- Carmel Homes
High-End Home Finishes 2022
In 2022, high-end finishes have been the standard in homes. This means that homeowners demand top-of-the-line materials and appliances in their homes. Some of the most popular high-end finishes include European oak parquetry, marble countertops, curves, stainless steel appliances, and marble tile flooring, restorative spaces. These finishes add a touch of luxury to any home and are sure to impress guests.
European Oak Parquetry
If you were to ask any individual who takes pride in their house what kind of flooring they dream of, there's a good chance they would say "parquet flooring." This style of floors has been around since the 17th century, originally introduced in Versailles as a replacement for marble flooring. Even though there was a short-lived admiration for Lino flooring in the 1970s, parquet floors have never truly gone out of style. Many French Provincial homes continue to use European Oak parquetry for this reason. One of the most popular and enduring patterns associated with parquet flooring is the traditional herringbone pattern. This pattern is instantly recognizable and has been used for centuries. If you are looking for a flooring option that has personality and diversity, herringbone parquet floors are the perfect choice. The reason herringbone parquet flooring is such a timeless choice is because it's built to last. Other types of floors can show wear and tear quickly, making a home look outdated, but with proper care, herringbone parquet flooring can last for generations. And if it starts to look worn over time, it can easily be sanded down and refinished.
The popularity of chevron flooring lies in its ability to transcend time due to its simple yet elegant design. The straight lines and points can fit in with both modern minimalistic designs as well as vintage traditional ones. Furthermore, it's easy to use chevron wood flooring as either the key feature or background detail of a room. Chevrons can make small spaces appear bigger, or bring a large room together. The chevron design isn't popular just because it looks nice-it also makes people feel more sophisticated. This is especially true for living rooms and kitchens, as the chevron pattern has a way of drawing people in. The beauty of parquet flooring is that it never goes out of style. The rich colors and grains of solid European Oak wood get even more beautiful over time, making it a stunning and unique feature for any home.
Marble countertops
Trendy doesn't even begin to cover it when talking about marble countertops. They've been en vogue for years and only seem to be gathering more steam with the new light or solid color choices, as well as veined marble. The Parthenon Marbles, on display in the British Museum, have withstood the test of time for more than two millennia. If you take care of them properly, most marble countertops will last over a century. Not only is marble bright and luminous, giving your new countertops a natural glow, but this quality also lightens up bathrooms and kitchens that are dark or lack a natural light source. Not to mention, the light makes a room feel much bigger.
Timeless elegance and beauty are embodied in marble countertops-a feature that will increase a home's value now and long into the future.
Stainless steel appliances
People have been choosing stainless steel appliances for their homes for over two decades now, and it doesn't seem like the trend is dying down any time soon. A recent Houzz study showed that 3/4 of all respondents said they would prefer to have stainless steel appliances in their home. Although some homeowners are beginning to sway towards other styles and finishes, the sleek look of stainless still has a mass appeal, due to it matching every wood tone and every finish you could want. And stainless steel doesn't just come in silver. The sleek new black finish is becoming more commonly seen in stainless steel. After KitchenAid's appliances were featured in the 2015 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, their desirability has shot up. Now other manufacturers such as LG and Samsung are offering them too.
Restorative Spaces
Everyone deserves to have a home that not only looks good, but feels good too. In the next year and beyond, people will be increasingly focusing on creating homes that are retreats; places they can go to relax and restore. This includes things like lighting, sound, and texture. You can easily recreate this feeling in your own homes (especially if it's a custom home) by adding comfortable furniture, soft blankets, gentle light fixtures, and color schemes that invoke the mood you want to feel.
Stone splashback
Stone is a long-lasting material that is perfect for tiles. The reason it's becoming so popular is because people are beginning to realize how stunning stone can look. There are more options than ever before when it comes to natural stone tiles, which means you're sure to find something you love. If you want a classic kitchen splashback that will never go out of style, marble or granite are always safe bets, and are commonly seen in French Provincial homes. These materials are both durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for areas like behind your stovetop where there tends to be a lot of use. With a wide range of colors and styles, you're guaranteed to find something that fits your vision. Not only that, but marble and granite can actually help increase your home's resale value down the line.
So if you're planning on renovating your kitchen soon, these materials are definitely worth considering. Quartz and porcelain are other popular options for kitchen splashbacks if marble and granite don't fit your vision. Stone splashbacks are always a great choice as they are scratch and heat resistant. You will have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing the right stone for you, these splashbacks help to create a sense of design unity. In addition, stone splashbacks are timeless in appeal and never compromise on enhancing appearance and ambiance.
Marble tile flooring
Marble floors have been around for quite some time, but they are making a comeback in recent years. You can find marble flooring in a variety of colors beyond the classic grey and black. Marble works best in large spaces that receive plenty of natural light. If you're looking to stay ahead of the trends, consider adding marble flooring to your home in 2022. Not only does it provide a sense of tranquility, but it also brings the beauty of nature indoors (and outdoors!).
Chandeliers
These days, you don't have to limit your fascinating light fixtures to reserved dining areas or entryways. Thanks to modern design, there's a place for them in any setting. Recreating the past with a modern edge, these royal pieces have made a comeback in recent years. Their spellbinding charm is something you can never tire of. Chandeliers have come a long way from their traditional roots, and there are even more options, some being more three-dimensional with straight, minimalistic lines and metallic finishes, perfect for the modern home designs, as opposed to the flowy and extravagant designs of the past.
Handmade décor and furniture
It's unsurprising that the hobbies we started during the pandemic are now becoming design fixtures in our homes. If you're like many people, you might have taken up a craft recently: it could be crocheting, sewing, making ceramics by hand, woodworking or anything else. The fact that these pieces are handmade not only makes us feel accomplished but also helps to make a space feel more homely – with subtle personal touches which remind us of our connection to others even when we're spending time indoors. Even if you're not super crafty, in recent years many people have been striving to buy local art and handmade pieces. This not only helps out the artist financially, but it also means you'll likely end up with a one-of-a-kind item for your home--as opposed to something from IKEA that millions of other people also own. We're seeing a resurgence in DIY projects made with natural materials like 100% linen fabrics and handcrafted objects. And we are totally here for it!
Curves
In 2022, we've seen a lot more furniture with rounded features like curved backs on chairs, sloped arms on couches, and desks and consoles with waterfall corners. This style is often associated with bohemianism; however, arches and curves can be added to any type of home décor for some extra flair and elegance. You may love or hate this trend, but curves do give any space some personality. These soft, feminine shapes can add instant flair to any space – plus, they’re also practical! Arched doorways help deflect drafts, while curved kitchen countertops make meal prep easier. So it's very clear, curved lines are definitely having a moment in home design.
Bringing Nature Indoors
Soothing greens, timeless blues, and warm earth tones have been dominating in home decor trends in recent years. This is no coincidence; natural color schemes have been shown to reduce stress levels, increase productivity and creativity, and generally make us happier. In fact, green was at the top of almost everyone’s “Colors of the Year” list for 2022. The "it" color for this year might be green, but if you're looking for a timeless look, blue is always a great choice. Blue is known to promote positivity and elegance in a space without being too overbearing or underwhelming. It also pairs well with all other colors, making it perfect for home décor. In addition to greens and blues, muted terra cotta tones are also popular right now and can be found in materials like natural stone, clay, wood, linen, wool leather, and suede.
In 2022, people continued to value indoor trees for their many benefits, such as purifying the air and promoting relaxation. The popularity of plants in general has been growing steadily in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue into next year. Some of the most popular trends related to indoor plants include plant parenting, propagation, biophilic design, vertical plant walls, and indoor gardens. If you're looking for a project to take on in the new year, why not build a miniature greenhouse or conservatory? This is a trend that will be growing (pun intended) in popularity, and it's a great way to add some greenery and uniqueness to your home. Especially in the larger, high-end homes, you can create an entire garden-inspired space with patterned wallpaper or simply add a plant-filled spot in a sunny room.
In 2022, homeowners have been looking towards the more high-end home finishes, like European Oak parquetry, handmade objects, restorative spaces, chandeliers, or marble flooring. These finishes all can be adapted to fit any home, raising their popularity, and add the needed touch of luxury to every home. So, if you're looking to give your home a luxurious update, be sure to consider these high-end finishes!
Want to know how to include these finishes in your home?
Contact us! Carmel homes has over 30 years of experience, and is one of Melbourne’s leading luxury custom home builders. We've had experience with many home styles, from modern home designs, to the classic French Provincial homes, and pride ourselves on the quality of our homes and finishes. For more information on what we can do, and how we can help with your home, contact our experienced team today!
