TOP HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2016 PART TWO

Walk-in, spacious shower stalls such as this one featured in an Echelon model home, surpass enormous, sunken tubs in 2016.

Last week, we presented the top five home design trends for 2016. This week, we continue with the last five trends to keep top of mind as you build, or decorate, your dream home.

1. Pendant lights outshine chandeliers and recessed lighting. Pendant lighting demand is growing because of the deep selection of styles and the flexibility they offer. Using one or multiple pendant lights in specific spaces, e.g. above an island for food preparation or a chaise lounge for reading, makes it easier to accomplish tasks at home. Recessed lighting was ideal for illuminating task areas in the past, however the aesthetic appeal of pendant lighting is now preferred. Some designs are inspired from the past and others are completely contemporary. For an intimate atmosphere, perhaps in the dining room, bowl and drum pendants work best because they shine silhouettes.

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1. Granite is gone; Silestone quartz is here to stay. Quartz has officially ousted granite as king of the countertop category. Quartz countertops are composed of crushed quartz mixed with resin in a ratio of 93% quartz to 7% resin. They are equally as strong as granite, but are more flexible which makes the installation process much easier. Homeowners love their minimal maintenance—quartz never has to be sealed because it is non-porous and it’s easy to keep clean. Unlike marble, quartz is stain resistant, so dropping a glass of wine only requires a quick clean-up.
2. Large shower stalls surpass tubs. Homeowners are shifting away from five-piece bathrooms with large tubs and instead, are choosing walk-in shower stalls. Whereas large bathrooms of yesteryear were designed to be tub-centric, large shower stalls with ample space, seating, shelving and multiple showerheads are now on trend. Dream home builders still want a bathtub in the master and main baths, however they are opting for roomy shower stalls in lieu of gigantic and often jetted tubs that take up a lot of space in the master bathroom.
3. Geometric designs make a big splash. Decorative backsplashes have been popular for many years. In 2016, more designers will choose geometric patterns that feature fluid movement and unique designs. Gorgeous geometric tile will extend beyond the kitchen and bathrooms to create elements of interest in other areas of the home. In addition to vivacious, colorful patterns you have probably seen, there is a wide variety of neutral options that add an understated and classy touch. Geometric designs are ideal for incorporating your color preferences and personality into your home’s décor.
4. Bringing the outdoors in. What better way to savor Southeast Michigan’s four seasons than to incorporate outdoor elements into your home’s interior design? We discussed using natural flooring instead of man-made flooring last week. Another great way to bring the outdoors in is to paint hues similar to those found in nature, e.g. cool sky blues and warm, soft greens. Also consider adding decorative accents made out of natural elements such as stone or wood.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow