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7 2017 Design Trends Continuing to Pick Up Steam

June 17, 2018

It’s a fine line when decorating your new home to decide whether to choose between classic, clean lines, and colors that you know you’ll love for a lifetime or trendy innovations that you adore now, but could require an update in the not so distant future. This battle starts right from the beginning as you work with a builder to design your dream home and continues for weeks after you move in as you decide how to decorate a house you can’t wait to come home to. Thankfully, you’re not in the process alone. There are experts and innovators who are regularly experiencing this same conundrum. These queries even spawned a yearly award named the Best in American Living Awards (BALA). This award honors architects and designers who have developed a space that feels both current and timeless for lasting enjoyment. From the most recent beautiful home designs emerged trends that we know you’ll wholeheartedly agree are here to stay. These are our top 7: Benches & Nooks While benches have always been much appreciated near entryways to make coming and going a simpler process—whether a place to sit and tie shoes or rest those heavy grocery bags while you close the front door—alternative spaces throughout the home are now just as welcome. Whether you want a kid-friendly hideaway or a quiet corner with plush pillows to read a great book, thinking how small space can be utilized in an uncommon location is here to stay. Large Tubs and Showers Have you ever walked into a spa and thought, “I want this to be my bathroom?” Now you can bring those favorite elements into your home with a wall-to-wall tiled shower that has enough room for you and your love. Or, spring for a tub that will allow everyone to soak comfortably as the day’s stressors melt away. Metal Roof This has been on the rise from a number of years but has hit peak trend status, and for great reasons. First, they are more durable and longer lasting than most any other product on the market. While most tile and shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years, a metal roof will hold up for 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs are also flame retardant, so you won’t have to worry about sparks leading to blaze in the event of lightning or wildfires. And, just as important, it will help cool your home by 10-25%, reducing those monthly utility bills. Similarly, it is often made of recycled material and is 100% recyclable once it has outworn its welcome on your roof. Metal is definitely a top choice if living a sustainable lifestyle is also high on the list. Modern Farmhouse This does not mean you should live in a barn-style home unless you want to in which case, do you! For everyone else, this trend welcomes you to add complementary elements of farmhouse style into your beloved look. For example, add a large farmhouse sink into the kitchen or customize a barn door, put it on rails, and use it as a way to separate your dining room from the kitchen with panache. Or, if you’re more daring, add reclaimed wood to an accent wall as both a talking point and a fun way to add color and texture into the space. Natural Wood Beams This is another element that is already commonplace in the southwest but is taking hold throughout the country. You added those high ceilings in your family room to open up the space, but there really is nothing too interesting about that until you add natural wood beams. Then, all of a sudden you’ve added nature and a focal point into the room. And, if you plan this addition early enough, it may even serve a structural purpose as well. Who doesn’t like to combine functionality and style? Under-Stair Storage For years and years, the space under the stairs has been wasted. But, you’re creating a custom home so add features that work for you and use each inch with care. If Harry Potter comes to mind, you’re not alone, but what we’re suggesting is something better than a spare bedroom. And, instead of just adding another closet where you’re sure to lose things in the awkward space available, consider creating an open storage space where you can showcase books or family treasures in a unique way. White on White This trend keeps reappearing and for good reason. Dare we even say it’s become a classic element among our favorite beautiful home designs? White brightens and lightens a space and is truly a great color to play with as it really does go with everything, including other versions of it. And, now that you’ve been designing your own dream home, you’re well aware of the nearly endless shades of white that are available. However, our personal favorite is adding the same shades of white, but mixing textures. And a great place to add this is in the kitchen. You can, for example, choose matte white cabinets with a front glass display or standout hardware complemented by a white tile backsplash that has a glossy finish. Or, maybe you want to have a white on white bathroom with white tiled flooring that extends up the wall and white staple bathroom products, but then add a pop of color into your cabinetry. As you create your own home, you will look at endless beautiful home designs to pull inspiration from before settling on what you want. And, sometimes it will be a challenge as you balance your desires with others in your home and you work within your budget, but you are not alone in this process. That’s why choosing your homebuilder is such a crucial step. In fact, make sure you have these design conversations from the beginning. If sustainability is important to you, make sure that energy efficiency is front of mind for your builder as well. If you want guidance in making some of the creative decisions along the way, ensure your builder has a team of designers who can help make your vision come to life. Your home is a blank slate for you to craft, but if you find the right team, the process will be fun and the results will be outstanding!