The quest for organized storage and space for pandemic reprieve spurred interest in transforming garages, but nowadays the sky’s the limit on how the space is used and looks.

Key Takeaways:

• Two key factors—the pandemic and the search for more storage—have influenced current garage trends.
• Garage space isn’t just for cars anymore. It’s now a space for recreation, solitude, working out and a home office in many cases.
• Trends for the garage also include sustainability, which means EV stations for either the current owner or to improve resale value.

When it comes to a garage, most clients won’t require the space to house 12 cars like a recent client of Los Angeles architecture firm KAA Design Group. In fact, the client himself didn’t need that much space. He owned only two cars but was thinking about resale value on his home—knowing car collectors are in abundance in L.A.—when he opted for the extra-large garage.

He’s currently using the extra space as an art studio, says Grant C. Kirkpatrick, KAA architect and founding partner.

The need for flexible garage space, however, is on the rise. Before the pandemic, most homeowners wanted and needed less. They required space to park two cars and room for some seasonal items or tools. However, lifestyle changes and pandemic-fueled hobbies mean a garage needs a little more flexibility to meet demand.

Changes Influencing Garage Space

During the pandemic, many people took up outdoor hobbies, says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection. As a result, space to store outdoor gear such as kayaks, paddleboards, golf clubs and bicycles tops the list of garage needs.

The pandemic also fueled requests for more quiet spaces away from the main part of the home, and garages sometimes served as a retreat, a home office or a gym.

Though it may not rank as high as the desire for an updated kitchen or owner’s bathroom, having a finished garage with flexible space has moved up on many buyers’ wish lists.

Converting Garage Space

One advantage of converting a garage, especially when it’s attached to the home, is that it is typically an easy and affordable transformation. The space is often already outfitted with electrical outlets and weatherproofing, says New York City–based architect Victor Body-Lawson of Body Lawson Associates. “An attached garage is also easy to heat or cool,” he says.

After it’s transformation, the garage is now bright, airy and includes an abundance of organized storage space.

A detached garage, however, is a bit of a challenge to convert, Body-Lawson says. “Expenses increase with big-ticket items of new windows, insulation, new floors, interior finishes and plumbing,” he says.

How often buyers undertake these types of changes often depends on a variety of factors: climate, property size, budget, age of the house and what neighboring homes offer.

An Overview of Demand for Garage Space

In historic mining town–turned–ski village Telluride, Colo., adding a garage can raise the home’s sale price by 20% or more, says salesperson Anne Brit Ostlund, with Mountain Rose Realty.

In contrast, the new nearby town of Mountain Village features many homes with a minimum of a three-car garage to make space for off-road vehicles, golf carts and town or sports cars, Ostlund says. Larger garages might add a 10% payback for resale, she says.

Red Ferrari-themed garage

In still other communities such as Maplewood, N.J., having a garage is so important that removing one for whatever reason isn’t allowed unless it’s replaced. In the town, which has 25,000 residents, only 18 houses lack a garage, says Stephanie Mallios, a salesperson with Compass.

Besides functionality, Kirkpatrick says aesthetics are important for a garage. “Since our clients are most often coming home via their garage, it should be beautiful,” he says.

One trend is certain for new-home construction as well: Fewer new houses come without a garage of some kind. Developer Jeff Benach of Chicago-based Lexington Homes says he no longer brings to market a single-family house or townhouse without a garage that offers more than a single bay. He also won’t design one with a tandem layout, where cars line up behind one another.

Vernazza concurs that it’s rare for a new home to have room for just one car.

What Matters Most

Nowadays, want outweighs need when it comes to features that pique buyer interest. A finished, clean garage is likely to offer an uptick in value by presenting buyers with the plus of one less project to tackle, says Aaron Cash, founder of Toronto-based Garage Living, a franchise that transforms garages.

Clean and Uncluttered

The first step is to declutter the garage as you would any other part of the house rather than make it a dumping ground, says Cash. Though the garage was once a space to house dirtier objects like lawn maintenance equipment, homeowners would rather see a clean space as well. Montgomeryville, Pa.–based The Closet Works recommends using an antimicrobial or antibacterial finish on surfaces for cleanliness.

