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People love the old world look. English, French, Italian and Spanish sytle homes with tile roofs, iron fixtures, stone or stucco walls, heavy beams and rustic wood or tile floors are sought after. They combine a sense of history with today's style.
The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900's, uses cobblestone, deep roof eaves, tapered columns and generous trim. The handmade look, rather than mass produced, is more desirable today than ever.
Younger folks are breathing new life into ranch styles and split level homes from the 1950's. The retro look is in. You can see this in the trend toward retro furniture and retro colors and fabrics.
Farmhouses are snapped up for remodeling, and offer ideas for new homes. Their simple floor plans, local stone, wood windows, and muted colors connect with nature and local history.
Urban modern is always exciting and innovative, with new ideas in space planning, color, tile, glass, plastic and metal.
A variety of ceiling heights are used. About 9 to12 feet works well, combining human scale with a spacious feel. Two story ceilings and vaults are out. In small rooms these feel like towers.
Avoid little floor level changes when possible. They cause safety concerns and are not easy to live with.
For suburban homes, at least two living areas and four bedrooms are minimal for most buyers. Formal living rooms tend to be converted to studies. Media rooms are popular when price range allows. Game rooms often double as media rooms. There is also a trend in Austin toward smaller homes in a simi-urban setting.
People nearly always want the kitchen to adjoin the family room. This is an important spatial and visual connection. Formal dining rooms are still in demand.
With large televisions, lots of cabinet space is required to conceal TV's. The new flat screens are easier to fit in, but need wall space.
Most people want a three car garage if price allows. The older areas of Austin do not have these. They are a more recent addition.
Structured wiring is crucial for internet, phone, cable and sound. Remember that desk space will be needed for computers, printers, fax machines, etc.
Good access to the outdoors is a fundamental design feature. French doors are used in traditional homes, and sliding glass is often seen in comtemporary and retro styles. Both add light and view.
People today have lots more stuff. Look for big pantries, laundry rooms, huge master closets, and extra storage closets. Since Austin does have basements, storage is important.
Very spare lofts are a preferred choice for some people. Serene and spare rooms are an antidote to today's complex lifestyle. These are being built in the downtown areas of Austin.
Most people are savvy about kitchen design. An attractive, functional kitchen is the strongest selling point in a home. People want counter space, good access to range, refrigerator and sink, plus deep drawers, and a nearby extra refrigerator. In upper end homes, butler's pantries, two dishwashers, two sinks, and additional appliances are desired.
Stainless appliances are still in style. Modern styles use both stainless or colored appliances. High end homes tend to conceal some appliances in cabinetry. Trash compactors are not in demand. Trend is toward recycling bins and built-in trash can storage.
A place in the kitchen for a dining table or a built-in breakfast bar is a basic requirement for most buyers.
Refurbished antique tables or cabinets are finding new uses as bathroom vanities. In upper end homes, kitchen cabinets that look like furniture are very appealing.
Granite and stone counters are still popular. However, when remodeling, consider your architectural style before adding this feature. Granite tops added to 1980's cabinets often do not seem to belong. Concrete, Icestone, stainless, and plastic laminate are in. (Kitchen Countertops)
The built-in refrigerator is in. Wide, cabinet-depth refrigerators look good, and are not as expensive as the true built-in type.
In kitchens and baths, large tumbled ceramic or stone tiles are functional and appealing. Stained and scored concrete is popular, and wood is still used. Patterned cultured marble and laminate are out. Slippery, white floor tile is out. Subway tile (3" x 6") has made a comeback in bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.
Wide, substantial trim makes a strong contribution to the value and appeal of the home. Wide, baseboards (6"+), and door and window trim (4"+) go well with old European and American styles.
Iron or heavy wood entry doors are a feature that people appreciate. Inside, the craftsman style doors - simple square frames with flat panels - work well with all home styles.
Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, weathered brass, and other rustic, non-shiny finishes are the popular choices on faucets, door knobs or other hardware.
Rustic wood beams create the hand crafted, primitive look that buyers like. Wood on ceilings is a strong visual feature.
In rustic style homes, wrought iron gates, stair rails and light fixtures are popular. Stair or deck rails in modern styles may be wire, pipe or painted metal.
Front porches and covered patios are always loved, and contribute to the value of the home. Outdoor fireplaces are in.
Re-claimed wood floors and new distressed wood are valued features. Various sizes of wood boards with cracks exposed are used instead of traditional wood floors.
Bamboo floors work well in modern style homes where light colored floors are desired.
Concrete floors - often stained and scored - are a popular choice. These have a rustic look with concrete cracks and imperfections visible.
Laminate and sheet vinyl floors are a good fit with mid-century modern. Laminate floors with a wood pattern are out. Parquet floors are out, unless they are hand crafted.
People prefer framed or hung mirrors over plate glass, except in modern style homes. Mirrors used to cover walls or ceilings are a turn off.
Soft, muted colors such as sage green, warm yellow, earth tones and creams blend with all styles. Complex colors, with more colors in the mix, are preferred. Deeply saturated colors, such as plums and reds, are still used. Avoid colors that are too dark or harsh.
Flat paint on walls gives a designer look and tends to hides flaws. Avoid shiny paint on walls. Soft whites are a good bet for trim.
Faux finishes often do not turn out well, and are difficult to maintain. For a more spacious look, keep the same (or similar) wall color through adjoining spaces.
On the exterior, historic colors such as sage greens, beiges, muted yellows, and grays work well. Bold, harsh or primary exterior colors are a turn-off.
Wallpaper has not made a comeback. It is harder to change than paint, and often does not suit the buyer. Heavy texture on walls and popcorn ceilings are very out.
Folks today are more discriminating about the quality of light. Windows on two sides of a room balance the light and reduce glare. People want larger windows, more natural light, and a greater connection with the outdoors.
A variety of lighting brings a subtle, mood setting appeal to the home. One light in the middle of the room is not enough. Under cabinet task lighting, security lighting, wall sconces, and recessed cans provide different kinds of light. Dimmers also control the lighting.
Light fixtures are an important decorative element. Rustic sconces are in. Antique or retro fixtures are winners. In modern styles we see pendant lights, recessed cans, and wire string lights.
In 1930's craftsman and 1950's ranch styles, retro fixtures are interesting features. Industrial metal fixtures offer a un-decorated, industrial look.
Rather than heavy drapes, try light cotton, linen or silk drapes. Retro woven wood blinds have made a comeback. Mini blinds are out.
In the bathroom, faucets and fixtures have a weathered look, in finishes such as bronze, nickel, or chrome. Two-handled faucets and old fashioned farmhouse sinks are a popular feature.
In bathrooms, cultured marble is out. Bath sinks are glass bowls, granite, stone, stainless or traditional china. Free standing tubs, pedestal and wall hung lavatories are in.
Energy efficiency is very important today. Buyers appreciate high efficiency AC, good insulation, low-e glass, programmable thermostats, double pane windows, and ceiling fans. (See: Building Green in Austin)
Effective passive solar orientation shows smart planning and use of fee solar energy. Avoid foil on windows or stick-on window film.
Buyers like instant hot water and filtered drinking water.
Remove solar screens when they are not needed, such as under patio roofs, porches or shade trees. Light is a very important basic design element.
People love screened porches. These indoor/outdoor rooms are fun spaces to enjoy the outdoors, bug free.
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