Between design forecasts, infrastructure legislation, and a shifting real estate market, there are many new trends emerging in residential construction. Here are 5 things experts predict we'll see more of as we head into 2023.
biophilic design
This architectural trend focuses on the shapes, textures, and colors found in nature. Natural light is an important way to bring the outside in— this can be accomplished with skylights, transom windows, and window walls. Artificial light can also be used to simulate natural light by opting for strategic placement and fixtures with natural geometries.
Another way to integrate Mother Nature is by using subdued blues as well as green, grey, brown, and other earthy tones. These elements are intended to mimic naturally-occurring colors, so bright tones are used sparingly.
Curved architecture is also common in biophilic design to imitate a fluid, flowing environment. This can be implemented with columns, arches, and porthole windows. Lastly, the use of natural materials is at the forefront of this style, so wood, stone, and other sustainably sourced organic materials will be accentuated.
turning to the dark side
Seas of sterile whites are on the decline and designers are going in the opposite direction with black accents. Black trim, wainscoting, paint, and garage doors will continue to be a popular choice in 2023. Another on-trend way to go dark is with black steel. Many are using the material for stair railings, hardware, exterior trim, and wall cladding to create a modern aesthetic.
Black accents also pair perfectly with another prevailing style: modern gothic revival. A lot of design enthusiasts are opting for romantically moody interiors that incorporate blacks, deep blues, and opulent purples.
You're sure to see an emphasis on dark tones that complement a wide range of styles in new builds through 2023.
sustainability
Green features are a huge consideration for homebuyers. 51% of respondents in the NAR 2022 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report said that their clients are interested in sustainability. 63% also believe that promoting energy efficiency in listings is valuable. Another telling indicator of demand in this sector is a 57% increase between 2017 and 2020 in the number of homes certified to the National Green Building Standard®.
Electric car charging stations are a sustainable feature that will become more prevalent in the coming years. EV registrations in the US rose 60% in the first quarter of 2022 and the Edison Electric Institute estimates that the number of EVs on our roads could skyrocket to 26.4 million by 2030. Some areas have already adopted building codes that require charging stations in residential construction.
Another new construction feature that's on the rise is induction cooking. Gas cooktops have long been the popular choice, but this is gradually shifting as they've shown to be a pollutant to the environment and our indoor air quality. Cities across America have started to limit gas hookup availability for new construction homes. This has led many to opt for induction stoves as they're more efficient than conventional electric, heat quicker, and offer more precise heat control.
modular homes
Inventory, material, and labor shortages could pave the way for more modular homes in America. With modular housing, sections of the home are built in a factory then constructed on-site to meet state and local building codes. This is different from manufactured homes which are entirely factory-built and only required to meet federal building guidelines. Modular construction can accommodate a vast array of architectural styles, therefore, they are indiscernible from traditionally-built homes.
There are numerous benefits to modular housing. Since the home is largely constructed in a climate-controlled factory, it's less likely to be impacted by weather conditions. Modular homes can also be completed in half the time as stick built properties and can cost upwards of 20% less.
Traditional construction will continue to dominate the market for the foreseeable future, but builders are opening up to factory-built options. Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the NAHB, surveyed builders in 2020 and found that roughly 25% planned to use modular roofing going forward and 16% intended to use modular wall panels. Those numbers, respectively, were 15% and 9% the year prior. In addition, Ryan Marshall, CEO of PulteGroup, America's third-largest home construction company, reported to Time Magazine that the company is shifting more of their focus to factory-built because he believes it's a more affordable option that can lessen the industry's strains.
is gold here to stay?
By now, most of us have noticed that gold accents are having a moment. While chrome, nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze were the default for homebuilders in the 2010s, many have since turned to gold fixtures. And don't worry— today's trend is very different from the dated brass of previous decades. If you're hesitant to incorporate gold out of fear it will become too niche, a lot of designers contend that gold is a more elegant, timeless finish than its counterparts.