Door Styles

Nicer, more durable, and lower maintenance doors, sometimes constructed from galvanized metal that doesn’t rust or less costly vinyl, are preferred these days. Styles range from matching the rest of the house to setting a different vibe. For Mallios’ new two-car detached garage, she veered from her home’s Tudor style for mahogany carriage house doors and stucco facade, making it “more charming than my house,” she says.

A garage that has a clean design, matches the home’s overall aesthetic is in high demand.

The good news is that the garage door shortage, which hampered upgrades and new-home construction during pandemic supply chain delays, is lessening, according to Scott Balogh, owner of Aero Garage Door in Libertyville, Ill. “Backlogs have gone from one year to 14 weeks, though delays remain for certain popular colors, styles and materials. Among the more popular looks are wood tones that match a front door,” he says.

Garage door extras are also popular, including exterior lights, smart features used from a smartphone, and automatic controls since it’s more common for people to use their garage as an entry and exit from the house, Cash says. Cameras are also becoming more common, which helps with package delivery verification, Balogh says.

Windows

Windows have become popular, particularly in the upper third of the price range of garages, says Dan Timm, a salesperson with Baird & Warner in Libertyville, Ill. A cost-effective way to include them is to have them on the garage’s top panel or one just below, he says. “It breaks up what is otherwise a monolithic slab,” Timm says. But, in some houses and front-loading garages, they may be placed on a side.

Windows and EV charging stations are high on the list of wants.

EV Charging Stations

As interest in EV expands, garages need to accommodate home charging. More of Case’s clients ask to install one station or at least provide the rough-in for work to be finished later, and the vast majority of newly constructed houses are including one, he says. When Mallios built her new garage, she installed two.

Interior Floor and Walls

Those who want to spiff up their garages may start with a floor coating that’s similar to epoxy and makes the garage easier to clean, says Cash. A variety of colors and textures are available, he says. Designer Claire Ownby of Scottsdale, Ariz.–based Ownby Design often chooses from porcelain wood tiles, industrial carpet tiles or polished concrete. “It really depends on the aesthetics of the environment, but we are typically treating the floors with a more affordable and durable version of the interior of the house,” she says. Gray still ranks high in popularity since it’s neutral and hides dirt, according to Closet Works.

Finished garages, with finished walls and floors act as an extension of a home’s look.

Organized Storage

Storage and organization are top of mind for all spaces in the home, including the garage. Adding slats and other systems along walls or installing cabinets, drawers and bins, some with locks to keep out children, are popular options to add intentional storage space. Some also like to add overhead racks that they can reach with a pulley system or ladder. Having good visibility by adding more lighting than the typical single bulb makes finding stuff easier, Cash says.

Organized storage makes more ground space and prevents clutter.

Sal Graci of River Avenue Digital, which handles Closet Works’ marketing, makes other recommendations: leave empty space for future expansion, install only adjustable systems so changes can be made and store stuff off the ground to leave room for cars and avoid damage if flooding occurs.

Car Lifts

Commonplace in commercial garages, these have become more popular in residential and allow an owner or potential future owner to have a large car collection without adding square footage, Ownby says.

Lifts add space and versatility.

BONUS: Garage or an Extension of the Indoor Space?

The garage is frequently becoming an entertainment destination with the clever moniker of the “gar-bar” or “new speakeasy,” Mallios says. One house Mallios recently sold at 18% above the asking price had a four-car garage with such a space. It helped its owners survive the pandemic, she says.

For some KAA Design clients, the garage becomes a man cave or equivalent. “The pride in their vehicle or vehicles and the car culture results in a desire for a garage that brings it all together—car display, workshop, lounge and bar, entertainment, etc. for solo reflection or friends and parties,” Kirkpatrick says.

A client of Timm’s installed a TV, sound system, color-changing LED lights, epoxy floor and collection of vintage car grills with lights inside the headlight spaces.

Also becoming more common is to convert part of the garage into an accessory dwelling unit so it can be occupied by family, grown children, college students or renters as home prices and rents rise, says architect Body-Lawson. Some ADUs also become offices for new businesses, he says.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

New trends in kitchen islands offer versatility in function and design, as well as an aesthetic boost.

You may remember when the kitchen’s status symbol was a hulking appliance like a six-burner range or a smaller but still chichi wine refrigerator. These statement pieces enhanced a kitchen and set it apart from others.

Nowadays, though, islands are taking the place as the kitchen must-have. Buyers might not consider it a deal killer if a kitchen has no island, but the house may not get the same attention, says salesperson Barb St. Amant with Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International.

“It’s the number one design feature our clients ask for in a kitchen,” says John Potter, architect and partner at Morgante Wilson Architects in Chicago.

They might be trending now, but islands are hardly new. The difference today is that islands have evolved into an aesthetic touch and a space for gathering, rather than an area dedicated solely to kitchen tasks like chopping and prepping. “Kitchen islands can be gathering spots for the family for breakfast or the cocktail hangout spot when entertaining,” says Rozit Arditi, principal of New York City–based Arditi Design. “It’s also the main conversation area where everyone gathers while cooking,” she says.

Add to that a homework center, a space for gift wrapping, and a dinner spot as families become more casual, Potter says.

Such versatility means islands are now larger, which is in step with kitchens themselves getting bigger. Many kitchens today function as part of an open-plan layout and a bridge between the workspace and entertainment areas, says designer John Hall of JH Design International in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Sleek is in, which means many kitchens now lack upper cabinets. Still, a longer and wider kitchen island makes up the storage difference, says designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions in Boston.

Bigger islands can also fit more seating. Although the pandemic didn’t initiate any changes in the island, it’s thought to have increased how often people congregate around it, says kitchen designer Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design in Chicago.

More than just the workhorse of the past, the kitchen island offers homeowners all kinds of new options, styles and uses, so long as it is designed functionally. Here are some considerations.

Size

The size should be based partly on the room’s dimensions so that the island is proportional to the space. How it’s used should also influence its size. Visually, there should be enough open space in the room, too. “Open space and flow are more important than having one more cabinet for storage,” says designer JT Norman of Kitchen Magic in Nazareth, Penn.

Suppose the kitchen space isn’t large enough. In that case, an alternative may be a peninsula, once popular and still a viable option, says designer Fabrice Garson of Bilotta Kitchen & Home in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Placement

Where an island can fit in the room will also affect its size, says De Giulio. It shouldn’t be in the way of traffic to other rooms or other parts of the kitchen.

“If you have to walk around an island to get from a sink to a refrigerator each time, that doesn’t make sense,” De Giulio says. “I still believe in the principles of the work triangle,” he says, a concept formulated by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

The amount of aisle space between the island and perimeter countertops and cabinetry is important, too. De Giulio advises 48 inches—enough space so that, with a dishwasher’s door open all the way, two people can pass easily.

Main Functions

When designers at Bilotta Kitchen & Home first meet with a client, they ask about the homeowner’s lifestyle and preferences and design around the answers, Garson says. Some islands may include more than one level to separate functions such as mixing drinks at a bar sink on an upper level or comfortably rolling out a pastry on a lower level. Appliances like a dishwasher or beverage cooler are also popular island options, says Michael Cox, principal with Foley & Cox in New York City.

Double Islands

Superlarge kitchens are increasingly designed with two smaller islands, rather than one enormous unit that is unwieldy to get around. Another selling point for two islands is that functions can be divided between them.

For example, De Giulio has designed one island for working and congregating and the other for setting out a buffet and serving, he says. Garson has designed one island for sitting and gathering, homework, and eating and a second with a sink and appliances—“a real workstation,” he says.

Seating

For comfortable seating, De Giulio prefers a standard 36-inch counter height rather than higher 42-inch bar height. “Many children find it hard to sit on a stool at that height,” he says. Norman advises leaving 24 inches between stools for elbow room.

One option that Hall is incorporating in some islands is to have a second seating area. A table can extend from the island at a lower 30-inch height for a comfortable option.

Cabinet Construction

For storage, De Giulio favors drawers. Heights within should vary to fit what’s stored. Deep drawers work for a large pot or blender, while shallow ones work for towels and silverware. Arditi suggests adding shelves to cabinets for cookbooks and staggered storage.

Countertop Materials

Swartz’s first rule of thumb is that homeowners understand that no material is 100% indestructible. That means they should not take anything hot off a range or from an oven and place it directly on any surface, including the island.

What’s popular now are manmade surfaces that look good and can be used with less worry, Garson says. Cox favors stress-free surfaces like absolute black granite and pure white Caesarstone. Some homeowners like to integrate a butcher block or live-edge, Garson says, while others may favor a marble space.

Multiple types of edges can complete the countertop. De Giulio thinks square edges look crisp and clean in a modern kitchen while an ogee or furniture edge appears more traditional. Other popular styles include eased, pencil, and bullnose.

Permanent or Removable

Some designers and homeowners prefer a table or other piece of furniture for a less utilitarian look. A movable trolley, for instance, can be wheeled about the room. “It makes the space flexible and accommodating,” Swartz says.

The downside of a table is that the island aspect becomes less practical, since it usually won’t have storage or be at the best height for multiple tasks. The problem with a mobile design is that islands tend to get heavy with stuff piled atop them, and then aren’t easy to move, De Giulio says.

Lighting

The familiar style of three pendant lights above an island has become almost a cliché. De Giulio now favors more linear, longer fixtures in metal or metal and wood that match the scale of the island. “They appear to float above the space,” he says. Cox likes to balance quality task lighting with a “killer decorative fixture for a central focal point,” he says.

BONUS: Mix and Match?

White kitchens still rank number one in popularity, according to surveys from online design and remodeling source Houzz. However, introducing another color or material differentiates an island and adds punch.

Garson finds that more than half of his clients now want a different material or color for the island than what they use around the perimeter.

Sandya Dandamudi, president of Chicago-based GI Stone, a supplier, fabricator and installer of custom stone, sees the mix-and-match look exploding. “Several of our clients select quartz counters for the perimeter, which includes around the sink and cooktop, and opt for an exotic natural stone for the island and backsplashes. This is a great way to combine practical needs and aesthetic tastes,” she says.

Will this multicolor look remain in vogue? “Short of white or cream, what isn’t trendy?” Swartz asks. “Cabinets are fashion. Some elements go out of style every 10 to 15 years. People should choose wisely and best match the feel of their home’s architecture,” she says.

De Giulio advises that homeowners base color choices on what looks best to their eye. “It depends on a room’s whole artistry,” he says.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Santa will be at the Broomall Fire Company on Sunday, Dec. 7 before traversing the township and lighting the tree at Veterans Memorial Park

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, PA — Santa Claus is coming to Marple Township early this year thanks to the Broomall Fire Company.

The fire company host Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Broomall Fire Company.

Then, he will be escorted around the township via fire truck at 4:30 p.m.

Santa’s jaunt will start at the fire company on North Malin Road. Below is Santa’s full route:

• Broomall Fire Company, 1 N. Malin Road
• Lincoln Lane
• Media Line Road
• Highland Avenue
• Cedar Grove Road
• Jamestown Road
• Reed Road
• Warren Boulevard
• Sussex Boulevard
• North Central Boulevard
• Sproul Road
• New Ardmore Avenue
• Anthony Avenue
• Marple Road
• South Sproul Road
• Springfield Road
• West Chester Pike
• Lawrence Road

Santa’s route will end at Veterans Memorial Park, where he will light the Marple Township Christmas Tree at 7 p.m.

Festivities at the park will begin at 6 p.m.

The Broomall Fire Company will share more information to track Santa in real-time as the day gets closer.

Sustainability is trending, especially among young buyers, and an aesthetically pleasing rain barrel offers cost savings and curb appeal.

Outfitting a house with a rain barrel does more than collect and conserve rainwater: It saves money, too. Well-placed rain barrels help cut utility costs by collecting free water for gardening, lawn watering or even washing the car. And homeowners are taking note.

“There has absolutely been an increase in the popularity of rain barrels in the last decade,” says Francesca Corra, a Los Angeles–based landscape designer. She says that drought and mandatory water restrictions have highlighted the need for water conservation in California.

A rain barrel might sound like a breeding ground for mosquitoes or a potential eyesore, but it’s surprisingly easy to maintain and to camouflage these cost-cutting green home features. Here’s what to know if your clients want to add a rain barrel or spruce up an existing rain barrel before a home resale.

Benefits of Rain Barrels

Interest in rain barrels is rising, but as with many green concepts, the learning curve is still vast. Real estate professionals have a unique advantage in educating clients who don’t know much about this affordable water conservation solution.

After all, says Corra, homeowners were once concerned that solar panels could detract from a home’s appeal. Now? Fifty-two percent of American homeowners have already installed, or given serious thought to installing, solar panels.

Rain Barrels Conserve Water

“One of the most important things everyone should be looking at right now is ways to retain any rainwater that falls on our properties and not send it out into the street. Is one rain barrel the solution to our drought problem? No, it is not. However, it does help,” Corra says.

“I have easily saved at least 500 gallons of water so far this spring and summer,” says Laura Peet, a homeowner and gardener with two 50-gallon rain barrels on either side of her Charlottesville, Virginia, home. Though Virginia is far less prone to droughts than are desert regions in California or Arizona, Peet says the clay soil tends to dry out quickly.

Rain Barrels Keep Landscaping Lush

“Whatever amount [the rain barrel] keeps from going out into the street is water saved for the plants in the garden,” says Corra. “Trees, especially, will always need more water, and they are in danger right now as more and more people are turning off their irrigation.”

Peet uses rain barrel water to keep her raised vegetable gardens lush. Tracey Zeeck, a communications director and homeowner outside Oklahoma City, also enjoys using her rain barrel as an accessible, above-ground water source for gardening.

“I think it’s fun to capture it and use it when you want to—free water!” Zeeck says, adding that her husband thinks the plants thrive more when watered with harvested rain versus chlorinated city water.

Rain Barrels Attract Eco-Conscious Buyers

There’s no denying that more and more clients care about going green.

Fifty-one percent of real estate professionals say their buyer clients are interested in sustainability, according to National Association of REALTORS® data. Twelve percent of homeownerspdf cite green home features as a reason for purchasing their current home, and 10% consider “landscaping for energy conservation” to be “very important.”

Rain barrels can play a small but important role in sustainability and water conservation. Saving rainwater “creates an awareness that we are doing something to help our environment,” says Corra.

How to Prevent Problems With Rain Barrels

Conserving water is excellent, but homeowners also need to keep their rain barrels from becoming problematic. Breeding insects can quickly destroy the tranquility of a yard.

Here’s what experienced rain barrel owners suggest for maintenance.

• Drain water regularly. A rain barrel isn’t meant to hold water indefinitely, says Corra. “Identify areas with the most need—i.e., trees, vegetable gardens, potted plants—and let the water out within a few days of the rain,” she adds.
• Install a mesh screen on top. If a rain barrel does not arrive fitted with a fine mesh at the entry point, installing a screen or fine netting is vital to keep debris and mosquitoes out of the water.
• Carefully consider position and elevation. “During a strong storm, the barrels will overflow, and you don’t want a steady stream of water to run against the house,” Peet says. “I have them nestled in gravel to keep any water flow away from the house.”

Conservation Chic: Can Rain Barrels Boost Curb Appeal?

There’s no reason to be concerned about rain barrels ruining the look of a home, according to Peet and Zeeck. And when they’re carefully selected to match the architectural style or disappear into the landscaping, these reservoirs of free water might actually boost curb appeal.

“Water barrels come in many shapes and sizes,” says Peet. “The ones I’ve purchased look like bourbon barrels, and I think they add a nice charm to my Craftsman-style home.”

With an increase in demand comes an increase in options, so homeowners are likely to find a rain barrel that fits the aesthetic of their home. It might also act as a conversation starter among like-minded potential buyers. After all, anyone who buys that home can now clearly signal a commitment to green living—and a lower water bill to prove it.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Hotel and interior design experts offer tips for staging primary bedrooms with touches of luxe.

Recently, furniture and home decor company, CB2, named “luxury for all” as one of the top three home trends of 2022. The brand’s popularity with millennials, who currently comprise the largest percentage of home buyers, means CB2’s insights are valuable intel for real estate professionals.

The use of staging can set a listing apart from the crowd and increase the amount buyers are willing to spend on a property, according to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®. If homebuyers crave luxury and want it at a variety of price points, sellers would do well to stage their homes in a way that reflects these lifestyle aspirations. What better template for luxury staging than a five-star hotel suite?

Making a primary bedroom look and feel like a five-star hotel guestroom is “all about making mindful choices, keeping things really simple and introducing luxurious elements in very attainable ways,” says interior designer Rebecca Gitana, founder of Healing Through the Home.

Luxury hotel experts and interior designers offer suggestions for arranging and styling bedrooms like five-star hotel rooms.

Limit Art and Accessories

Removing family photos and personal items is standard protocol when staging a house. But retaining or adding a couple of thoughtful accessories can boost the aesthetic appeal of a primary bedroom.

“High-end hotel rooms often imbue an aesthetic of minimalized clutter—sometimes just a coffee-table book, single piece of art, or a design-centric lamp bedside are enough,” says Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par.

“The hotel feeling is all about less is more,” agrees commercial interior designer Gerardy Cabrera. “You can go wild with artwork, not with quantity, but with size and color.”

Choose Crisp White Bedding

If there’s one thing that makes a bedroom feel more like a five-star hotel room, it’s high-quality, high thread-count bedding, according to Brianna Glenn, luxury travel advisor and founder of Milk + Honey Travels.

Interior designers agree. “Crisp white bed sheets are the number one staple in any five-star sleeping situation,” says Gitana.

Jaclyn Isaac, the principal designer and owner of Doni Douglas Designs, calls white sheets a no-brainer and suggests topping them with a fluffy white duvet cover. “Certain colors don’t show well on camera, but white looks bright and clean and gives off that hotel vibe,” she explains.

Pick a Signature Scent

Filling the kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked cookies before an open house is the oldest trick in the book. The idea has stuck around because it works. But if the scent of cookies makes a kitchen feel like home, what makes a bedroom feel luxurious?

Hotel candles, according to Glenn. These days, many hotels infuse the lobby with seasonal signature scents ranging from the distinct smoky-spicy aroma of Hotel Emma in San Antonio to the gentle waft of cherries and lilies in The St. Regis New York.

“I stayed at Royal Monsour in Marrakech, and I remember they sent me home with a candle that had their signature scent—I could light it at home and instantly be transported back to that magical place,” she recalls.

While any high-end candle will do, homeowners can infuse their bedrooms with scents inspired by actual five-star hotels with products from Hotel Lobby Candle, a brand launched by travel writer and influencer Lindsay Silberman.

Take Cues from Nature

Luxury lodging often brings the outside in. That’s the case with one of Berkson’s new favorite properties, Piaule Catskill, which he says features simple oak-framed beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that “allow you to wake up to the surrounding forest.”

Of course, staging a room isn’t the same as renovating it. But homeowners can still include nature with lush houseplants or simple arrangements of foraged branches. Isaac says she always uses fresh flowers when staging.

Gitana suggests taking it a step further by decorating with colors and textures that mimic the natural world outside the room’s windows. Natural fibers might include cotton, bamboo, silk or wool. Even a bedroom entirely staged in shades of white can include natural variety by mixing up the fabrics and textures.

Include a Seating Area

In the world of hospitality, consumers associate square footage with luxury. While standard hotel rooms clock in at 330 square feet on average, luxury guest rooms range from 430 to 4,000 square feet, according to hospitality management software company Cvent.

You can’t increase the square footage of a listing, but you can spruce it up for all it’s worth. Luxury properties do this by creating thoughtful sitting areas, even in heritage hotels with limited space.

“No matter the size of the bedroom, you can create a little spot to take a call, have a cup of coffee, or just stare out the window,” says Gitana. “Create this for yourself by introducing an interesting chaise lounge or love seat into your space. Have an even smaller space? A single chair also works!”

Balance the Layout

Not all primary bedrooms are symmetrical, but thoughtful furniture arranging can make the space feel balanced.

“Start with a bed frame that fits the room,” says Cabrera. Bigger isn’t always better, as a crowded bedroom feels like the opposite of luxe. He suggests choosing a bed that leaves 3 to 4 feet of space on each side, even if that means staging with a double bed in place of a king or queen.

Once the bed is in place, position a nightstand on each side. It might sound like a simple suggestion, but the resulting visual balance evokes a luxurious sense of calm and comfort, according to Gitana. Complete the look with a large enough rug to fit under the bed and the nightstands. “A too-small rug is a rookie decor mistake,” Isaac warns.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Sustainable design and warm, cozy spaces are on the rise in 2023.

While homeowners compile their holiday wish lists, we’ve compiled a list of 12 home and design trends experts think will be next year’s stars.

Architecture and design experts weigh in on what’s emerging in 2023. As the new year emerges, lifestyle changes due to the pandemic continue to hold strong. Cutting home expenses and conserving resources are top of mind for many. Move over, granite: These new countertop materials are coming in strong, and cozy comfort is taking the place of stark, minimalist design.

Home Office Updates

For many, hybrid work is here to stay, so home offices make the list, though changes are in order. Many crave some interaction, says Priscilla Holloway, a salesperson with New York City–based Douglas Elliman.

Architect Liz Peabody of Boston-based The Architectural Team says that open, partially open and glass-walled spaces are seen in houses as well as multifamily buildings’ common spaces and individual apartment units. Another change is that some offices are larger and have a window for a nice view, according to designers at The Plan Collection.

Why now? The pandemic changed how and where we work, and people are still figuring out what works best at home.

Induction Cooking

Though the change will be gradual, many homeowners are expected to switch to induction cooking from natural gas. Many are finding that their cookware is induction-safe, despite previously held beliefs, says Chicago kitchen expert Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design. Induction has many benefits: Water boils faster, food cooks quicker, and homeowners have more control of heat level calibration, he says. Additionally, the smooth surface is easier to clean.

Why now? Many cities are outlawing natural gas hookups in new homes and buildings to reduce fossil fuel emissions and better control environmental and climate challenges.

Eco-friendly Design

More real estate sites list eco-friendly design as a priority, from solar panels to energy-efficient windows, stronger builds that better resist severe weather, more tech features like programmable thermostats, gardening apps and smarter, more environmentally friendly, hygienic toilets like Toto USA’s Washlet and bidet toilets. TOTO also manufactures domestically, reducing its products’ carbon footprints, says Bill Strang, president of corporate strategy, e-commerce and customer care. 

Why now? More homeowners know the importance of sustainable design due to climate change reports, how fossil fuels damage the environment and the importance of preserving resources.

Cozier Comfort

Tough times call for an antidote, and many are seeking a dose of comfort within the walls of their homes. The ebb and flow of COVID-19 in conjunction with other stressors has people wanting to feel as though they’re wrapped in a warm hug, says Chicago-based designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. He suggests doing so with patterned wallpaper on both walls and ceilings. A tactile touch also works, he says. Think big, upholstered headboards; ’50s and ’60s lounge-style sections to sprawl, watch TV or eat; and colorful tufted or handwoven area rugs that resemble art.

Why now? Collective stress levels are at an all-time high, and people are finding they need a respite from the constant barrage of information available because of the digital age.

More Natural, Personalized Interiors

The biophilic, natural look prevails in appeal because of the benefit nature provides. Homeowners want organic furnishings, live plants and warmer colors in the clay palette, says Gena Kirk, vice president of Design Studio at Los Angeles–based homebuilder KB Home. The latest iteration reflects interest in embracing memories through personalized design aesthetics that display mementos and heirlooms, Kirk says.

Why now? During the pandemic, 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 textiles, warmer colors, new hardware and fabrics for a welcoming, natural environment to live, work and play, Kirk says.

Dekton and Neolith Surfaces

Every few years, a new countertop surface takes center stage as the best in terms of durability, sustainability, color or novelty. The latest “it” surfaces are newer “sintered” stones, a combination of minerals that form a solid surface that can’t be etched, scratched, burned or stained. Dekton and Neolith appeal because they resemble marble and other high-end surfaces and are resistant to fading, says Boston designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions. Milwaukee designer Suzan Wemlinger adds that because the slabs are large, there’s less need for seams, and they can be used in outdoor kitchens without cracking in extreme temperatures.

Why now? New technology processes have led to the development of these stain-resistant, strong surfaces, and kitchen counter durability is nearly always top of mind for homeowners.

Affordable Design Choices

Instead of tempting buyers with fancy cabinets, finishes and appliances, more homebuilders are turning to affordability as a feature. “Good design is not about spending the most money but offering well-designed homes, sometimes without bells and whistles,” says Mary Cook, founder of Mary Cook Associates, a Chicago-based commercial interior design firm. Builders are displaying predesigned packages of cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring that keep costs down. They’re also cutting square footage to show that buyers can live well in smaller homes, Cook says.

Why now? Higher interest rates have put a pause on buyer frenzy. “We went from crazy busy to crazy slow,” one homebuilder says. Now is the time to see how affordability and quality design come together.

Zero Emissions

Master-planned developments are taking the guesswork out of emission-free living. Developer Marshall Gobuty of Sarasota, Fla.–based Pearl Homes shows how with his 18-acre Hunter’s Point development, the first LEED Zero–certified community in the world, he says. “There’s no energy cost associated with the 86 single-family houses except for a $35 monthly maintenance fee from Florida Power,” he says.

Why now? With the pandemic and overall inflation, energy costs continue to soar. Also, sustainable development helps communities adapt to challenges posed by climate change and protects natural resources.

In Multifamily: More EV, Fewer Additional Amenities

Few multifamily buildings are constructed without an EV charging station, says architect Peabody. Developers are including a handful and leaving infrastructure available to expand the number. At the same time, they are devoting less square footage to amenities since younger generations are less inclined to pay for features they may not use, especially after seeing how the pandemic shut down facilities. What most still want are lounges, coworking spaces and outdoor areas to exercise and unwind, Peabody says. Pet parks and spas still make the list as well, says Cook.

Why now? EV stations are essential as more people switch to electric vehicles. Just over half of passenger cars sold in the U.S. will be electric vehicles by 2030, according to Bloomberg.

Walkable, Affordable Boomer Living

More efforts are underway to create more options for the enormous boomer cohort as they age. Many want to give up owning a car, live where their location has a high walkability score and cut living costs by living in smaller, energy-efficient homes. One example is developer David Fox’s Passive House building in Northampton, Mass., to be completed in 2024; it will eliminate 80% of typical energy needs to heat and cool and be built with sustainable mass timber construction, solar panels, a community garden and a bicycle shed. The building’s 70 apartments will average 1,200 square feet; share a gym, lounge and roof area to exercise; and limit rent increases.

Why now? Boomers are the largest aging community to date, and as the country ages, more emphasis on how elders live is needed now.

Fire-Resistant Modules

On the east coast, building structures to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and floods are in high demand. On the west coast, however, San Diego–based modular builder Dvele focuses on manufacturing fire-resistant steel modular houses. The company started with 500-square-foot homes constructed from a single module design and now offers 4,000-square-foot homes from seven module designs. All are also highly energy-efficient due to self-powered solar panels, says Kellan Hannah, the company’s director of growth.

Why now? The National Interagency Fire Center statistics show that as of last October, almost 60,000 fires burned 7 million acres, above the 10-year average of 48,000 fires and close to 6 million burned acres. Fires are only worsening, meaning construction must adapt.

What’s NOT Hot?    

Several once-popular design choices are losing appeal, primarily because they require high maintenance or aren’t functional for today’s busy routines, says Gena Kirk with homebuilder, KB Home. She suggests letting go of these four in the year ahead.

High Pile Carpet 

While soft, shaggy carpet styles make a statement, they are difficult to keep clean and aren’t practical, especially in households with kids and/or pets. 

Gray Cabinets 

Gray cabinets have been popular but are cooling off as more homeowners shift to warmer hues to make their spaces more welcoming. 

Standard Subway Tiles 

Standard-size white, horizontal subway tiles are still popular, but many now prefer larger 4-by-10 inch or 4-by-16-inch tiles that run vertically to draw eyes up and give an age-old design a fresh look.

Open Shelves 

Most struggle with clutter, so even though some love the open look above, others are opting for the traditional closed cabinets since they find it easier to keep stuff concealed. These days there are countless custom interior organization systems to arrange contents in a neat fashion.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission