Home buyers today watch home makeovers on television, get décor catalogs in the mail, and browse through design magazines while standing in line at the grocery store.
The internet introduces new ideas and spreads home fashion trends around the globe very quickly. Homebuyers today are more discerning than ever.
Led by the green movement, younger demographics, and a reaction to over indulgence, it is clear that modern design, with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors, will be the leading housing trend in 2010.
Retro Is Back
Sparse décor, hard surface floors, white walls, and lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look. Against this simple backdrop, furnishings can be eclectic and even a little eccentric. We want to see real people who decorate to express themselves. Apartment Therapy connects people to the resources they need to improve their homes, while reducing their reliance on stuff.
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. 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.
Traditional homes are being updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, and exposed windows. Modern homes are a perfect background for vintage and rustic pieces. Take a look at the eclectic combinations of classic and modern on Martha Stewart’s home tours.
Live Work Spaces
The economic slowdown has led to the more efficient use of space in homes. Smaller homes 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 and thick texture on walls are out. Red and gold are out. White and off-whites are in. A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in. Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated and serene look. On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used. Add a splash of deep color – turquoise, chocolate brown, plum – and you have today’s look. Pantone, a color research authority, has unveiled turquoise as the color of the year for 2010.
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
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