Homeowners are expressing more of their personality in the design of their homes. See some of the trends that will shine in the new year.

Home design is getting more personal. More homeowners are using their homes to show off their individuality, according to home design experts at The Plan Collection, an online home design firm.

“It makes sense, as people have gone from having to be home to wanting to be at home in an environment that expresses their personalities and individual tastes,” says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection. “Since no one could travel, homeowners had to bring those experiences into their homes.”

The Plan Collection’s team offers its predictions for some hot home design and building trends for 2022, including:

1. Patterned hardwoods: Old World craftsmanship, including two-tone inlays, patterns, or even different tones, is growing more popular, designers say. Expect to see lighter hardwood flooring, whether covering an entire room or just part of a room.

2. Colorful kitchens: “Homeowners are tiring of the all-white kitchen and counters,” designers say. “They want to add some spice.” Expect to see more wood cabinets or cabinet doors painted in warm or neutral hues, as well as countertops featuring alternative materials. For example, more kitchens may feature mixed materials, such as granite countertops paired with a hardwood island.

3. Black accents: Interior and exterior black window frames, black lacquered entryway doors, and black appliances—either shiny or matte—are expected to grow in popularity in 2022.

4. Biophilic design: Nature is moving inside. Homeowners are embracing “biophilic design” principles, which include more organic materials throughout interiors and maximizing sunlight, fresh air, plants, and other natural elements within the home. 

5. Maximalism design: “While inventory of new furniture wanes, demand for high-quality and kitschy antiques will be in big demand,” designers say. “While people are traveling less, they have more expendable income, so creative expressions of personality infuse interior design. Furnishings, rugs, art, and paint reflect past travel destinations or future dream locations that bring this idea home.”

6. Curvier building elements: Curves counter the “straight-line syndrome” of recent years, designers say. Expect to see more arched openings, barrel-vault ceilings, and curvy furniture, The Plan Collection team predicts. Also, you may spot more arched windows and doors as well as curved ceilings for porches or decks and curved walkways.

7. Metal roofs: Metal roofs are known for being eco-friendly and long-lasting. They’re also becoming stylish. Expect more metal to be added to home exteriors. “Either on the roof as a whole or as an accent on a porch roof or awning roof over windows; metal roofs are durable and last for 40 to 70 years,” The Plan Collection notes.

8. Outdoor luxury: Homeowners are sprucing up their outdoor spaces and making them an extension of their home. They’re adding outdoor living rooms with televisions and fireplaces as well as high-end pools.