2022 Luxury Outlook Report Reveals Return Of International Buyer, Hybrid Work Model Fuels Real Estate Investment

Originally Appeared on SothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the release of its 2022 Luxury Outlook report, which identifies the trends likely to shape the world’s prime housing markets in the year ahead. The comprehensive report offers insight into the high-end real estate industry as the starts-and-stops of the pandemic’s reopening fueled even stronger demand and inventory struggled to keep pace. The global report reveals that relief from the market frenzy may not happen quickly as prices are expected to rise in 2022. In addition, a shift to a hybrid work model is fueling more buyers to invest in real estate and seek larger homes that can accommodate remote work while remaining within commuting distance.

“Once again, Sotheby’s International Realty remains a trusted resource for buyers and sellers looking to navigate the luxury real estate market,” said Bradley Nelson, chief marketing officer for Sotheby’s International Realty. “It was important for us to offer our perspective on the trends ahead as luxury real estate remains a trusted investment amid relatively low interest rates and inflation. Now in its second year, the 2022 Luxury Outlook report offers expert insight following last year’s frenzied housing market and what buyers can expect in the coming year as pent-up demand from international buyers is expected to increase. “

The Sotheby’s International Realty 2022 Luxury Outlook report was compiled by surveying Sotheby’s International Realty agents around the world who transact in the US$10M+ price category. This information was complemented by gathering supporting data from other leading industry experts, including UBS Wealth Management; Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm; the National Association of Realtors; in addition to art and luxury experts at Sotheby’s, the famed auction house, to round out luxury trends in the year to come.

Key findings featured in the report include: 

  • 2022 is likely to be the year of the international buyer as borders open and vaccinations and boosters roll out
  • Nearly half of respondents agree that a rise in interest rates might affect the market
  • In North America, millennials and Gen Xers are expected to make up the majority of luxury-home sales in the coming year
  • Between 2018-2042, nearly US$70 trillion will be passed down from older generations and millennials will continue to use their share for real estate, according to Cerulli Associates
  • In the U.S., price appreciation of second homes is expected to continue even after the number of transactions slowed due to limited inventory
  • The most important amenities for today’s luxury buyers are a garage with storage, first-floor full bathroom, eat-in kitchen, and deluxe primary bedroom suite

“Following another historic year in real estate, Sotheby’s International Realty agents around the world continue to have their finger on the pulse on industry trends and market acuity,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Luxury Outlook heavily relies on the expertise of our network spanning 77 countries and territories to provide on-the-ground insight on the biggest stories in 2021, from the resurgence of urban cities to the role of cryptocurrency, and what it means for buyers and sellers in the short and long term.”

Read the Full Luxury Outlook 2022 Report Here

What’s New In Art, Architecture, And Design

DIGITAL ARTWORK, LIVING GARDENS, AND SOFTER LINES ARE ALL THE RAGE

Originally Appeared on SothebysRealty.com

Digital artists are basking in the spotlight, architects are branching out with green features in sustainable projects, and designers are softening straight lines. Here are the latest trends in art, architecture, and design.

ART

This year’s pixel-popping prices for digital art, ushered in by Beeple’s $69 million NFT Everydays—The First 5000 Days, have created a whole new community of collectors.

“With NFTs [nonfungible tokens, the unique blockchain files that authenticate ownership of the digital work], the art world finally has a medium that allows collectors to have wide accessibility to art,” says Max Moore, Sotheby’s head of contemporary art sales, Asia. “Traditional collectors have shown great interest in NFTs, too, showcasing that there is real staying power for the medium.”

Edinburgh-based artist Trevor Jones, who, back in 2011, began painting QR codes into his works that are scannable with a smartphone and app, creates works that he describes as a “fusion of fine art with technology.”

Using artificial intelligence, he produces animations and videos that incorporate morphing software to complement and enhance his physical paintings.“Many of my patrons own both my physical and digital works, so they can enjoy the painting on the wall in their home while the digital image or animation counterpart can be displayed on a photo frame such as a Meural or Canvia,” he says.

“A lot of these art enthusiasts are curating their own exhibitions with apps,” he adds.

 

Trevor Jones’ Picasso’s Bull, is an example of the fusion of art and technology
Trevor Jones’ Picasso’s Bull, is an example of the fusion of art and technology.

Photo Credit: Trevor Jones Art

 

ARCHITECTURE

By incorporating live plants into their blueprints, architects literally are creating green buildings.

Ma Yansong, for example, wrapped his award-winning Beverly Hills condo complex, Gardenhouse, in 26 species of native plants, notably ferns, vines, and succulents, whose leaves and flowers change color with the seasons. And Stefano Boeri clad his pair of iconic award-winning Bosco Verticale residential towers in Milan in 15,000 fragrant trees, plants, and shrubs.

Los Angeles architect Anthony Laney has taken the concept one step closer to nature, planting a 16-foot-tall Australian brachychiton tree in the entry of a home his eponymous firm designed in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

“The [ clients’] inspiration was a trip to Japan, where they saw a home with mature trees in its core,” he says. The project, which won a LuxeRED Regional Award and a Luxe Gold List award, also features solar panels and a landscape of native plants.

All of Laney’s L.A. projects are rooted in nature. In more traditional “green” commissions the firm creates courtyards with gardens, trees, and water features or designs pocket gardens that can be seen from every room.

