See the top styles, materials, colors and features professionals say homeowners are asking for

If you want to know which design features people are asking for in their homes right now, just talk to the professionals receiving those requests. And that’s exactly what we did. We reached out to more than 50 home design and remodeling pros and asked them to share the colors, materials, tile styles, construction methods and other trends their clients have been interested in lately. Here are seven home design trends that came up again and again.

Warm Neutrals

By far the most talked-about trend happening now is a move away from cool grays and stark whites to warmer neutrals like beiges, creamy off-whites and rich browns.

In the last few years, since people have been spending a lot more time at home, it’s become really important to feel good in your space. As a result of that, the color trends have really shifted quickly away from the austere grays and whites that we were seeing to much softer mushrooms, taupes and warm whites. Even in a very traditional or formal space, people are wanting to feel a level of coziness and comfort.

Color is definitely back in a big way, calmer, warmer, welcoming, and clients are unafraid to embrace deep tones such as burgundy, mustard, sienna, browns. And green is now pretty much considered a neutral. We’re seeing shades of earth tones that include browns, greens, reds, yellows, oranges and blues, as well as neutrals like beige, white, grays and shades of black — even mixing these hues for a bold impact.

Jewel Tones

While warm neutrals are popular, some designers say they’re hearing a lot of requests for bold, saturated jewel tones. One way to achieve this, can be a living room done with a vibrant green sofa and fireplace surround, as well as a blue coffee table, a punch of pink in the pillow and rug, and colorful wallpaper.

“We are designing with deep, rich saturated jewel tones right now,” says designer Micaela Quinton of Copper Sky Design + Remodel, who used a moody blue-topaz-like color for a Atlanta home bar. “And a color trend we’re also loving and seeing more of is plum and raisin.”

Timeless Style

But not all homeowners are gravitating toward bold color. Many are requesting more traditional details and materials that create a timeless style. A phrase that came up repeatedly in conversations with design pros about this trending style was “quiet luxury.”

Design in general is leaning back to more traditional and transitional design, quiet luxury and understated elegance.

Old is new again. We are seeing a lot of even our most modern clients incorporate ‘old’ elements such as brick, handmade clay tiles, rustic wood elements and arches everywhere. It’s a new eclectic ‘earthy modern’ vibe that we are here for.

Some designers say the trend is a result of many homeowners looking to stay in their homes well into their retirement years and wanting materials and features they won’t grow tired of. Soma of the classic details include basketweave marble flooring, marble shower tiles, white millwork and a furniture-style vanity.

Handmade Features

Of a piece with the trend toward timeless style is an embrace of handmade features and details. Pros say this includes handmade tiles, custom bathroom vanities and other bespoke elements. We are gravitating toward materials with handcrafted and organic qualities, such as plaster work, caning and wallcoverings with a hand-painted or watercolor feel. We are incorporating chiseled, tumbled, zellige and hand-cut tiles into almost every design.

Butler’s Pantries

If there’s one trend that has catapulted into the mainstream lately it’s the rise of the butler’s pantry, or scullery. These secondary kitchen spaces help minimize visual and physical clutter in the main kitchen by creating space for pantry items, small appliances and extra countertops. They allow homeowners a hidden yet practical storage solution for small appliances and groceries — items that would otherwise clutter kitchen countertops. One can provide therein a speed oven, beverage fridge, countertop space, open and closed storage and a secondary sink.

Wood Cabinets, Flooring and Details

While always classic, wood cabinets and other details tend to ebb and flow in popularity. Right now the material is booming. We’ve had a lot of interest in natural and stained wood cabinetry lately — walnut, quartersawn oak and rift-sawn oak. Also wood accents in painted kitchens, its a nice change from the endless white painted kitchens.

Clients are often asking for walnut or white oak cabinets in their bathrooms rather than painted ones. It adds nice warmth to a space.

Sustainability

Some home designers are seeing increased interest in sustainable upgrades. Insulation, solar, battery backups, car-charging equipment, heat pumps, natural ventilation and air filtering, gray water systems and on and on. There’s a revolution in how we build new homes and upgrade existing ones that is adding comfort, convenience and cost savings, all while contributing to the health of our environment and the planet.

And it’s not just building systems on people’s radar. Homeowners are making more eco-conscious decisions when it comes to interior furnishings and decor. A lot of clients are looking for more sustainable design choices. With a growing awareness and care for the environment, people are looking into more environmentally friendly options — washable rugs and natural eco-friendly fabrics. It’s also leading a lot of people to buy secondhand used furniture and decor.