INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s Perspective (Part III)

Now that we’ve talked about all these cool Interior Design Trends, let’s talk interior design mistakes and why you should use common sense when incorporating trends.

Right now, there is a huge issue in neighborhoods across the country (and even in my own neighborhood) with homes that were done in the trend of the day.  For example, the homes that went with the heavy Tuscan vibe back in the day are not getting much love.  To remodel some of these can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.   Tayler Alexander-Perez , of Launch Real Estate in Scottsdale, AZ, says,  “Years ago, people didn’t mind buying something and fixing it up but now days buyers want a home that is move-in ready.  At some point these hot trends cycle out of favor so if a trend has been used with a heavy hand, at some point the owner will either have to invest  a significant amount of money to remodel, reduce the price accordingly, or find a buyer gutsy enough to take on a major project”.     I find this to be true, we get calls after a home has sat on the market and the owner wants to know what they can do to make it sellable.  In a million dollar plus home, this can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is good for our business but it really hurts to see fabulous homes that have become irrelevant due to trends.   To avoid this happening to your home, try to incorporate the trends in things that are not that big a deal to switch out and keep the big ticket items more timeless.  If you do your entire floor in a trendy pattern or every counter top in the trend of the day, then ripping it out and re-doing it is a major expense.  For some, money is not an issue and they can go for it, enjoy it and call us down the road, but for most people this is an issue.

Although they were all the rage years ago, overdone Tuscans aren’t getting any love these days.

I like to think of Interior Design Trends like my wardrobe.  If everything is trendy in my closet, then I’ll have to spend a lot of money every time the trends change. But if I have a few cool, trendy pieces that I can put with a mostly classic wardrobe, then I am able to transition with minimal cost throughout the seasons.  If you are unsure about how trendy you should go, it can be worth every penny to consult with a designer who is able to strike the perfect balance between Trend and Timeless Design (and yes, I know of some great ones).

Hey, thanks for spending some time with me discussing Interior DesignTrends and let me know your thoughts! I’m interested!

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s Perspective (Part II)

Current Interior Design Trends continued (Builder’s perspective in Part III).

CREAMY NEUTRALS… IS GRAY PASSE?

I am hoping that some design professionals might comment on this.  I’ve heard from a few designers that Gray is going away….at least as far as being the main event in a space.  I am told that in New York and L.A., creamy neutrals, taupes, and bones are “THE THING” and I also noticed that there were very few of the cliche all gray and white colorscapes in the recent ASID design awards.  I understand that Grays will be incorporated as more of a minor accent role to layer with neutrals.  I love the whole gray carrerra marble/white cabinet trend but those who have used this throughout their entire house may end up regretting it.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Designer: Amy Bubier, AB Design Elements

WHITE OUT

According to the most recent edition of Remodeling magazine, “Homeowners are ready to ditch all-white kitchens”.       Darker cabinets (even black) are making a comeback and they are being used on their own as well as being mixed in with lighter cabinetry (see photo above, as well).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander

CONCRETE

This is one of the biggest interior design trends of 2018.  Whether it’s a concrete floor, countertop or a faux concrete look on the wall, concrete’s neutral color is organic, earthy, durable and low maintenance. Geometric concrete tiles are going to be a thing, too.  

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander in collaboration with other design professionals.  Concrete floors, copper fire surround, Porcelanosa concrete look wall tiles.

VINTAGE: Especially Lighting Fixtures & Bucket or Trough Sinks.

Think farm sinks and nostalgia.  I LOVE Kohler’s new Farmstead cast iron vintage farm sink !  We have some client’s looking at this one and I would love to see it in their kitchen!  Note the matte black faucet (matte black is another current interior design trend).

Kohler Co. design center

REDS, PINKS BOLD YELLOWS & TEAL

Builder:  Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Development, Inc. . A bathroom from one of our award winning projects. .

I’ve seen yellow being used on a large scale and I love yellow because it exudes happiness and confidence. Be careful, though. In too great a quantity,  yellow can create anxiety, but in small pops, it is powerful.

Pinks, purples and gold quartz tops- one of the most fun bathrooms we’ve done!  Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc.,

Hey, thanks for spending some time with me discussing Interior DesignTrends! Let me know your thoughts! I’m interested!

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s perspective (Part I)

Me at Kohler’s Design Center, Clintonville, WI.

I would like to chat about some exciting Interior Design Trends.   I’ll discuss the “Builder’s Perspective”  in Part III.

I have gathered information on the Interior Design Trends that I’m discussing through my interior designer friends, our reps in the industry, and industry news.  In addition, as a guest of The Kohler Co. and Ferguson Showrooms for the First Look Tour that took place in Kohler, WI., I was part of a select group of builders and designers that were immersed in upcoming design TRENDS and products.   (A complete side note here-  if you’re ever in Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and stay at Kohler Co.’s, The American Club, the only 5 Star hotel in the Midwest.   And… their spa is incredible!  The Waters   is the best spa- hands down- that I’ve ever experienced!  Now, back to the subject.)

