With 3.5 months left in 2022, it’s crazy to think that another year is coming to an end. Soon the leaves will be falling, the air will be crisper, and the holidays will be around the corner. The end of a year brings about reflection and how one can better themselves and their environment. Many see a new year as a chance for a fresh start but that doesn’t mean that you need to wait until then to make some changes in your life.  

If you’re ready to make a change, you might want to consider your home space (since many of us are still staying at home rather than going out). Whether you’re considering these changes for resale or enhancing your own comfort, do some research to find what’s hot in the home improvement market.

Here’s a short list of home improvement trends in 2022 that you can incorporate into your space: 

HOME OFFICE – It’s no surprise that a home office is on the must-have list! Even though some offices may have opened back up again, many people are still working remotely full time or possibly as a hybrid. We understand that those zoom virtual backgrounds are old news and you may be itching for a space refresh. The layout and aesthetics of a room can affect your productivity so it’s important to have an office that fosters motivation and concentration. Designers use many natural tones to create soothing spaces to reduce stress while you work. Make sure you add a few plants and an essential oil diffuser for a peaceful vibe. 

KITCHEN & DINING: There are so many possibilities when it comes to kitchens and dining rooms. Thanks to TV design gurus, an open concept kitchen with direct sight to dining remains among the top wants for new homeowners. Painted islands are a top trend for kitchen spaces in 2022. This is sure to liven up your current space and it’s a change you can make without having to pay a ton of extra money. Adding in a custom backsplash is another 2022 trend that can completely transform your space. A unique tile that adds dimension and texture is a step up from the classic subway tile that is beloved by all.  

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE: Few people are spending money these days to travel; fortunately, you don’t have to look much further than your backyard to create an inviting outdoor living space that is perfect for your staycation. Outdoor spaces continue to be in the spotlight which is why more are investing heavily in these spaces.  A few small changes to your backyard oasis can make a world of difference. A patio, a pergola and a portable outdoor fireplace are all you need to revamp your current space. With string lights, you can create the perfect place to kick back and toast marshmallows with your friends and family. In New England, it’s a little more difficult to use this type of space all year round so do your homework and don’t overspend on items that can’t be used during the winter months.  

COMPOSITE DECKING: A deck can be a big deal for a family. Decks can give you extra square feet of living space in the spring, summer, and autumn and by adding an awning this extra space can be a sanctuary to enjoy the nice weather. If you have a deck that could use some sprucing, replace the floor with composite decking. There are plenty of pros when you use composite decking, including less maintenance and higher durability. Composite decking is environmentally friendly since much of the material is made from recycled or scraped material. Another pro about composite decking is that there are more color choices because composite decking can be made in multiple colors and finishes that will not need touch-ups in the future (unlike stained/painted wood decks).  

When you’re ready to start your home improvement projects, contact Triangle’s mortgage department and talk to one of our knowledgeable Mortgage Originators about a home equity line of credit, commonly referred to as a HELOC. For more information on HELOCs, listen to Ryan Campbell, one of Triangle’s Mortgage Originators, talk about what HELOCs are and how they work.