Just like so many other industries, trends in new custom homes do change over the years. This isn’t like the fashion industry where trends only last a single season, but as technology and style evolves, so do the most popular elements of new homes.
As builders, we naturally want to keep track of these trends so we can help you make the best choices for your home.
Based on the trends we’ve seen over the last few years, we expect to see them continue to along these lines:
Going Further With an Accent Wall
An accent wall is a simple upgrade that can add a lot of character to a room. The simple practice of painting one wall a different color than the others can draw the eye, brighten a room, and add a little more character. But why stop with paint when there is so much more that you could do?
While a single, solid color is still a popular choice, many homeowners are using murals, wallpaper, tile, and more to add something a little more unique. Decorative patterns, floral prints, and other designs have seen a resurgence in popularity, and so have wall features and details like millworked paneling, reclaimed wood, and more.
Being Bold
Bold patterns – especially geometric shapes – are trending hard right now. This is a great option for anyone who wants to create a real eye-catching corner in the house. It’s important to remember, though, that it is always easy to be a little too bold, and what was once a central feature of the room becomes a garish plea for attention.
You can counteract that potential garishness by using simpler patterns with more striking colors, and more complex patterns with the toned-down color schemes.
We’re seeing these types of bold patterns on tile backsplashes in the kitchen, on accent walls, breakfast nooks, and other areas where a little bit of a bold design can go pretty far.
Being Colorful
Colorful kitchens are a popular option right now. While the crisp, clean, monochrome of a modern kitchen will always be a safe, go-to choice, many homeowners are choosing to make their kitchen a little more unique with boldly colored cabinetry and countertops.
Blues, blacks, and grays are all very popular right now, and so are distressed or stained woods.
We’re also see a lot of two-toned kitchens these days, as well. So, if you can’t decide on a single color, that’s okay because a lot of custom homes are doing a lot of amazing things by going with a couple contrasting or complementary colors.
Showers or Bathtubs or Both
It wasn’t too long ago that huge, jetted bathtubs were the latest and greatest trend for the bathroom. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Tubs are still an important part of the home, especially for families and pet owners, but the trends now are for the fanciest showers possible.
Large, walk-in showers with built-in benches, no curbs (and sometimes no doors), more space, multiple shower heads, temperature and pressure pre-sets, and more are all popular options.
Outdoor Spaces
Patios and decks have always been a popular addition to custom homes, but from the trends we’ve seen lately, they’re more popular than ever. These outdoor spaces are perfect for spending time with friends and family in the fresh air when the weather is nice.
These are more than just slabs of concrete in the back yard, of course. These are well-designed, creative areas where you will want to spend your time.
Stylish and Discreet Appliances
Invisible appliances – those appliances that reside behind a stylish panel of some sort – are becoming more and more popular. These panels usually open at a simple touch, so you don’t have any knobs or pulls that mess up the overall aesthetic.
When the appliance and fixtures are visible, we are seeing less of the shiny, eye-catching chrome and more matte black or charcoal finishes. Either option can certainly add a sense of elegance to the kitchen as a whole.
Kitchens as Gathering Place
In the past, the kitchen was all about utility. It was the place you went to create a nice meal that could then be shared together somewhere else. Now, though, the kitchen is becoming a regular gathering place for family and friends.
People gather around the kitchen counter or island while meals are prepared so the entire experience can be shared. This obviously means kitchens need to be bigger than they once were, but that’s okay if that’s what you need to have a great time together.
Beautiful Dining Rooms
For years, people have been cramming a table into a corner of the kitchen or sitting around a coffee table in the living room to share their meals.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, given the trend for larger kitchens listed above, but at the same time, many homes are bringing back a traditional dining room. Sometimes there’s just no substitute for an elegant space to share some great meals.
What Works for You?
Trends come and go, so the most important aspect of building a new custom home is what works for you. You don’t have to chase trends just because they’re, well, trendy. You just have to select the elements that provide the comfort and style that you and your family need.
Be sure to contact us to learn more about your options and how we can help you get into a home that has everything you need.