“In a row of townhouses, for instance, we might create a five-foot to eight-foot open-roofed garden that backs up to a blank wall,” Laney says. “It’s modest in size but significant in impact.” In addition to creating shade and cooling the surrounding air, living plants boost psychological wellness. “We hope to see the idea of planting live trees in homes more and more,” he says.

 

Anthony Laney’s Potter’s House has a live indoor tree.

Photo Credit: Lauren Pressey

Anthony Laney’s Potter’s House has a live indoor tree

 

DESIGN

From the award-winning furniture of Gustaf Westman and the curly-striped rugs of Pieces Home to the undulating pattern of Baina’s organic cotton Johanna bath towel, designers are embracing the comfort of the curve and the placidness of the pastel.

Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, whose design firm, 2LG Studio, is based in London, see the move toward softness and playfulness as a welcome rebellion against the strictness of straight-lined sophistication.

“Curves speak of nature beyond the capability of man-made, the nonlinear speaks of the future, and the craving of these organic shapes is perhaps a desire for change,” Cluroe says. “It is about facing the impossible head-on, taking a different approach, being open to the unexpected ‘curve balls’ that life can and does throw at us, perhaps particularly in this moment.”

Besides which, Whitehead adds, “curves look damn cool and bring a little fantasy into the everyday.”

The duo’s designs are imbued with a joyful, playful spirit. In their own home, a detached Victorian in South East London that serves as a live/work space and passion project, they explore the quirky beauty of saucy scallops, the headiness of the hand-painted squiggle, and the wonder of wavy pleats that turn up not only on formal draperies but also on complementary center-ceiling lights. The project, they say, allows them to indulge their own fantasies in the interior environment.

 

Curved lines add softness to a room designed by 2LG Studio of London
Curved lines add softness to a room designed by 2LG Studio of London.

Photo Credit: Create Academy for 2LG Studio

Spring 2022 Pantone Colors Of The Year

Originally Appeared on SothebysRealty.com

Color can set the tone for an entire room, whether you want to ramp up the energy for lively dinner conversation, or create a zen-like sanctuary for relaxation.

Pantone, the world’s foremost authority on color trends, has released their predictions for the top shades for 2022. Their palette brings together comforting neutrals and delightful pops of bold colors in unexpected ways. Pantone’s report showcases a diverse collection of color to reflect a global desire for calm combined with a sense of optimism, joy, and adventure.

Vibrant Brights

San Jose, Costa Rica | Elena ArayaCosta Rica Sotheby’s International Realty

Upholstery that pairs hot Poinciana red-orange with cool Spun Sugar blue creates a focal point in this seating area that practically vibrates with energy. The tailored piping ties the colors together in a joyful pairing, while the soothing ceiling shade of Basil adds a sophisticated touch that balances the entire scene. Walls are reminiscent of Perfectly Pale, an updated beige that creates the perfect backdrop for playing with bolder colors.

San Francisco, California | Mary Lou CastellanosSotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

The ombre carpet runner on the stairs is a sumptuous addition to this Parisian-style residence in San Francisco. It cascades in rich jewel tones that include trending Skydiver and Harbor Blue. The inviting accent chair with its nod to Gossamer Pink provides a truly unexpected contrast and proves that the pastels of 2022 can deliver rich context within a modern color scheme.

Madrid, Spain | Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty

If there was ever a color that injected both fun and regality into a room, it’s Dahlia. The deep violet-plum provides a refreshing focus in this inviting living room. Lush velvet pillows offer both comfort and luxury with a splash of Innuendo when the light hits just right, while the wood tones on the grand double-door keep everything grounded with the right balance of warmth and welcome.

Cool Classics

Shorewood, Minnesota | Kevin MullenLakes Sotheby’s International Realty

In contrast to high-energy primary colors and jewel tones, the other half of this year’s color palette focuses on restful neutrals for timeless sophistication. In this chic kitchen, the Snow White wallpops against cabinets painted the pale gray of Northern Droplet. This shade is matched in the bar stools and dining chair upholstery, where it plays against the deeper tones of the Poppy Seed-inspired island and cool metallic frames of the dining furniture.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico | Sheryl ClarkAgave Sotheby’s International Realty

This charming estate takes a cue from Pantone’s warm Coca Mocha for a natural exterior that harmoniously complements the property’s lush landscape. The earthy tone lends itself beautifully to contemporary Moroccan architecture and the front door’s impressive wooden carving. Whether strolling through the courtyards or relaxing poolside, the home’s espresso hue offers a welcome sense of calm, and proves that color trends aren’t just a consideration for interior design.

Newport Coast, California | John CainPacific Sotheby’s International Realty

Snow White shines in this bright living room, which gains interest from its playful use of geometry: diamonds on the ceiling, mod patterning on the tub chairs, and the hexagonal coffee table at the center. That pièce de résistance is decked out in this season’s best pastel, Gossamer Pink. The whole result is a mesmerizing study in texture and color that’s also highly livable.

Pantone’s color trend predictions for spring 2022 highlight what’s best about the current design moment: the timeless comfort of neutrals and the irrepressible joy of bright, bold hues. Taken together, the possibilities for creating a unique living space are endless.