TOP HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2016 PART ONE

Dream home builders are opting for cabinets in dark finishes as shown in our beautiful Devonshire model home which is available in most Echelon communities.

Whether you are planning to break ground on your dream home in the New Year or are already in the process of selecting finishes, keep these top design trends in mind.







​1. Painted and dark finishes trump oak for cabinets. If decorating or watching HGTV show marathons is a hobby for you, you’ve already seen how simply painting cabinets can make a huge impact. Dream home builders are also opting for painted cabinets given the wide range of color options. Dark finishes are the other top choice for cabinets in the New Year. You will see less natural oak and cherry cabinets, and more contemporary paints and stains, so keep this in mind when selecting cabinets.

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1. Mid-range appliance selection means more money for other rooms. According to design experts, high-end appliances are out and mid-range appliances are officially in. This is due to how far mid-range appliances have come in the last few years. Today’s models look just as sleek and perform just as well as higher-end options, so choose mid-range appliances and use the money you save in other areas of your home.
2. Hard woods surpass laminate and engineered flooring. While laminate and other engineered flooring has been pretty popular the last few years, Southeast Michigan homeowners know first-hand that they aren’t as durable as once promised. Due primarily to our changing weather and temperature fluctuations, these options tend to experience unsightly separation and huge gaps. As a result, dream home builders are turning back to hard-woods, especially solid oak, simply because solid wood never gaps, looks better and lasts longer than laminates.
3. Glass tile outshines ceramic. Practically every designer is opting for glass tile instead of ceramic for kitchens and bathrooms. Using glass tile creates the illusion that spaces are larger than they actually are due to the glass bouncing light throughout the room. Cooks and mothers of messy children appreciate that it shows fewer flaws than ceramic too. Glass tile is hygienic, easy-to-clean and can be used to create patterns that complement your home’s décor. In addition to being green as glass is 100% natural, it is extremely durable which means you won’t have much maintenance or upkeep.
4. Tall toilets topple lowboys. Tall toilets are on trend for 2016 because they offer higher, more accessible seating. ‘Comfort height’ is typically between two and three inches higher than standard toilets. Everyone with joint and mobility issues are particularly happy about the wide adoption of ‘comfort height’ toilets. The aging population prefers this height for the same reasons, as do most people in general because it’s simply more comfortable.

At Echelon Homes, our team of experts partner with our customers throughout the entire home design and construction process. We enjoy helping them with design decisions and watching their construction dreams come true. Check out some of our fantastic Southeast Michigan communities where we still have some lots available.

Please visit us next week when we’ll reveal the last five design trends for the New Year.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow