Are you tired of gray and white everything? Do you find minimalism boring? If so, there’s good news! A shift is taking place in the world of all things home. As is often the case, the past is influencing the present. 

Significant events prompt us to pause and consider where we’ve been and where we are going. This year is one such moment in time. You might even describe it as momentous. America is celebrating its 250th birthday! 

Such occasions inspire philosophical shifts that even extend to the manner in which we live. For example, thanks in great part to the pandemic, we’ve come to value the meaning of “home” even more. The pandemic taught us to view our homes as shelters from the stresses we deal with on a daily basis. Home became the place to gather with family and friends, engage in creative projects and commune with nature. 

That sentiment continues. New builds are incorporating the latest products the market has to offer. Remodeling has never been more in demand. The hesitancy of doing anything that affects resale value has been replaced by an attitude of it will make me happy so I’m doing it. 

With all that said, it seems as if the concept of home is now being driven by words like tradition and heritage. No, Early American furniture is not back in style, but traditional, mid-century modern and Art Deco are. Wood is back and is once again defining cabinetry, furnishings and millwork. This time around, warm and medium tones are favored, making white oak, walnut, elm, hickory and cherry the woods of choice. Classic millwork is taking rooms in a direction that speaks of tradition yet delivers the cocooning effect we desire. 

Color is back in a big way. Warm, earthy colors such as terra cotta, sage, olive green, dusky blues and muted pastels are bringing new life to spaces. Warm beiges have thrown stark whites to the curb. Green is now perceived as the new neutral. As for yellow, it’s lost its sunny disposition and has taken a more dramatic direction thanks to hues such as ochre, mustard and honey.  

We’ve also become more cognizant of sustainability. The idea of “investing” in throw-away or fast furnishings is so yesterday. The younger generations have developed an appreciation for the ultimate examples of sustainability: antiques, vintage and retro. They are finding that such items are keys to developing a personal style. 

Speaking of style, a wise person once explained to me that style is forever, while fashion is fickle. That might explain the resurgence in popularity of two octogenarians. I’m referring to Ralph Lauren (86) and Martha Stewart (84). This past holiday season, the cozy and comforting Ralph Lauren Christmas look took America by storm. February further provided evidence that the Lauren style still reigns supreme, as the company designed the Olympic uniforms for the American delegation to Milan. As for Martha Stewart, the re-release of her tome, Entertaining, has younger generations lining up at book-signing events and re-creating tablescapes and dinner menus from the book. Yes, they are now gladly accepting grandma’s china, crystal and silver. Thrift shops have become their happy hunting grounds.     

Finally, for those of you who love stuff, you’ll be happy to know that maximalism is back in vogue. So, pull out objects that have meaning, mix your favorite styles, display your collections and books, pile on texture, and paint the walls a joyful (or dramatic) color. Add some quirky or even weird elements that define your personality to a space. After all, it’s your home. Make it your own. 

As Seen Locally 

The Building Industry Association of Lancaster County is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year! 

No doubt, the event the public most associates the BIA with is the Parade of Homes, which has been showcasing the best and latest designs and trends in new construction and remodeling for the last 30-plus years. (This year’s dates are June 13-14 and 17-21). The BIA membership also is composed of remodeling professionals whose work is celebrated each November with the Pillar Awards. 

What follows are examples of on-trend, award-winning projects from last year’s Parade of Homes and Pillar Awards. 

For more information, visit Lancasterbuilders.org.