What are the biggest trends for residential homes for 2017? Architects and interior designers are meeting client demands for homes that are smarter and more sustainable than ever this year. Here are 13 of the biggest trends in interiors, building materials, colors, and concepts for homes this year.
#1. Zero Net Energy Use Homes
Zero Net is definitely the building industry buzzword for 2017. California is leading the nation in an aggressive pursual of Zero Net Energy (ZNE) for all new residential construction by 2020, and this year they’ve implemented a stricter set of building codes with tighter regulations to help reach that goal. But you don’t have to live in California to know that consumers nationwide want ZNE building standards applied to their residential homes.
And for some clients, even ZNE isn’t good enough. Which is why you’ll also see an increase in Positive Energy homes that use solar and wind power to produce more energy than they consume. Excess power produced by these Positive Net homes is often sold back to the grid, or used to power electric vehicles, making this an attractive trend for eco-conscious consumers.
#2. Going Green
The Pantone color of the year in 2017 is Greenery, a fresh yellow-green spring shade that is sure to be popping up in residential interiors in big, bold ways. Think accent walls, furniture fabrics, sophisticated accents, and more. Why did Pantone choose to spotlight this particular shade this year?
“The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally. A constant on the periphery, Greenery is now being pulled to the forefront - it is an omnipresent hue around the world.” Pantone
Speaking of green, it’s more than just a hue. Because going green continues to inspire some of the biggest trends in residential design for 2017.
#3. Solar Goes Chic
Elon Musk is doing for solar what he did for cars, and an entire community of architects, builders, and designers couldn’t be happier.
Tesla’s solar roof tiles look like typical roofing tiles. But unlike traditional roofing materials these tempered-glass solar tiles will power your home with clean, renewable energy. And unlike large, bulky solar panels of the past, Tesla’s solar cells are invisible from the street. Tesla’s solar tiles are available in four styles that will allow architects to implement the durable, tempered glass tiles on a variety of homes. These designer-friendly roof panels could be ready for pre-order as early as April, 2017.
#4. Classic Navy Turns Neutral
Navy blue is having it’s day in the sun. This classic shade has reached neutral status for 2017. Navy blue cabinets, islands, and counters feel fresh and moderns in kitchens, particularly when paired with crisp whites and warm accents such as reclaimed wood and copper or satin brass.
Navy kitchens made it to the list of emerging trends on Pinterest 100 for 2017, revealing that consumers will be begging to upgrade kitchens with this blue hue this year.
You could almost say that navy is the new black, except…
#5. Black is Back
Black is definitely en vogue for residential homes in 2017. The demand for black masonry is so high that building materials suppliers can barely keep black brick in stock. Black interior paint and blackened steel patina windows and doors are also trending this year; patina finishes are taking the edge off solid black paint and giving it a softer, more approachable aged look and feel.
For those who aren’t willing to commit to the boldness of black, shades of tarnish gray are equally on trend this year. According to the Houzz 2017 Kitchen Trend Survey, gray is the kitchen wall color of choice for 26% of homeowners, up 4% from last year.
#6. Embracing the Hygge Hype
As the cold winter weather settled in at the end of 2016, a new word emerged among the frozen snow flurries and rainy days: hygge. Hygge is a Danish concept which roughly translates to “coziness” and in essence it means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple, good things in life. And the hype surrounding this Scandinavian lifestyle concept has only picked up steam in 2017.
Hygge may be a lifestyle concept, but it’s being embraced as a residential design trend, too.
Hygge is coming into homes in the form of warm, neutral color palettes such as cream, terracotta, tan, and aged metals. Mix and match textiles that are gloriously tactile such as velvet, chunky knits, and faux fur are very hygge. Artisan touches such as hand-made pottery in natural finishes embrace the hygge trend. Lighting plays a big role in creating Danish hygge at home, as well. Think of the warm glow of fireplaces, candles, and large spans of glass that naturally illuminate interior spaces.
Look for an increased interest in Scandinavian design elements as Hygge continues to trend in 2017 such as simplicity in furniture designs, embracing natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants, artisan craftsmanship, and sustainable design.
