Napoleon Fireplaces

Looking at past trends can leave you wondering: why did I ever think that was a good idea? Imagine a homebuyer thinking, “Gee, I hope there are laminate countertops.” Or the family of three begging, pleading for separation, for more walls instead of open-concept living. Trends come and go, though, some concepts will never die. Today, I’ll share five hot trends I’m seeing in home design and how I’ve incorporated them into my own projects.

Rightsizing

Rightsizing is taking the space you have and making the best use of it. It involves a careful analysis of places in the home, how they are used and how they could be better used. A large family may not need a massive home but a well thought out design instead. A larger home requires more furnishings, more expense and higher energy consumption. One example of rightsizing I’ve noticed when designing a home for clients is the declining desire for a traditional dining room. Let’s be real, how often do we actually use a formal dining space? Instead, these square feet are being utilized to create a larger great room with an eat-in kitchen. While preparing the meal, the host can stay involved rather than be cloistered on the other side of the house. This space is great for entertaining and is also utilized by the family every day.

Flex Rooms

Flex rooms are a great way to strategically furnish and design a room for a plethora of purposes. If I’m designing a guest bedroom, for example, I can use a Murphy bed to disguise this “bedroom” as an office or even an in-home theater. Slide over the couch or desk and fold down the bed to convert for the in-law’s visit from out of town. Using flex rooms is a great way to give your space versatility while minimizing square footage.

Storage Solutions

Unsightly clutter has a way of making a space feel small and disruptive. Even the smallest rooms can be packed with storage solutions, it’s just a matter of being creative. In my own home, I have incorporated a variety of built-in cabinetry to maximize the out-of-sight storage. Built-in shelving in my kids’ shared bedroom provides a place for them to store and organize their toys. Fabric totes added to these shelves keep clutter at bay. Fairly inexpensive, these drawers can be replaced as the kids age and their color choices mature. Below their beds, I have integrated pull-out drawers for clothing.