Current design trends in the Triangle are looking bright!
While shades of gray are still popular, they are no longer taking center stage. According to some of the area’s leading designers, homeowners are becoming bolder in their design choices, embracing color and getting creative with their textures and patterns. Here are a few of the concepts you will see come to life in new construction homes of 2020.
Pops of color
“With designer images on Instagram and the bold use of color in our model homes, customers are less timid about choosing pops of color to express their personalities,” said Tara Deans, Studio Manager for Ashton Woods-Raleigh.
“We are seeing more variety in cabinetry than the popular white, gray or black. We love that customers are choosing blues, greens, and a variety of stain colors for their built-ins, accent walls and tiles.”
Turner Hairr, Designer for Homes By Dickerson, agrees that color will play a big part in her client’s choices this year, especially Classic Blue, which is the signature Pantone color for 2020.
“This deep hue, similar to Indigo, is reminiscent of dark ocean waters, blueberries or perhaps a perfectly tailored suit. I see it mixing wonderfully with warmer-toned woods, whites and rich grays,” Hairr said.
Those who are looking for brighter colors or edgier options will be pleased with the geometric shapes and contemporary styles available in accent pieces like an armchair, rug or interesting light fixture.
One of the specific ways that buyers can add color is by choosing wallpaper, whether it be for a complete room, above trim, or on an accent wall.
“Wallpaper is the perfect statement piece in any room – it adds texture, patterns and color – definitely something to not be afraid of,” confirms Rachel Greene, Marketing Director for Baker Residential.
Texture! Texture! Texture!
While you may see more vibrant colors, there is also a genuine desire to get back to nature in our living spaces — the goal being to create harmonious rooms that include natural materials and an array of textures.
“The texture of rugs, accessories and furniture really has created an interesting tactile experience for our customers. We have seen this weave into building materials, such as tiles and cabinets,” said Deans.
“We have tiles that mimic woven fabric and melamine cabinets that create the same texture feeling of wood flooring.”
Baker Residential homeowners are making texture a priority as well in the form of textured backsplashes, enhanced trim packages and cased passageways.
More flooring options
Hardwoods and tile remain king but Deans explains that the benefits of vinyl plank flooring are increasing its popularity.
“We are also seeing an increasing interest in vinyl plank flooring,” Deans said. “Vinyl planks’ resistance to water and scratches is a great feature for busy households, especially with pets.”
She also mentioned that the craze of darker stained floors is now moving towards lighter shades as natural stained wood flooring will highlight those brighter paint and cabinet colors better than before!
With regards to tile, patterns are the way to go whether you are choosing for your floors, walls or backsplashes.
Black is back
All of our designers agree that they are seeing more black plumbing fixtures chosen for both kitchens and bathrooms.
“We love the bold look of black faucets,” said Deans. “Along with lighting and other hardware, we still have the mixed metal trend in plumbing, so there really isn’t a wrong choice when it comes to finishes. However, as designers, we love to incorporate the latest trend, which is definitely black.”
Greene has noticed that when it comes to fixtures, black is becoming more popular but there is no set rule on whether to match or mix things up a little, it just “varies on the homebuyers’ personal style,” which for Baker Residential range from traditional to farmhouse.
A mixture of designs
Traditional and farmhouse are just two of the interior and exterior styles that you will continue to see line local streetscapes. Ashton Woods-Raleigh claims their buyers are interested in a variety of styles from transitional and farmhouse to contemporary but there is definitely a “growing trend towards industrial elements.”
Different spaces
Triangle buyers are considering their lifestyle now more than ever when choosing or designing their floor plan.
Whether they are wine connoisseurs, yoga enthusiasts or pet lovers, they are dedicating space in their home for their hobbies and interests – a convenient way to balance work and play.
“A space for wine never seems to go out of demand,” exclaims Deans. “People like to consider areas for pets (beds, food bowls, and showers) and spaces without technology are a growing trend such as reading, meditation and game rooms that promote either relaxing or more family time.”
Special features
Oversized islands for entertaining have been on buyers’ wish lists for years, but they are now also opting for waterfall countertops and double islands when possible. Additionally, the Ashton Woods-Raleigh Design Team receives frequent requests for soft close doors and drawers, comfort height cabinets in baths, dual sinks, framed mirrors, and butler’s pantries.
Taking into account the needs of their homeowners, Baker Residential prides themselves on ensuring that all of their homes offer owner’s entries with drop zones and a majority of their plans feature a first floor guest room with an ensuite bath. Lastly, as a custom homebuilder, Homes By Dickerson listens to the dreams and goals of their clients in order to offer them the best solutions to meet their needs. As clients now have access to inspirational resources such as Pinterest and Instagram, they are coming more and more prepared to their design appointments. However, they still depend on the expertise and knowledge of their designers to help them hone their ideas and make them a reality in their new home.
2020 is sure to be a very exciting year in the world of design as we see different uses of colors, textures, spaces and more.
Hairr sums it up nicely: “Overall we will begin to have more of a traditional feel in the design world but plenty of surprises in the form of bold colors and interesting accent pieces will find their place at the beginning of this exciting decade!”
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