#7. Healthy Homes
An increasing concern over environmental issues is leading consumers to be more aware of the health of their residential environments, reports the American Institute of Architects. The AIA cited survey findings that a quarter of homeowners are suspicious their home may be causing health problems while an additional 20% weren’t sure if they should be concerned or not.
Consumer demand for healthier homes means indoor air quality will be a top priority, and demand for healthier building materials will increase. Look to low-VOC and air purifying paints, natural flooring options such as cork, and eco-friendly countertops made from recycled glass to improve home health. Expect to see an increase in demand for whole home water filtration systems; clean water for drinking and bathing is a key component for healthy homes.
#8. Brick Thins Down and Lightens Up
Thin brick is big for 2017, according to the Brick Industry Association. An abundant natural resource, brick has evolved to meet an almost endless aesthetic demand. Brick manufacturers around the country are reporting high demand for not only thin bricks, but also for lighter hued brick, as well. Whites, ivories, light greys, and white-washed brick finishes are being requested for both exterior purposes as well as interior accents.
#9. Marble + Brass Shines for Interiors
Vogue has declared the combination of marble and brass one of the biggest trends for residential home design for 2017. The clean, natural look of white marble is elevated when paired with the almost industrial and glamorous look of brass. These two materials are at home in kitchen and bathroom design, but they can also be used in unexpected ways, like this faux textured marble wallpaper that’s made it to the Pinterest 100 for 2017 list.
#10: Mixed Metals
Mixing metals creates an alluring aesthetic for residential designs. Combining warm and cool tones can create a big impact on the look and feel of a space. For example, using dark patina steel windows and doors with bronze hardware gives a residential space personality and can help homeowners stay current no matter what metals and finishes are trending from one year to the next.
Try these metal combinations for an appealing aesthetic to any home style:
- Bronze + stainless steel
- Copper + aluminum
- Corten steel + galvanized steel
#11. Integrated Smart Home Assistants
Voice activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are integrating with smart home devices, allowing homeowners to control systems within the home with voice commands. Consumers are drawn to the appeal of voice activating the thermostat, home appliances, lights, HVAC systems, and (most importantly) the coffee station with the help of these virtual assistants.
As these devices gain popularity, homeowners will want compatible products and services installed in their homes in 2017, such as Nest and Honeywell thermostats, Phillips Hue lighting, and Samsung SmartThings. Look for even more smart home system integrations to come this year as additional companies integrate with Alexa and Google Home devices.
#12. Concrete Alternatives
2017 will usher in even more innovative green building materials, such as new alternatives to traditional concrete.
Concrete is one of the oldest, and most used, building materials in the world. Unfortunately, this material comes with considerable environmental concerns; cement production is the third leading producer of CO2 in the world.
Existing concrete alternatives such as ashcrete, which is made up of 97% recycled material and hempcrete, a concrete-hemp mix block made from lime and the woody inner part of the hemp plant, are being joined by innovative solutions including carbon concrete, a thermoplastic made from oil-refinery by-products.
#13: Smart and Sustainable Landscapes
Residential and landscape architects have been seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces for years, and 2017 will be no different. Expansive walls of windows and doors will continue to be highly desired for their ability to bring the outdoors inside.
Look for the residential trends of 2017 to extend to outdoor spaces in the following ways:
- Hyperlocalism: using plants, rocks, and lumber sourced from the immediate area.
- Smart irrigation systems: Monitor, program, and control irrigations systems from your smartphone to control and conserve water use, even if you’re away.
- Mix and match materials: from plants and hardscape materials to outdoor furniture and textiles, combining different materials is infusing the “hygge” sensibility into outdoor spaces.
- Pollinator gardens: homeowners are requesting more and more pollinator gardens that offer abundant, year round nectar sources in order to turn their yards into safe havens for bees.
From embracing the simple life to going green (in color and in practice), 2017 residential trends are proving that building and designing homes that are smarter and more sustainable will never go out of style.