In a world of design trends, it’s hard to know what’s real and what isn’t. What’s trending on social media may not actually be trending in real life. This also makes it challenging to renovate a home. While it might look as if the shiplap craze will never end or that every third home has a Barbiecore bedroom, in reality, what designers and homeowners are looking for is really quite different.
On October 2nd, 2023 Cosentino, the global surfacing leader, was proud to share the results of its first United States trend report. The report features a mix of data collected by IPSOS along with input from several top designers including Barry Dixon, Laura Kirar, Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, and Sarah Brooks Eilers.
The numbers come from an online survey of 200 independent design and architect professionals along with 500 homeowners who have renovated in the past five years or intend to do so in the next year.
Here are some of the most notable findings from the report.
Resimmercial Is Hotter Than Ever
Design by Barry Dixon
Resimmercial, which is a mix of commercial and residential design is on the rise. This isn’t surprising considering our homes have become our offices, schools, gyms, and spas.
In the report, Kirar shared that incorporating comfortable furniture, cozy textiles, and carefully curated lighting evokes “a sense of comfort and indulgence.” These elements can help integrate the look into any home.
Hotel-Inspired Design
One of the hallmarks of the report was how design is being influenced by travel. It stated that 70 percent of designers find inspiration from resorts and hotels, while 58 percent find inspiration from travel destinations. The data also showed that the top two features were spa-inspired bathrooms and indoor/outdoor walkout patios.
Barry Dixon of Barry Dixon Inc noted that “sumptuous beds” and “luxurious baths” should be emulated at home. “And every room can use a bar cart!” Most homeowners would drink to that idea.
The Future of the Bathroom Is The Spathroom
Design Jeremy Design Associates
The days of standard toilets, sinks, and tubs are over. Considering bathrooms are often the second biggest investment in the home, there is more emphasis than ever on the design of these spaces. The report stated, “Both designers and homeowners selected a spa-inspired bathroom as the top hotel design element to bring to life within their own home (69 percent of designers and 53 percent of homeowners). Both groups ranked a spa-inspired bathroom within their top three home priorities overall.”
Both homeowners and designers wanted features including large tiles and slabs, oversized bathtubs, luxury flooring, and doorless showers. Nearly 80 percent noted they would use metallic accents in their showers, which shows this aesthetic is here to stay.
Kitchens Are The Most Important Room In The Home
The kitchen is king
To the surprise of no one—designers and homeowners ranked the kitchen their top priority. According to the report, “As kitchens continue to become more personalized, design-driven spaces, a ‘dream kitchen’ is at the top of nearly everyone’s list.”
Anuszkiewicz shared why investing in a dream kitchen is a smart move, “This not only carries the most value and impact in your home but it is also the space where you naturally spend the most time. There is a lifestyle value add that is undeniable and more people need to take into consideration when investing into their kitchen.”
When asked what is most requested by clients he said, “Well-organized space for the busy lifestyle of today, professional grade appliances and surfaces that are visually attractive and easy to maintain.”
Sustainability Becomes More Important
Sustainability is a sustainable trend
Sustainability has been a trend in recent years but it’s becoming more important than ever. The data showed that 70 percent of designers and 58 percent of homeowners selected sustainable products. 84 percent of designers looked for products made with responsibly sourced materials and 82 percent wanted products made with recycled materials.
“The industry shift towards sustainability is a huge priority for future generations, and we have to work together to make it happen,” said Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Global Corporate Sales and Chief Executive Office of Cosentino America. “For us, sustainability is not just about the materials we use or the way we produce our products, it’s about considering the entire lifecycle of our products and maintaining a business model that supports innovation and environmentally safe practices. ”