Five Trends in Home Design

Trends in home design can fluctuate. Some become popular and stick. For example, hardwood floors have long been desirable since the 1600s and stand the test of time. Other trends, like all-white kitchens, go in and out of style. Design experts caution that totally white kitchens are now less favorable. With home designs ever evolving, how do you know which are worthwhile? Read on to learn what’s in style now!

Achieving the ultimate in design

The best way to design a highly desirable and comfortable home is choosing features that you love. But trends must offer wide appeal. Why? Should you suddenly decide to sell your home, you’ll want changes you’ve made to be appealing to others to maximize your sale potential.

What are some current trends?

For 2024, some decorating trends have gained momentum and will likely remain popular in the coming years. Before considering the addition of any of these features to your home, do your homework to make sure that a) you will benefit from the change and b) that it makes good financial sense.

Here are five current trends that are going strong:

TREND ONE – DEFINED SPACES. Say goodbye to the concept of totally open floor plans. For 2024, a balanced space is more desirable. People are now seeking some separate and private areas within the home, particularly for work and relaxation. U.S. News shares the advice of interior designer Julee Ireland, founder of Home Renovation School in Santa Monica, California. Ireland explains, “I’m still designing homes with an open floor plan when it comes to a kitchen and family space, but we’re definitely moving into more defined spaces outside of that, even with the dining area.”

TREND TWO – LAUNDRY IN THE PRIMARY BEDROOM. This new trend is appealing, particularly in smaller homes and in those with steps. People generally dislike carrying dirty laundry like bedding to a main floor or basement laundry room. Thus, they like the idea of having laundry in the primary bedroom, but not wide out in the open. The washer and dryer units should have a dedicated space and be concealed behind attractive custom woodwork. Good Housekeeping shares the advice of Cape Cod inspired designer Jean Stoffer, “Building the cabinets from wall to wall but pulling the paneling with secret storage forward distracts from the full depth.” A second consideration is installing quiet performance level washer and dryer units so that noise is not a distraction.

TREND THREE – CUSTOM BAR SPACES. Custom beverage bars located near or outside of the kitchen are ideal for entertaining guests. Note that custom bars are not exclusive for mixing and serving alcoholic beverages. These multipurpose spaces can also serve as coffee bars or convenient snack or non-alcoholic beverage stations. Custom bars typicallyfeature high-end upgrades like natural slab granite countertops, glass incorporated cabinets, or open shelves to display attractive stemware, plates, or coffee mugs.  Some custom bar spaces feature mini or full-size sinks, refrigerators, and dishwashers, and entertainment apparatus like espresso machines, wireless speakers, and mounted televisions.  

TREND FOUR – BANQUETTES. This built-in seating is generally located in the corner of a kitchen or dining area. Most feature a long bench built against a wall, along with a table. A banquette may also be built below a window. The built-in bench may offer storage underneath. The bench is typically made of wood or upholstered with fabric to match the kitchen décor. Those which go straight across one wall allow traditional chairs to be placed on the opposite side. Banquettes are not only practical space savers, but they add to the charm of one’s home.

TREND FIVE – MUDROOMS. A mudroom is a place where people store outerwear to include coats, muddy boots, and more. Mudrooms remain practical storage and mess prevention spaces. Most rooms feature a bench or place to sit to take off shoes. These all-important spaces likely have hooks or hangers for clothes, cubbies for backpacks and shoes, and baskets for accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves. Many homebuilders feature mudrooms in newer construction and add special features like sinks or pet washing stations due to consumer demand.

Summing it up

These five trends in home design are a mini sampling of what’s currently popular. Like fashion, trends in home design can remain long withstanding or come and go. When contemplating which designs to incorporate, one must consider function, aesthetics, and value added. A trusted realtor is a valuable source of information, particularly when it comes to deciding which design upgrades offer the best return. Trends are fun to follow, but making wise choices yields the best outcomes.