Every decade has its distinguishing home trends and décor. Think shag rugs in the 1970s, wood panel walls and wallpaper in the 1980s, sage green in the 1990s. The past 20-some years are no exception. While the trends of the 2020s to date are perhaps not [yet] as defined as orange and yellow vintage floral patterns, they are certainly present, and some are aging better than others.
Whether you’re looking to update your D.C. metro home or purchase a new build home in the DMV, here are five home trends that are aging well and likely to protect your investment in the years to come.
1. Black-framed windows
Until recent years, white or off-white window frames were mostly all you saw, unless you were looking at century-old homes. However, as farmhouse style quickly rose in popularity, black window frames surged in popularity. Now, they’re a standard option with window companies and builders, creating a newish way for homeowners to bring clean, distinct lines and contrast to their homes. They work beautifully in homes of multiple styles, including modern, farmhouse, transitional, and others.
2. Neutrals
It’s hard to go wrong with a good neutral, and while true neutrals can include shades of blues and greens, most of the time we see them in the form of grays and beiges. In the past year or two, in particular, we’ve seen a resurgence of beiges and tans and a regression of grays, but true neutrals never truly go out of style. Extend the longevity of your home’s current design by choosing a whole house color palette that leans heavily on neutrals through wall color, trim, and décor.
3. Timeless cabinetry
The only cabinet color that has never really gone out of style is white, but today’s homes are stretching classic white to explore varying shades of ivories and neutrals that update the timeless aesthetic. We’ve also seen wood tones make a comeback in popularity, a trend that is aging well and projected to last. White oak, raw wood, and textured cabinet fronts in woven and slatted finishes are all great options standing the test of time.
4. Detail moldings
Board and batten came into the limelight as farmhouse had its moment, but even as the overall design style has fallen in popularity a bit, board and batten continue to shine. Traditional panel moldings are another timeless, upscale way to bring visual interest to a space for a relatively low cost. Whether on cabinetry or a feature wall, detailed moldings are a beautiful way to introduce texture and interest to your home.
5. Functional kitchen islands
Kitchen islands have always served as a great workspace, but as kitchen sizes have grown, so have the islands that reside within them. In recent decades, we’ve seen them become larger workspaces as well as dining spaces and homework areas, storing wine fridges and beverage centers, accommodating cooktops and sinks and more. These new multifunctional areas are a great way to add function to your kitchen along with visual interest and efficiency.
