Monday, March 23, 2015

Home Inspiration: Design Trends & Ideas

Homeowners celebrate their living spaces—both inside and out—with personal expression. And how we decorate our homes can be a direct expression of our needs, personalities and lifestyles. Browse pictures of popular home design trends to find ideas that can be incorporated into your home’s rooms, storage areas, technology, materials, layout and more.


The Heart of the Home: Your Kitchen


Today’s kitchens are where people of all ages congregate. Spacious kitchen islands, banquettes, better technology and integrated offices give homeowners space to hang out, work and dine in one central space.

As the kitchen has evolved into a type of living room, islands have become a popular feature because of their versatility. They can serve as the primary work space, a secondary work space, extra storage or a spot for multiple cooks to spread out.


Banquette Breakfast Areas


When not used for meals, a well-lit and comfortable breakfast area can easily double as a place for homework or leisurely reading in your home. Banquettes are an excellent way to stretch kitchen space because the seating pushes right up to the wall. They also maximize kitchen storage by providing extra space beneath the seating areas.






Entertainment Areas


Single-family homes are getting smaller, with fewer formal rooms and more casual living spaces for the whole family to enjoy. Whether in a living room, great room or basement, a well-appointed gathering place with comfortable furniture, technology and entertainment is a must-have in today’s homes.
















Open & Connected Floor Plans

The walls have come down: New home construction features comfortable open living spaces with several functions to meet the needs of all family members. Furniture, built-ins and multiple entry points are easy ways to designate activity zones in combination rooms and make the space feel open and inviting.






Spa-Like, Luxurious Bathroom Features


Bathrooms are no longer strictly functional spaces; today, they are luxurious and relaxing retreats. New homes are featuring bathroom designs separating the tub and shower spaces. Popular bathroom improvements include adding multiple showerheads, creating a dedicated grooming area and installing heated flooring.





Universal Accessibility & Comfortable Designs



Comfortable design and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities is on the rise in home design. Single-story dwellings, wide hallways and doorways, flexible floor plans, pullout storage and simple add-ons—such as grab bars, D-shape hardware or task lighting—make it easy for homeowners to age in their abode without sacrificing style or independence.
This single-lever faucet can be operated with either an open hand or a fist, making it manageable for people of all ages and abilities. A wall-mount sink conserves space and provides access for wheelchairs.



Hardwood & Alternative Flooring Options



Homeowners can choose from a variety of hues or grain patterns, and wood lasts for more than a century. Reclaimed hardwood flooring is recycled from sources such as old homes and barns and has a worn, rustic look. Eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo and cork, are also gaining in popularity.








More Multifunctional Rooms



Making every inch count is a popular philosophy in new homes. Practical ideas throughout the home include creating intimate pocket spaces from nooks and alcoves, putting transition spaces to work with built-ins, outfitting home offices and investing in main-level laundry rooms with storage for art or hobby supplies.








Outdoor Living Areas



Porches, patios and decks inspired by interior design principles are replacing the traditional backyard. Homeowners want outdoor kitchens, living rooms and gardens in which to relax, entertain and dine in style. The best arrangement places the outdoor kitchen and dining area close to the indoor kitchen. Not only is this convenient for outdoor gatherings, but it also helps homeowners feel connected to the outdoors when inside.






Dedicated Drop Zones



By-the-door storage makes it easy to catch clutter the moment it enters your home. Even slim hallways can accommodate a bevy of small solutions just inside the door to gather everyday essentials.









Eco-Friendly Homes


Health and the environment matter more and more to today’s homeowners, and they’re using more low- and no-VOC paint, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances.









Smaller Homes with Smarter Storage



Scaled-back square footage calls for savvier storage options. Previously overlooked spaces are being tapped into for extra stowaway space, including stairways, window seats and walls.










Essential Home Offices



As more and more people work remotely, home offices—whether located in a dedicated room or a pass-through space—are a desired feature in new homes. Many new kitchens include small work spaces with built-in cabinets to corral printers, file boxes and tech accessories within one central location.








Focus on Digital Technology



A home that is easy to retrofit for technology is a priority among consumers, and especially millenials. Energy-efficient washers and dryers, home security systems and thermostats are top-ranking digital essentials for new home buyers.









Energy Efficiency



Homeowners concerned about their heating and cooling bills are paying more attention to their windows. They want windows that perform consistently under always-changing conditions, are easy to maintain, block harmful UV rays and enhance home design. Builders and designers recommend Energy Star-rated windows that feature multiple panes, low-E glass, inert gas between panes, and frames with warm-edge spacers.






Trading Square Footage for Amenities



Today’s consumers consider the importance of lifestyle and community over their perfect home. Most new home buyers are willing to sacrifice square footage to live in a better neighborhood with easy access to amenities such as schools and entertainment.








Curb Appeal Still Ranks High



An eye-catching exterior is one of the oldest—and still hottest—home improvement trends, and it’s a feasible update for both new and old homes. A front-yard garden, fresh exterior color, updated hardware or a new garage door can work wonders for your home’s facade.










Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens. Used with permission. © Meredith Corporation. http://www.meredith.com. All rights reserved.

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