High style is out, the at-home peace retreat is in, and Venetian plaster is back: Nearly 75% of homeowners are reportedly considering home improvements in 2022. Think renewal, self-care and more space.

I often report on predictions made by real estate and home experts. I love to check back later to see how well those predictions have aged. With 92% of the new year still in front of us, Zillow believes a whopping 75% of homeowners are planning home improvements in 2022, and “High style will take a back seat to comfort and calm.” See you in a year, Zillow.

no. 1 colors from nature

Think greens, blues, taupes and browns. Breezeway, Behr’s color of the year, is a “pale silvery sage reminiscent of sea glass on a sandy beach.” The research says homebuyers are paying a premium for water-and-sky hues. Homes with light blue bathrooms are selling for about $5,000 more than those without, and homes with deep, dark, moody blue bedrooms are commanding an extra $1,500.

no. 2 values into action

Sustainability is a core value for a growing number of homeowners, especially the younger ones. Features like smart bulbs and thermostats save energy and tend to be in homes that sell the fastest. Listings mentioning energy-efficient appliances, drought-resistant landscaping, smart sprinklers and double-pane windows are also associated with faster sales.

no. 3 old is new again

Kids who grew up surrounded by that faux paint we loved so much in the 90s are bringing back textured walls, but replacing faux paint finishes with plaster, just like the cladding that was all the rage in the 40s. Only this time, look for bold, deep colors and textures that run the gamut from shiny-smooth to matte-rustic. Plus, plaster is super durable, easy to clean, and environmentally safe.

no. 4 feel good furniture

Forget stiff materials and sharp angles. Furnishings are gonna be as cozy as flannel pajamas. Comfortable furniture has always been in style at my house, but for everybody who’s just now catching on, the lines of furniture are getting curvier and more rounded. Ottomans are replacing coffee tables, and cozy chairs that hug the body is where we’ll be sitting. Hmm, sounds like a Lovesac to me.

no. 5 the new necessary

There’s been a sea change in how (and where) we work—we’ll probably never fully return to office hours that were the norm for so many decades. With people spending so much more time at home, it follows that home improvements are having a moment, and the most popular home improvement is… the home office. Examples of spaces people are turning into home offices include garages, dining rooms, sheds and spare bedrooms. Cloffices are out.

no. 6 peace out

Okay, now take whichever space you didn’t convert to your fancy new home office and transform it into an at-home personal peace retreat. Hang a “Stay Out, This Means You” sign, then go inside and slam the door shut behind you. Your peace retreat is where you’ll meditate, reflect, read, admire your indoor plants and possibly do yoga.

no. 7 features for fido

Pet ownership was already high and it went nuts over the last couple years. Now, nearly 75% of homebuyers have at least one pet at home. More and more homeowners are building features inside and outside their homes with their pets in mind. Think custom feeding stations, fancy showers, built-in beds and dedicated playrooms. Homes with doghouses, fenced yards or dog runs are selling faster than similar homes without these features.

Christy Rosen Clement is a Pricing Strategy Advisor®, Seller Representative Specialist®, Military Relocation Professional® and REALTOR® at Palermo Real Estate Professionals in South Tampa