Are you wondering what’s trending in homes for 2013? You’ll be happy to know this year all home trends are based on homeowner’s tastes and not worrying about what a future buyer’s taste might be. More homeowners will now be designing their homes based on living in it for longer time than in the past. According to designers and home builders, the following trends are in: themed designs, hand-crafted elements, stylish kitchens and bathrooms, going green, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms and screened porches, and smarter smart homes.
Themed Designs
Patterns are coming in themed designs. Animal prints, floral prints, and stripes are in. The animal prints are not zebra or leopard print. Instead they’re animals frolicking across upholstery fabric. Some of the most popular are elephants and dogs according to Julie Rogowski of Boston Design Center.
Hand-crafted Elements
Hand-crafted artisanal pieces are being requested by more homeowners. These pieces can be made from wood or marble. They add a more personal style to the home.
Stylish Kitchens and Bathrooms
More homeowners are looking to build homes with the idea of remodeling instead of adding on so kitchens and bathrooms are bigger and more stylish. The transitional look is the most popular. It’s a cross between traditional and contemporary. Bill Millrolland of Case Design Remodeling, says that this trend is evidenced by choices such as covered rather than crown molding, dark-stained or painted finishes instead of maple or cherry wood, and larger format tiles (24 x 24) instead of the smaller( 12×12 or 6×6) tiles.
Going Green
Going green has officially been made easier. More sustainable products are being used such as paint, adhesive, countertops, and flooring. Companies are offering odor-free paint. Improved insulation, low-water toilets and sinks, and better functioning furnaces are being used.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens continue to be included in designs. Hybrid grills allow for cooking with both gas and wood or charcoal. There are also prefabricated kitchens that offer a savings. Some homeowners plant vegetable gardens to accommodate their kitchen.
Outdoor Living Areas & Screened Porches
Homeowners are adding outdoor living rooms and screened porches. They want an indoor feel and function for outside. Some people design courtyards with high-efficiency glass windows and doors. Screened porches now include fireplaces and are livable spaces all year long.
Smarter – Smart Homes
As automation costs are decreasing, it’s more affordable to install the automation to control a home’s system. Controlling everything in a home from one remote or source makes it easier for homeowners. Systems can now be controlled remotely as well. Nest Intelligent Thermostat is an example of a remote system. It reacts intuitively to a home owner’s habit and adjusts to conserve energy costs.
