6 Exterior Design Trends to Watch for in 2022
Well hello 2022!
As much as I enjoy the holidays, I also really look forward to the new year. It always feels like a clean slate with endless opportunity for improvements, goal setting, and now that we’re officially homeowners, home updates ;)
One of my favorite parts about the new year is reading through all the design predictions to watch for in the upcoming months. Even before we bought our house, it was always interesting to see what others were predicting and whether or not my style aligned with the current trends. That’s why I thought I’d share a list of what I’m predicting we’ll be seeing this year when it comes to exterior home design.
What I love about all of these predictions is that not only could they be incorporated into the design of a new home, they could also be applied to a variety of renovation projects ranging in size from minor updates to a complete overhaul. Let’s dive in!
Moody Colour Schemes
While white will continue to be used, I’m so excited to see rich, dark coloured exteriors gaining popularity. Not only are these schemes a refreshing response to the all-white Farmhouses; dark coloured schemes have the ability to bring a timeless feel to a modern home and can also dramatically update a tired traditional one.
Colour Blocking
Colour blocking will also continue to remain popular in 2022, so if you love the darker colours or are looking to refresh your exterior without overhauling it entirely, you could consider incorporating a few dark elements rather than fully committing to a dark scheme.
Creating Interest Through Texture
I’m also seeing a lot of builders create interest through a combination of textures (think board & batten paired with brick or smooth plaster walls combined with a chunky, overgrouted stone). Generally speaking, these homes also have a a simplistic feel to them. The blend of texture is the main feature so the colour schemes tend to be a bit more monochromatic and any additional detailing is minimized as to not distract from the beautiful combination of materials.
Metal roofs and copper accents are also a great way to incorporate texture into the exterior. Even a small amount of these materials can have a big impact which makes this a great option if you’re only wanting to do a minor update.
Incorporating Wood Accents
I’ve noticed builders incorporating wood accents for a while now and I don’t see that changing any time soon. This is a great option for projects of all sizes because the options are truly endless. Smaller wood accents such as columns and braces are easy to DIY and can have a huge impact on the exterior. Maintenance free wood-like cladding materials and soffiting are also growing in popularity and can add a modern yet timeless touch to nearly any elevation. Even simply swapping out a painted exterior door for a wood (or wood-like) door will immediately bring a classic feel to the home.
Bringing The Outdoors In
I’m including this as a trend for 2022 because I think that Covid and an increase in time spent at home has certainly contributed to a desire to bringing the outdoors into our homes, but I firmly believe that this is something we will continue to see well after Covid. Heading into 2022, oversized windows will continue to dominate the exterior while balconies, covered deck spaces, and roof top patios will continue to increase in popularity.
A Continued Focus on Sustainability
Finally, as sustainability and climate change continues to be a hot topic, many homeowner’s are making more of an effort to go green. While passive homes and solar panels are both rising in popularity, they are also still costly and because of that, not always an option. Thankfully, there are other options that are much more achievable. Recycled wood can be used for decks, fences, and sheds. Lighting with motion detectors can help save electricity. And before tossing out those old throw pillows, consider using them as outdoor cushions rather then buying new ones.
Which trend are you most excited about? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
BY EMILY RADKIE
