Searches for ambient lighting are up 106 percent.
It's official: custom design, ambient lighting and sensory gardens will be everywhere this season. Yelp has released its annual Summer and Outdoor Trends report to reveal the most beloved home design trends, providing inspiration for those looking to freshen up their homes as we head into the warmer months.
To identify the latest home and outdoor trends, Yelp experts analyzed consumer searches from the past year. It came out on top was the mood lighting. Soft, layered lighting provides a sense of relaxing ambiance to any space as opposed to the harsh, bright light often emitted by larger overhead lights. After all, with longer days and shorter nights in full swing, chances are many will be using less artificial light in their homes.
“Consider diversifying your lighting sources and their placement throughout a space,” suggested Yelp trends expert Tara Lewis. “Try stylish paper lanterns, globe table lamps or floor lighting. Pair them with soft, warm bulbs to set the mood.
Adding a touch of luxury to the home is top of mind this season, with self-care appliances dominating searches; Soaking tubs, saunas and steam showers are among the most desired bathroom items.
Soaking tubs will be a big trend this season.
Fashion tends to become home design, and this season is no exception. The flirty trend took social media by storm earlier this year, with TikTok users giving their everyday a hyper-feminine makeover by adding soft, pastel shades and ribbons and bows. In interior design, this has translated into delicate textiles and muted colors.
Similarly, color analysis has been trending in the beauty world, and is now at the forefront of people's minds for interior design: searches for paint consultants are up 20 percent.
A nod to the nostalgia trend, retro styles are making a comeback. Checkerboard tiles are a favorite, adding depth and character to any space. There is also a wider appreciation for pre-priced furniture, with searches for chair reupholstery and furniture repairs up 199% and 24% respectively.
Meanwhile, searches for custom designs have seen a significant increase as both renters and homeowners want to give their homes a personalized touch. Interest in custom curtains is up 60 percent, while custom doors are up 30 percent. Closet systems have seen a 40 percent increase in interest over the past year, showing the desire to create an orderly and harmonious space.
“Think about what kind of functional updates would have an impact on day-to-day tasks,” Lewis explains. “Having trouble finding your favorite T-shirt in a cluttered closet? A new closet system can be a game-changer for organization, maximizing your space and highlighting meaningful items like your worthy shoe collection demonstrate”.
Finally, since patio season is here, so is the desire to expand outdoor spaces. Interest in home gardening as a whole increased by 41 percent in the past year, with sensory gardens among the current favorite trends. The sensory gardens are the ideal summer installation thanks to the use of fragrant flora such as lavender and rosemary; both can keep mosquitoes at bay.
