From expected color trends to real estate markets, here is a look at some of the latest industry predictions that are abuzz for 2017.

The buzz has begun – you know the one that begins before every new year.  From top resolutions to industry expectations, your news feed is probably chock-full of ideas and guides for 2017.  Within the construction industry, the amount of predictions for everything from design trends to real estate markets can be overwhelming.  There are simply so many articles and too little time to read them all, even if you add in the flight and layover time from your holiday travels.  To make it easy, here are just a few popular industry predictions to satiate your curiosity and get you in the know on the latest buzz for 2017:

1. Colors – For those readers who work primarily on interiors, this one may not be a surprise. The top color for 2017 is green, and we’re not just talking about sustainability and the act of going green – this is actual green.  According to Pantone Color Institute, the color of the year for 2017 is “Greenery” (Pantone 15-0343). As published on Pantone’s website, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, described the color as meeting the need to “rejuvenate, revitalize and reconnect with nature.”  As for pairings, the color works well with neutrals, deeper shades, pastels, metallics, as well as the 2016 colors of the year “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity”.  As with any prediction, there is bound to be some difference in perspective.  When looking at predictions from specific paint manufacturers, the expected color palette changes quite a bit…
   1. Benjamin Moore – Shadow
   2. Glidden – Byzantine Blue
   3. Kelly-Moore – Kettleman
   4. Sherwin-Williams – Poised Taupe
2. Hot Markets – What defines a “hot” market? Well, there are a number of factors that contribute to making an area hot for real estate including job opportunities, affordability and availability.  As per the latest from Trulia’s chief economist, Ralph McLaughlin, several of the top ten markets are in HBW’s areas of focus – Florida and Texas.  In fact, five out of ten on the list are in Florida, with Jacksonville, Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach listing as the top three markets.  Other areas in Florida that are considered markets to watch are the Tampa/St. Petersburg area and North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton.  In Texas, San Antonio is expected to gain some ground, and all areas that are considered “hot” are based on how well they are positioned for growth.  As with any prediction, time will tell.  At HBW, the regular reports on construction data for both residential and commercial construction will reveal the details on new construction permits and how the activity compares to these predictions throughout the year.
3. Design – For design trend predictions, Zillow recently provided a Zillow Digs Home Trend Forecast that brought velvet back to the forefront. The forecast analyzed data collected from surveys of interior design experts as well as analysis of the most popular photos on Zillow Digs.  The combined effort resulted in four top trends: velvet, jewel colors, marble surfaces and built-in bars.  Overall, the theme appears to be leaning toward warm and cozy. The trends that are expected to make their way out in the coming year include industrial style furniture, cool gray tones and quote art.

Keep in mind, predictions and trends are far from an exact science, and they will often vary from source to source.  Although it is helpful to know what is buzzing in the industry and with consumers, it shouldn’t take away from the value of listening to your clients.  Not everyone’s ideas for design and color will follow the latest trends, so although the buzz is good to share, your client’s interests will continue to be the ultimate guide for you in the coming year and beyond.

For more information on construction business tips and industry trends, stay connected with the HBW Blog.  To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.