Exterior Home Design Trends for Spring

As the winter chill gives way to the warmth of spring, our minds naturally turn to refreshing our homes – starting with the exterior. In 2024, homeowners are diving into creativity, sustainability, and technology with nature always still in mind. So, what are the trends that will be shouting from the rooftops this year? Here is what people will be talking about:

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainability is becoming a major factor in many of the decisions we make, including in our own backyard. Homeowners are swapping traditional landscaping for eco-friendly alternatives that not only jazz up the look of their homes but also give Mother Nature a helping hand. Think native plants, rain gardens, and permeable paving, all giving a nod to water conservation and biodiversity.

Mixed Materials

Goodbye, uniformity; hello, mixed materials! 2024 is the year of texture which is a personal favorite for me. Homeowners are falling head over heels for combinations like wood, metal, glass, and stone. It's not just about blending traditional with modern – it's an all-out fiesta of styles. Mix and match to your heart's content; it's the secret sauce for adding that special character and uniqueness to your home.

Smart Facades

Smart facades are what a lot of people are looking at this year, boasting materials that adapt to the environment like tech-savvy chameleons. From self-cleaning surfaces to solar-responsive coatings, these facades aren't just making your home look sleek; they're contributing to energy efficiency and ease in the maintenance department.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The desire for a seamless transition from your living room to your backyard is moving full steam ahead with outdoor living spaces. Homeowners are decking out their exteriors with cozy furniture, fire pits, and even outdoor kitchens. Patios and decks are no longer just practical – they're the heart and soul of your home's design, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Outdoor lighting is stealing the spotlight as homeowners realize it's not just about looking good; it's about being smart too. Energy-efficient LED lighting, solar-powered fixtures, and programmable lighting systems are the heroes of the hour. Because who said your exterior can't be both charming and environmentally conscious?

This year is a playground for bold ideas and thoughtful choices in exterior home design. From embracing sustainability and tech wonders to unleashing your inner artist and connecting with nature, homeowners are turning their homes into personal expressions. As we ride the wave of evolving design trends, the key is finding the sweet spot that reflects your style while keeping an eye on the ever-changing design landscape around us. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five Home Trends for 2022

With 2022 shaping up to be like the years proceeding it, people will be looking for ways to create an environment that goes beyond just livability as they spend more time at home. This year, practicality will dominate how we think about our space, with focuses on consumption, comfort, and function rising to the top of our at-home wish lists. So what’s ahead for 2022? From throwback color palettes to transformer-inspired rooms, here’s what will dominate interior design in the new year.

Sustainability

Global conversations about climate change have many of us thinking about how we can waste less and make our homes friendlier to the environment. From insulation and energy-efficient windows to smart appliances and solar, the next generation of homeowners are investing in sustainability that both save the planet and reduces our personal energy consumption and spending. 

Multi-Functional Spaces

Rooms that are dedicated to a certain function will get an upgrade as people look for ways to enjoy their favorite activities at home. An underused dining room may become a home gym, yoga studio, office space, or homework zone. Furniture that folds and storage that does double duty will be popular to ensure spaces can be functional without feeling cluttered.

Comfort

Spending more time at home means cozy and comfortable will be major factors in how we approach interior design. Curved furniture, warm paint colors, plush fabrics, and greenery will all dominate as homeowners move away from monochromatic tones and straight lines. Things will start to feel a bit like the 70s with modern shag, smooth velvet, and rich shades of earthy brown and green taking center stage.

Air Quality

It’s not the most exciting trend on the list, but people will finally start paying more attention to the air inside their homes. From high-quality filtration systems to roof ventilation that reduces mold and mildew penetration, homeowners will be looking at ways to improve both the health of their home and that of their family. 

Outdoor Living

From lounge furniture to firepits and sunshades, making an investment in outdoor living will be a major trend in 2022. With families spending more time at home, the opportunity to create additional space that can be enjoyed by all will be a smart spend. My tip? If a big outdoor project such as an in-ground pool or new patio is in your future, call those contractors now. Demand will be high as the weather starts getting warmer. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.