifestyles, the smart home continues to grow in popularity. While most of us would stop short of creating an entire smart home from scratch, lots are getting onboard with technology such as virtual assistants in order to use voice commands to control heating, lighting, curtains, and security for their homes.
As this technology becomes more sophisticated, it also becomes more affordable. With voice assistants now installed in over 50% of UK homes, this is a trend that is both fun and practical, particularly for those with mobility issues.
Building Deckings
With summer 2022 just around the corner, many UK homeowners are choosing to take their outdoor space to the next level by building USA-style decks. These raised wooden platforms have not previously mainly featured in UK homes, but with more UK residents choosing to relax and entertain at home, we can expect to see some busy landscapers and builders in the coming season.
While many choose to hire the services of a professional to build a deck for them, you can buy guides that allow you to do this yourself to save money. And, of course, the satisfaction of having shown off your DIY skills.
Going Underground
While we can’t say that this one will become a trend, it has been making headlines. It seems that, following the pandemic and the current war in Ukraine, some UK homeowners are making the decision to install underground bunkers to protect themselves and their families.
In fact, it’s even possible to commission a ‘deluxe bunker’ for your home, at a price, of course. As you would imagine, these bunkers don’t come cheap, at around £75,000 to £85,000. However, interestingly, unlike embarking on development above ground, you don’t need to gain planning permission to have one of these installed on your property. So while a nuclear bunker may not appeal, there’s every chance that this trend may evolve into the building of underground spaces for other purposes, including, perhaps, storage.
Are You Ready To Revamp Your Home?
Home design is an extremely personal thing as, whether you choose minimalist chic or funky florals, it’s all about finding the balance of style and practicality that suits you and your family. If you fancy following a trend but are on a tight budget, don’t worry, you don’t have to go ‘all in’ with full remodeling or redecoration. In many cases, you can get on board with a trend, for example, color, by simply investing in a few key pieces for your home which reflect the fashion without costing a fortune.
For 2022, while there are a few different trends emerging, one thing has become clear: simplicity. From neutral walls to natural vegetation, the decor is going back to basics, while functionality is getting smarter and more multi-functional.
