2015 DESIGN TRENDS BRING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY HOME

​The latest home design trends were revealed by 125,000 builders, designers and media pros at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, NV in January. There was no need to attend the industry’s largest trade show because the home design and construction experts at Echelon Homes are here to fill you in!

Accessories and Appliances with A Twist
Demand for restaurant inspired appliances and gadgets has increased. Foodies can now order GE’s Sous Vide accessory on three of the brand’s induction cooktops. This amazing accessory mimics the French gastronomic method of submerging a vacuum-sealed bag of food under temperature-controlled water which enhances flavor and prevents overcooking. From an aesthetic perspective, retro returns home as companies like Italy’s Smeg have designed large statement appliances in 50’s tones.

Moen’s MotionSense Spot Resist stainless one-handle high arc pulldown kitchen faucet is great for hands of all sizes.

Hands Are all over Touchless Kitchens
Minimalist, contemporary designs continue to be on-trend and are definitely enhanced by the latest in ‘handle-less’ kitchens. Instead of typical cabinet and drawer handles, this feature enables cooks to open drawers and doors by simply curving fingers underneath the top surface and pulling it open. Many new faucet models include a hands-free operation such as the Moen MotionSense line. More than simply a sleek design, its smart sensor detects the presence of hands or a pan and automates water pouring as long as the object remains underneath the spout. This simple yet innovative technology makes it much easier for everyone to operate—from small children to aging parents, and people with disabilities.

Outdoor Living Is on Fire

The Garden Media Group’s 2015 Garden Trends Report attributes increased demand in outdoor living to the decrease in size of U.S. homes. Indeed making the most of the outdoors continues to grow in popularity among homeowners of all ages. Most recently, there is an increasing interest in pizza ovens, high-end patio heaters and wall or ceiling-mounted products that enhance the outdoors. Many offer eco-friendly and safety features that families cannot pass up. A recent Better Homes and Gardens survey found that 20% of people over the age of 55 have a fire pit or fireplace in their outdoor living space and a whopping 50% of millennials (born after 1980) have a fire pit or fireplace featured in their outdoor living space.

Millennials Take Technology Home
It’s no surprise that millennials believe that smart technology makes their lives at home safer, more convenient and enjoyable. Most respondents of the same survey reported that they are most likely to adopt new technology such as indoor and outdoor lighting, door locks, and security cameras. The additional costs are often offset by the savings in energy and utility bills. Wire weary homeowners must check out the TechTop countertop which features what is essentially an embedded wireless charger. The overall Best in Show award by the National Association of Home Builders was presented to   the SnapRays Guidelight. This LED nightlight with embedded sensors looks like any average electrical outlet cover plate, but turns lights on in the dark, and off when there is light.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow