Zillow predicts that in the coming year, homeowners will invest in projects and features that will make their home feel like a space they are comfortable in and a place they can thrive in 2022.
‘‘The pandemic forced a lot of people to reevaluate what’s most important in their lives and in their homes,’’ said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert. ‘‘For many, 2022 is the moment to start living those values. That could be investing in sustainable home features, designing a space with well-being in mind, or leaning into comfort and function over high style.’’
Here are a few expected trends to be on the lookout for in 2022.
1. Going Green
Not only are homes with ample green space a hot commodity on the market, sustainability will also be a top priority for younger homeowners in 2022. They will seek out home features and products that allow them to live by their values. Sustainable features, such as appliances labeled as “eco” and “energy efficient”, can make a property less wasteful and are associated with homes that sell faster, too. Zillow research finds that home listings with descriptions mentioning ‘‘eco,’’ ‘‘energy efficient,’’ or similar terms have sold more than two days faster than expected. Listings that mention drought-resistant features sold 13 days faster, and smart sprinkler systems and double pane windows installed for energy conservation were associated with homes selling more than a week quicker than expected.
2. Comfort Over Style
With many people still working from home or have transitioned to working from home indefinitely, homeowners are choosing to prioritize comfort. Furniture styles are already starting to reflect this, with curved couches and rounded corners dominating the market. Nubby fabric upholstery — versus leather — will be all the rage, ottomans will replace sharp-edged coffee tables, and there will be more cozy accent chairs that hug the body.
3. The Year of Renovation
Rather than purchasing a new home, a lot of homeowners are choosing to improve their current living space. According to Zillow, nearly three-fourths of surveyed homeowners said they would consider at least one home improvement project in the next year. Renovations will come in all shapes and sizes in 2022, given supply and labor shortages. This will force homeowners to get creative!