In  the 2018 Ashton Woods National Home Buyer Survey   ,which sets out to identify trends and owner preferences, there is some very interesting information.  Owners say:

  • They prefer rustic elements over industrial. I personally LOVE the Industrial vibe so a little Rustic /Industrial marriage could still work!
  • They prefer natural wood over white.
  • Their least favorite cabinet/countertop combo is dark cabinets/dark tops.
  • Their favorite cabinet/countertop combo is light cabinets/dark tops.
  • They prefer rustic & transitional interiors over contemporary and farmhouse interiors but they prefer  Ranch and Modern for the architectural style.
  • They are shying away from  the Bohemian, Coastal and Scandanavian looks.

I will be  discussing just a handful of the new Trends in this Interior Design Trends series:

COPPER ACCENTS, BRASS FIXTURES & MIXED METALS

 When I first heard of this interior design trend, I was appalled.  I still remember the old antiqued gold fixtures that sat right alongside the avocado appliances and orange shag carpet.   However, I have to admit that I’ve changed my tune.  I especially love the copper and rose golds.  I did my powder bath with copper fixtures and the ceiling in a rusted, copper metal, which I love.  The matte copper fixtures have an industrial flare, which I happen to love.  Interestingly, although the gold/bronze fixtures are trending, many surveys find that people still prefer brushed nickel and stainless finishes.  Some of the products you see in the photo below: California Faucets Avalon single handle wall faucet in weathered copper, custom metal cabinets, Kohler’s new matte black toilet (a gift from my fabulous Kohler rep),  and Kohler’s Artist’s Edition Antilia Wading  Pool sink   (which I love and have in my personal home).  (The photos look very dark because they are impromptu from my iphone just to show the coppery/rose gold fixture colors.  The cabinet is metal).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc.  Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander, in collaboration with other design professionals.

BLACK & WHITE

I like adding some natural elements to a black and white kitchen, such as the brick backsplash shown here or some wood. We haven’t done a black and white yet so I borrowed this from the internet and have no idea who to give credit to.

Although this color palette is timeless, it is trending even stronger now in Europe, New York and Los Angeles.  Designers are incorporating black into the all-white kitchens, baths and main interiors of the past…..a black island, black tub , black plumbing fixtures and geometric black and white patterns in flooring.  I especially love it when the look is softened with wood and other natural elements and speaking of….

NATURAL ELEMENTS/ORGANIC

Greyhawk on Black Mountain in Arizona, designed by the iconic, award-winning Gerry Jones.

When I think of organic interior design, I think “Frank Lloyd Wright”.  This trend incorporates clean lines, lots of light, natural materials (wood, stone, plants) and is fresh and modern.  My husband and I attended an event at this home and it is organic design at it’s finest! Gerry Jones, the designer, is self-taught and revered in the world of architecture and master planning.  He was also an instructor with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Talliesin West School of Architecture for over 17 years.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc.  Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Designer: Kristen Forgione, The Lifestyled Company

In  2018,  the patterns have gone even bolder, more oversized and more dramatic.  No one does this better than my friend Kristen Forgione, owner of The Lifestyled Company in Gilbert, AZ (see photo).

Thanks for hanging out with me.   Feel free to comment and let me know what types of things you would like to know about in the building  and design arenas.  I’m interested in what you have to say!

 

A TREND called Hygge

 

Old School Home Gym
Brooklyn Pub style Home Gym

TRENDS come and go but I think that this trend called “Hygge” is here to stay.  “Hygge” is a Danish word that refers to “the constant pursuit of homespun pleasures”.   I read about this predicted trend years ago in a book by Faith Popcorn called The Popcorn Report.  She called it”cocooning”.  As custom home builders, we have definitely seen this trend taking hold in  the past few years.
Today’s home owners are looking to incorporate more of their desired activities into their home lifestyle. They want to exercise, cook gourmet meals (inside and outside), enjoy a resort style pool, watch movies on a big screen and work from the home office- all without ever leaving their homes.  This creates more time in their days by cutting down on time commuting.
Speaking of this trend, we are just finishing up this super cool home gym!  These clients both have high-powered careers and were having to get up at 4AM to go to the gym before work; so, they decided to add one to their home.   These clients are from Pittsburgh and wanted an old English pub feel to their workout room.  I love the gorgeous  copper ceiling and old brick, which was the homeowner’s vision.  They wanted to walk out of their home gym and cool off in their own resort-style pool, which we are almost finished with and will post when it’s complete.