It’s that time of year when we pull out our crystal balls and try to predict what’s in store for the future. Well, actually, better yet, we turn to experts who have a good pulse on the trends to see what’s on tap for 2018.
Here’s 9 trends you can expect to impact how and where you live.
1. In the new neighborhoods: Builders will go “back to the basics”
Millennials are ready to buy, and they aren’t eyeing sprawling McMansions like past generations.
“Millennials will be ready to purchase homes in 2018 and will opt for affordable homes that offer amenities but not necessarily large floor plans like the mansions of years past,” predicts Allison Bethell, real estate investment staff writer at Fit Small Business.
Bethell predicts that there will be a limited inventory of affordable, available properties, especially in high-priced metropolitan areas.
“Builders are going to start building basic, more affordable housing to meet the growing need,” Bethell says. The inventory supply will almost catch up to demand by the second half of 2018, and early 2019, she predicts.
If you live in a small space, you can rely on Closetbox to store your belongings, whether that’s heirloom furniture, seasonal sports gear or holiday decor. We’ll come pick up your items, and keep a tidy inventory list. When you need something back, our delivery team will return it to you.
2. In the living room: Purple will reign in home decor
Every December, Pantone — a global color authority — spins its almighty color wheel and lands on its “Color of the Year.” Ultra-violet was the color institute’s pick for 2018. The blue-based purple has an enigmatic appeal, according to Pantone.
“From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a news release.
When it comes to home decor, ultra violet can add a pop of color to a room, and can be incorporated with a tufted couch, piece of art or accent wall, according to Pantone.
3. In storage: Self storage out, full-service in
The results are in for the comparison of the costs of traditional self storage vs. full-service storage. And really, it’s no contest. In 2017, there simply is no reason for people who need storage to rent a sketchy storage unit, borrow or rent a truck and tweak a back by moving heavy furniture.
Companies such as Closetbox will do all of the heavy lifting and hauling, safely store your belongings and bring them back when you need them, for teh cost of self storage or, in many cases, lower.
4. In the closet: Bright hues and fancy jeans will be in
The fashion week runways always give us a glimpse into the future. A few takeaways, courtesy of WWD? Minimalistic fashion trends of years past were a palate cleanser for what’s to come. Bright, bold colors are expected to trend. While stripes are a perennial classic, they’ll be peppered with some all-American stars, the designers showed us. And, jeans are about to get a fancy makeover with embroidered detailing and, yes, some bedazzling, too.
Of course, classics are important, too. On that note, here’s Closetbox’s guide to curating a professional closet.
5. In the kitchen: Floral flavors are staging a takeover
Lavender lattes, elderflower sparkling water, hibiscus teas and rose-flavored cookies are all proving the power of edible petals.
Whole Foods releases its annual culinary predictions each year, and floral flavors are about to bloom and boom in 2018, the store predicts. Expect to see whole flowers and petals added to dishes and drinks and snacks infused with botanical flavors for a subtly sweet taste.
6. In the powder room: Dramatic black makeup
If you love a smoky eye, your beauty routine will appreciate what’s in store for 2018. Thick black eyeliner will be trending, according to the editors at Harper’s Bazaar. You can also expect to see lots of gold makeup. For the extremely fashion-forward, rhinestones are the new glitter. It’s fair to say that 2018 beauty is definitely not shy.
7. In the nursery: Modern virtue names
Embroidered on baby blankets might see names like Faith, Hope or Verity (which means truth). Baby name experts are seeing these virtuous names become more popular. Gender-neutral names like Charlie remain popular, too. If you’ve got a baby on the way, congrats! Here’s the Closetbox guide to creating an ultimate nursery.
8. On the map: Southern cities are hot
You can expect Southern cities to beat the national average when it comes to home sales growth, according to Realtor.com. Some cities that are especially hot: Tulsa, OK.; Little Rock, Ark.; Dallas and Charlotte, N.C. These markets are expected to see growth in the 6 percent range compared to 2.5 percent nationally. Balmy weather and low cost of real estate can be largely credited for the boom.
9. In your home gym: HIIT workouts are going strong
HIIT (short for High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts will be the biggest workout trend in 2018, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey. HIIT workouts are short bursts of anaerobic exercise, followed up by short periods of rest and recovery. This method is extremely efficient and you can log a great workout in 30 minutes. Also, it doesn’t require tons of equipment. Here’s some tips from Closetbox on how to set up a great home workout studio.
