December 26, 2022

Gena Kirk, VP of KB Home Design Studio, recently spoke with KBB about the major home design trends she sees for the upcoming year. Summarized here, the discussion touched on color, wellness, materials and space planning.

Design Trend 01: Grounding

For years, the design world and consumers alike have been talking about the power of plants, including biophilic elements in room design and creating outdoor/indoor spaces. This is now shifting focus to the ground and earth itself. Whereas before we may have evoked leafy surfaces and forest greens, next year and beyond we’ll move toward rooting ourselves and bring natural elements in that are, literally, from the ground up. From mushroom, clay and terracotta tones to spaces that you create to root yourself in, this is one trend that we see continuing to grow.

Grounding trends to watch include:

Tactile organic materials: Natural stained cabinets, leather and bamboo accents

Peaceful colors rich with vibrant undertones: Mushroom gray, clay

Space for alone time and reflection: Home offices, flex-use spaces, extra bedrooms, appointed nooks and corner spaces

Design Trend 02: Welcoming

Warmth is in how we create a welcoming environment. Our homes should reflect our lived experiences, whether displaying special mementos from travels, highlighting family photos or pulling in colors and textures from favorite textiles or heirlooms. The force driving this trend is a desire to gather again, spend time with family, friends and neighbors off-screen and seek ways to make the home even more inviting and hospitable. Simply, our design into next year will be about surrounding all occupants and guests in a friendly, comforting embrace.

Already in motion, the warming of color trends includes lavender to mauve and caramel to mid-tone brown. It’s also not about one single color, it’s about a combined collection of interesting hues to transform your space, whether you make a statement with monochromatic schemes or switch up your neutrals in a more playful palette.

Welcoming trends to watch include:

Setting the mood with layered lighting whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a book: Pendants, chandeliers, under-cabinet and task lighting, with dimmers and smart plugs

Embracing unexpected color combinations: Pastels paired with dark, warmer blues or browns

Balancing metals with unique shapes and textures: Steel, copper

Design Trend 03: Lasting

As they say, trends come and go, but this movement is an interesting rebuttal to that idea. It’s no longer trendy to be trendy. After years at home, people are embracing their unique aesthetics and no longer chasing a fad. This means more personalized spaces and investment in design choices – both in finding the exact right thing for you, but also in quality goods that are timeless to their owners.

While you can always paint a wall or refresh your decor, the foundation of your space should endure for years to come. Lasting design is all about function and sustainability. Consider spaces and amenities needed for your lifestyle today that can be easily adapted for what life brings tomorrow.

Lasting design trends to watch include:

Function-first organization: In-cabinet and closet organization, pull out shelves and drawers, and cabinet organizers

Squaring up with modern and transitional options: Less round and moon-shaped hardware

Water- and energy-saving features: WaterSense labeled fixtures and homes, ENERGYSTAR certification

—By Leslie Clagett