Design Trends Archive: 2017

First Published in June 2017

Every industry runs on trends, and the home market is no different. Thankfully, the trends in real estate do not seem to cycle as quickly as those in fashion, music, or pop culture. Depending on your style preferences, there are many traditional and timeless home design options that will hold value no matter what the current trends are.

If, however, you are looking to build or purchase a new home this year and are looking to incorporate modern trends, there are a lot of outstanding features to consider. Here are some of our favorite trends that are popping up this year.

Colors

The flashiest paint color of the year is Pantone’s ‘Greenery’, which brings a great outdoor feel to any room inside. If neutral tones are more your style, Benjamin Moore’s ‘Shadow’ and O’Leary’s ‘Nomadic Travels’ were also announced as colors of the year. Beyond paint, a growing trend for interior design, furniture and accessories is utilizing jewel tones like emerald and sapphire to brighten up rooms.

Statement Rooms

Homeowners obviously make efforts to be proud of the entire house, and we pride ourselves on helping people achieve the home of their dreams. Most homes tend to have one or two spaces that really stand out as the pride of the owner, and this year seems to be the year for the laundry room and the entryway. The entryway makes great sense to get creative and personal on design; first impressions matter, and smaller spaces are easier and less expensive to make over. Homeowners spend a lot of time in the laundry room, and splurging on function and design for yours will not only make your chores easier and more relaxing, it will leave an impression on guests.

Surfaces and Finishing Touches

Some of the more stressful decisions for the interior of your new house will revolve around items you want to last, such as appliances, cabinets and countertops. Finer details like knobs, handles, and backsplashes are easier and less expensive to change in the future but you still want to get a design you love from the start. As far as the big ticket items go, matte appliances and finishes are the current trend, which pair well with satin brass fixtures. Many buyers come in already knowing they have a preference for countertop material, and we are consistently helping people innovate with their use of granite and quartz. People are getting a little more creative with their use of tile throughout the kitchen: subway tiles are a classic, versatile look, and hexagonal backsplashes are popping up everywhere.  

Versatile Workspaces

In a hyper-connected world, home buyers and builders are finding new, innovative ways to help homeowners transition seamlessly from working at home to working in the office. We still have regular requests for homes that include a dynamic home office. Available features such as built-in desks, organization solutions, and workstations further help buyers build a home that creates an optimal work-life balance.

In our 50 years of leading experience, we have helped countless families find and build homes with the features they have always wanted, and are already seeing people excited about some of these trends. We would love to hear what some of your favorite home trends are, and if you are in the market for a new home we can help you make them part of your next home!