Despite the traditional summer holiday lull, competition remains fierce as buyers race for space before the temporary stamp duty holiday ends.
Currently, demand per property for sale is more than double that of pre-pandemic levels, according to Rightmove figures. As we enter the busy autumn period, there are early signs of more properties coming to market, which may help to rebuild buyer choice.
As a seller, now is the perfect time to sell as the market remains competitive. First impressions are paramount and refreshing your décor can make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential buyers.
With this in mind, we lean on research by sofa and carpet specialist ScS to uncover the top interior trends from 2021 that may extend into the new year, and which trends are experiencing the largest increase in Google searches.
Living room: maximalism and mid-century modern furniture
The opposite of minimalism, which has remained a staple trend in homes over the last few years, maximalism involves various artwork, plenty of colour and bucketloads of personal décor.
Maximalism is one of the biggest interior trends of the summer, with an 80% increase in Google searches compared to last year. This look involves bold colours, patterns and textures. Consider floral or statement wallpaper and, above all, incorporate your own individual style and furnishings.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind which buyer demographic you wish to appeal to. Young professionals may appreciate the trend far more than an elderly couple or young family with kids.
Similarly, mid-century modern furniture continues to be popular and Google searches for the style have increased by 43%. The elegant, yet simple, furniture is defined by functionality and clean lines, with rounded corners and gentle curves.
For this, try adding good quality mid-century modern sofas, shelving or storage options to a room with a strong colour palette, such as oranges or greens – colours that were popular in the mid-century era.
Kitchen: statement taps and downdraft extractors
Statement taps do exactly what they say on the tin: they add a flash of eye-catching glamour to your kitchen and they’re becoming increasingly common across the nation, with 54% more searches this year than last.
Kitchen taps come in all shapes and sizes and now boast a variety of technologies and features. If you wish to achieve this look, ensure they match the overall style of your kitchen – traditional or modern – before focusing on gadgets, like spray or steam options.
Downdraft extractors are also seeing a surge in popularity, with a 31% increase in Google searches. These clever kitchen features can be hidden away when not in use, freeing up space and making your room feel more open.
It’s best to hire a professional to install a downdraft extractor as you’ll need to create extra space behind your hob, then shift all your other units forward so they remain in line.
Bedroom: panelling and bed canopies
Panelling in the bedroom is a stylish and increasingly popular alternative to feature walls and statement wallpapers, and searches are up by almost 150%. It's an inexpensive way to add luxury and the wood creates a natural feel to the room.
It’s possible to install panelling yourself if you have the right knowledge and skillset. MDF works well when cut into thin strips, so measure your wall, add primer and then use an adhesive to stick your panels down.
Bed canopies also provide ultimate elegance and sophistication, creating a stunning focal point for your room. Whether you add fabrics to create a cosy enclosure, or leave the frame bare, canopies make a real statement.
For that luxurious stately-home feel, use thick linens to cover the frame and create your own little paradise within. If you’re feeling more playful, add fairy lights to bring a little twinkle.
Bathroom: black mirrors and Victorian sinks
Black mirrors ooze class and look stylish and sleek in any bathroom. Searches are up 53% from last year, with Brits jumping on the trend.
Black frames look great in any bathroom style, whether loud and creative, or subtle and minimalist. Consider pairing them with light colours to bring balance, or industrial touches, like brass taps and finishings.
Victorian-style bathrooms are back in fashion too, with sinks in particular seeing an increase in demand. Victorian sinks come in different forms, from minimalist pedestal varieties to bronze tubs set on cabinets or chests.
If you wish to incorporate this into your bathroom, match your Victorian sink with other accessories from the period, such as vintage tiles, steel finishings and maybe even a freestanding clawfoot bath.
While these trends are fairly universal, make sure they suit your home and individual taste before committing to any refurbishments.
With Christmas and the New Year not far off, now is an opportune time to sell your home. By including even one of these design trends, you can breathe new life into your home before listing for sale and boost its value significantly.
To do this, you need to work with an experienced, reputable estate agent. Here at Kings Group, we can help you to remain compliant and get the most from the sale of your home.
For more information on how we can assist you on your letting journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
