Home Design: Modern Is Mainstream.

Retro Is Back

Sparse décor, hard surface floors, white walls, and lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look.  Younger buyers are updating mid-century modern homes, and loving it!  Geometric patterns and big flower designs from the 1950’s and 60’s are in.  Marimekko, Danish modern, IKEA, Eames, and modern American furniture are a perfect fit with today’s styles.       
Older homes are being updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, and exposed windows.  And, modern style homes may be enriched with vintage or rustic touches.  Open shelving in kitchens and baths are totally in.  Stainless steel appliances are still a good fit.  Bathrooms are smaller and more sensible, but closets are still generous.  Today’s flat screens fit in easily, and the trend is to have more of them in places like kitchens or baths.  Modern design with a retro feel will be the leading edge in the next five years

Live Work Spaces

The economic slowdown combined with the trend toward greener living has led to the more efficient use of space in homes.  Smaller homes, clean lines, and less clutter resonate with today’s buyers.  There is an interest in livability, rather than showiness.  Formal living rooms or media rooms that are unconnected to other core areas tend to not be used.  They may be converted to studies or home offices.  Buyers who work on line are growing in number, and they need work space at home.

Hard Surface Floors

Hard surface floors are a part of the green trend which merges perfectly with modern design.  Carpets hold dirt, dust mites and other allergens.  Concrete, stone, cork, natural linoleum, bamboo, and wood are popular floors today.  Bamboo, which grows a foot per day, is attractive and sustainable.  Ceramic tile continues to be a good fit for baths, but has not come back into kitchens, except on floors and back splashes.  

Alternative Countertops

In the recent past, to upgrade a house was to “granitize” it.  Today, granite is moving aside in favor of new choices.  Recycled glass and engineered stones are growing in popularity, in line with the green trend.  Soapstone, long used in labs, is in demand.  The organic look of limestone, concrete, and marble have a following.  Stainless steel is a good fit with modern styles.

Grey is the new Neutral

Heavy faux is out.  Red and gold are out.  Thick texture on walls is out.  White and off whites are in.  Pastels are in.  Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated look.  Add a splash of deep color – turquoise, chocolate brown, plum – and you have today’s look.  A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in.  On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used.

Outside is In

Buyers want a connection to the outdoors.  This is expressed in several ways.  Large, wall sized glass doors that open the whole room to a patio are exciting.  Screened porches have made a big comeback.  On tight urban lots, large glass areas open the interior to a private yard.  Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable today’s buyers.