What's trending in the world of home transformations and renovations? Twin Cities builders and remodelers break down the remodeling trends they’re anticipating this year.
It’s been a volatile couple of years for the housing industry. First, the pandemic forced us all to hunker down in our homes, highlighting what we loved and lacked in our spaces. Then, the market boomed, prompting many to sell and upgrade for more space. Now that interest rates are up and inventory has plunged, many homeowners have decided to stay put and evaluate how a remodel could improve the way they live, work, and play at home.
Whether you’re craving a significant overhaul with a new kitchen and bath or a simple powder room refresh, “No space is too small to have a high level of thought process to make it functional, trendy, and your happy place,” says Sara English, senior designer at AMEK Design + Build. “Working with a design team allows you to incorporate some trends without making any lasting mistakes.”
The all-white trend that gripped the design industry for years is beginning to fade as homeowners opt for more natural stains that allow the color and graining of wood—particularly white oak—to come through. “It’s not only a beautiful look, but it’s also a very hard wood, making it a great option for families with kids and pets,” says Rachel Julkowski, sales and design manager at Julkowski, Inc. “One of the ways we have worked this trend into our projects is featuring white oak for the island and as a band on the hood above the range.”
Wallcoverings such as wallpaper, tile, and paint treatments add dimension and interest to your home. But these aren’t the same outdated wallcoverings you know from your grandma’s home—fresh patterns and large-scale tile are going to make a statement in 2023. “Don’t be afraid to go bold,” says Julkowski. “If you have a favorite color, it doesn’t matter whether it’s on trend or not. Have fun with that color by incorporating it as an accent in wallpaper or tile. If you are nervous about it being too much for your space, put it into a smaller space like a powder room or study.”
Whether it’s a kitchen island, cabinets, or a powder room vanity, homeowners are experimenting with new colors, from warmer neutrals to jewel tones that are dark and moody. “Color palettes feature more greens, blues, off-whites, and wood tones as grays recede,” says John Murphy, owner of Murphy Bros.
Mixed metals, neutrals and bold accents, varying patterns —when it comes to your home’s finishes, you don’t have to stick with the same material on every surface. One of the latest design mergers is the use of multiple countertop materials in a space, most notably quartz and quartzite (both are more in demand than granite, says Murphy) paired with solid wood butcher block. This could look like a butcher block island with quartzite perimeter countertops, for example.
When we were all spending more time at home during the pandemic, basements became multipurpose spaces—they were our offices, gyms, and movie theaters. Now, they are getting the attention they deserve. “People are using the ‘real estate’ they have available to them rather than moving,” says Matt Schmidt, AMEK, Inc. co-owner. “Basement remodels in 2022 and going into 2023 are in high demand. They are looking at their sometimes-unfinished lower level for 20 years and desiring a space for their teenagers or for special uses, like hobbies or workout rooms.”
As the heart of the home, kitchens are where friends and family spend the most time, from enjoying a cup of morning coffee while reading the paper to cooking a holiday meal for 10 to finishing homework while scarfing down dinner before soccer. So it’s no surprise that more efficient organization systems are top of mind for homeowners during a remodel. “Kitchen organization is always on the ‘most wanted’ list,” says English. “Pantries, appliance garages, beverage fridges, drawers of various depths, and coffee zones all make our clients excited to be in their kitchens.”
If your remodeling wish list is long, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, but the best course of action is to just jump in without overthinking it. “Do it now—whether it’s a trend that appeals to you or a remodel,” says Schmidt. “We find many homeowners keep thinking about a remodel over and over again to the point of over-analyzing.
Explore what’s possible with an experienced team of people who get to know you and can guide you through the process in manageable steps.”
Minnesota homeowners are embracing a blend of practicality and style in their renovation projects. Here are some of the top ideas to incorporate in your home.
