The 9 Hottest Interior Design and Decor Trends You'll See in 2018

When it comes to home design and decor, we'll be the first to tell you to stick with what you love, no matter what the pros say. But if you can't escape that sinking feeling each time you walk through your front door that your decor is looking a little tired, well, don't despair. We've got you covered! We've already talked about the design trends you should ditch in the coming year. Now let's take a look at some of the hot new designs you might want to use for 2018 to give your home a fresh lease on life.

From splashy color palettes to bright yellow sofas and mixed metal everything, our stable of designers and tastemakers have given us the ultimate insiders' scoop on what'll be hot in 2018. And trust us: It'll be a gorgeous year. Here's what to watch:

1. Bold colors
Designers haven't yet had their fill of spaces decked out in deep, bold shades; this decor trend is appearing on our hot list for the second year in a row.

“As much as I love an all-white interior, rich jewel tones are making their way onto our walls and moldings in a big way—think ‘English library,’ but with peacock teal, black, or rich burnt orange colors,” says Oregon-based interior designer Arlene Lord.

The proof is in the paint: Sherwin-Williams' 2018 Color of the Year (Oceanside SW 6496) is an intense shade of blue-green, while Pantone recently announced the rich and regal Ultra Violet will reign supreme in the coming year.

Lord recommends pairing these jewel tones with bold, dustier shades to create a lush, layered look. (We like PPG’s Black Flame, an indigo-hued black that’s great for modern interiors; Glidden’s Deep Onyx, a classic no-fuss shade; and Olympic’s Black Magic.)

"Dipping a room in a dramatic shade like midnight navy, eggplant, or charcoal is a fun way to embrace a deep, rich color, and the result is deliciously inviting,” says Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante Wilson Architects in Illinois.

Ready to really commit? Go all-in on this trend with dark or black trim.

“Outlining the room or windows in dark trim helps punctuate and call attention to unique features,” she says.

2. Mixed metallic
A few years back, mixing metals was a total no-no. But experts now agree that today’s homeowners want more than simple one or two copper or brass fixtures—they like seeing the stuff throughout a room or house.

“Buyers really love to see modern, eclectic choices such as a hammered copper light fixture above the kitchen island paired with sleek chrome faucets and cabinet hardware,” says Ken Fixler of Barnett Homes in Chicago.

To warm up the industrial feel of some metals, pair them with a natural stone like marble or limestone, and look for unexpected finishes like matte black, satin brass, black nickel, and unlacquered brass. Amp up the visual interest another notch by layering your metals across a variety of locations, from faucets to hardware to lighting and furniture.

3. Gen Z yellow
As usual, Beyoncé was way ahead of the curve on this one, smashing car windows and security cameras in an unforgettable yellow Cavalli dress in her epic video for "Lemonade." And as designers, fashionistas, and millennials will all tell you, the hue that's being dubbed "Gen Z yellow" is the one to watch.

Karen Wolf, of Karen B Wolf Interiors, calls it "positive, confident, vibrant, and enthusiastic."

"We have not seen this color emerge for quite some time," Wolf adds. "It feels fresh, happy, and young."

Designer Sarah Hullinger agrees, predicting the color will continue to be huge well into 2018.

“It’ll certainly make an impression, whether a bright ‘minion’ color or a burnt shade resembling curry or turmeric,” she says.

If you can't quite warm up to the idea of, say, a bright yellow sectional, test the waters with an accent chair or painted side table.

4. Quartz
In the kitchen, sleek quartz is taking the place of the ubiquitous granite and hard-to-clean marble.

“Quartz products are appealing to the ease of living that we all crave, and the surfaces are much more modern, clean, and versatile,” Lord says.

5. Light, textured wood floors
“Red-toned woods are fading in popularity, along with tropical exotic species” like Brazilian cherry or walnut, says Armstrong Flooring design manager Sara Babinski.

Instead, flooring trends are moving toward lighter color palettes in domestic American woods such as maple, pine, or hickory, she says.

Why? Light-hued woods—including natural tones and blond and whitewashed woods—brighten interior spaces and hide imperfections more easily, making them a great choice for families and households with pets. For extra credit, choose a distressed or wire-brushed wood, which offers vintage appeal with a less aggressive look than a scraped floor, and choose 5-inch-wide planks, which create a sense of openness and interior space.

If you decide to stick with dark flooring, designers recommend that you pair it with light walls and white trim for contrast.

6. Natural materials
“In interior design we're seeing a strong push toward eco-consciousness—looking toward items that are made of sustainable materials and have a natural feel to them,” says Ana Zuravliova, an interior designer at Roman Blinds Direct. “People care about the production, the history, and the story of their furniture more than they ever have before.”

While the sustainability element is a plus, the visual airiness of the materials is indicative of a move toward more minimalist interiors, says designer Erin Powell, virtual staging coordinator at 3-D rendering company roOmy.

"The less-is-more approach will continue—[think] lacy hammocks and daybeds and wicker and rattan furniture with a more modern edge," she says.

7. Concrete in unexpected places
Tired of basic granite in your kitchen and bath? Ditch it in favor of cool concrete—and then take your design up a notch by extending the material elsewhere in your house.

“From fireplaces to bath tubs, concrete is no longer the countertop alternative,” says designer Ana Cummings. “I’m seeing entire walls in concrete panels that look fantastic juxtaposed next to antiques or contemporary furnishings.”

8. Black fixtures Black fixtures will take the place of brass as the new hot home hardware, predicts Ryan Brown of Brown Design Group in Southern California. The first reason is easy: Black pretty much goes with everything. The second? Black fixtures—especially in matte finishes—are much easier to clean (and don't need to be cleaned as often) than lighter, polished metals.

“They look great in modern applications as well as transitional homes,” Brown says. “And the best part is, no water spots to clean off.”

9. Larger tiles
For years, white subway tile has been the go-to choice in many a modern (or renovated) bathroom and kitchen. But designer Karen Asprea of Whitehall Interiors notes a recent shift toward larger-format tile (and even slab-size sheets of porcelain).

"This shift is not only aesthetic but one of function, as larger tile has less grout and is both easier to install and maintain," Asprea says.

But if you're not on board with big, don't fret—designers agree the subway tile trend has life left in it.

“Clients want a really clean look for their homes and that doesn’t appear to be a trend that’s going away,” says Katie Jaydan, senior designer with White Crane Construction, a residential remodeling company in Minneapolis.

To mix things up a little and add visual interest, consider swapping out tired old cabinetry hardware with mixed metals (oh, hi, Tip No. 2) for a look that's oh-so-2018. (In a good way.)

Interior Design Tips

Interior decoration has never been more popular. Everyone wants the sort of home seen in glossy magazines; yet the real trick of decorating lies in making sure you have the right wallpaper, fabric and all the extra ingredients including lamps, pictures, lighting and flowers. Here I would like to take you through some of my key elements when it comes to decorating.


Where to Begin

Look at the basic shell of a room and consider all its potential. You have to train the eye, so that no matter how unpromising the existing decor is, you can look around and imagine everything stripped away, with only the skeleton remaining.

Focal Points

Each room needs a centerpiece of some description. This focal point is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the decorating scheme and ties the total look together. It is also useful because it will draw the eye away from less pleasing aspects of the room.

Finishing Touches

Not all rooms require a complete overhaul. Many of them can be given a simple lift by editing some things out, re-positioning others and introducing a few new buys. It is amazing how different a room can look with a new rug, a different set of cushion covers or a change of lampshades. Accessories and flowers also help newly decorated rooms become truly finished.

Lighting

Never underestimate the importance of light – both natural and artificial – in a room. Light is one of those life-enhancing ingredients that are always worth spending time and money on to get just right.(Image of Arthur Lamp Table and Hastings chair upholstered in the Montacute Fabric)

Using Pattern & Color

When using color don’t fall into the trap of worrying over what goes with what. In truth you can mix any color with any other; what really matters is the intensity of the colors you choose. Color fashions come and go which is why I have evolved collections over the years that are guaranteed to complement each other.

Interior Design Tips to Help Sell Your Home

While it might be a seller’s market, an interior designer’s views on how you can make your home more appealing to buyers can be invaluable. Extra touches can make a world of difference to attract the eye of an interested buyer, according to Associate Designer Anne Liu from GEORGE Interior Design. Here are her tips on how you can give your house a fresh look without breaking the bank.

Space Plan

Liu says one of the most inexpensive ways to make your house look more appealing is to simply play around with your existing furniture and décor in order to figure out the optimal space plan; this will show off your house in the best light. 

“Sometimes it is just a matter of moving a sofa to an adjacent wall or re-arranging your wall art,” said Liu. “When in doubt, just remember that continuous lines and a simplified color scheme tend to make a space flow harmoniously and feel bigger. Getting rid of any clutter and unnecessary elements and allowing a buyer to really see the space is always a good idea in our book. Less is more!”

Paint

To capitalize on one of the most cost-effective ways to make your house look more refined, Liu suggests adding a fresh coat of paint.

The designer added, “Overall, stick with a lighter, neutral color to appeal to more buyers and then designate ‘feature’ walls that you can accent with a bit more color. Whenever possible, try to get rid of popcorn ceilings and repaint because the space will look cleaner and more modern.”

Add Trim/Crown Molding and Update Baseboards

Liu commented, “Updating the baseboards could give your space a much more tailored and current look without blowing the bank. If it is suitable to the architecture, adding crown molding could further enhance your space. Opt for clean, simple, and elegant trims for a timeless look.”

Flooring

Another way to instantly update a home is to replace old carpeting. Liu shared the following tip: “Gravitate towards carpeting material in a medium-neutral tone, woven with more than one color (or a fleck of color). This guarantees a good look that will also last. Also, updating a carpeted floor with hardwood flooring could be a big draw to buyers. It consistently adds warmth and character and may help your home have wider appeal.”

Kitchen

Liu noted that kitchens are undoubtedly a big focal point in a home. So what are your best options for making your kitchen the most appealing to a buyer? Liu posited, “The most critical things to most home buyers are stainless steel appliances and ‘granite’ or other non-porous solid surfaced countertop material. I use the term granite in quotations because most buyers want the properties of granite, but this actual stone material has fallen out of favor in recent years. Quartzite is the stone surface material being requested the most by clients and we're using a lot of Caesarstone, Silestone, and other brands of quartz as they install very nicely and the colors are very consistent.

Liu added, “Painting cabinetry could really clean up your kitchen but it comes at some expense. A complete kitchen remodel might fetch you a higher price for your home but undeniably a lot of time, energy, and money will have to be spent planning and executing the overhaul. If appliances, countertops, or a complete remodel are out of the question, then simply updating the cabinet hardware and sink fixtures could give the kitchen a fresher look.”

Bathroom

The designer says a beautiful bathroom can be a big draw. She added, “Like the kitchen, a fresh coat of paint on the cabinetry and/or a new countertop and new fixtures could freshen up the feel significantly. In powder rooms or smaller bathrooms, use ‘feature’ wallpaper or a more exciting paint color since the scale is not overwhelming.”

Happy Yom Kippur!

6 Upgrades That Give You the Best Bang For Your Buck

Selling your home? A few classic — and relatively inexpensive — changes can make a big difference when it comes to how much you’re able to collect from potential buyers.

If you want maximum effect for maximum profit, these six strategic upgrades will give you the biggest return on your investment:

1. Kitchen

Realtors will tell you time and time again: kitchens and baths (see No. 2) are what sell a home. A dated kitchen can be a big turnoff, so make sure yours is updated and inviting.

When it comes to spiffing up your kitchen for resale, you don’t need to splurge to get buyers’ attention. All you need to do is bring the space to the point of “builder-grade luxury” — stainless steel appliances instead of basic white, for example, and granite countertops instead of laminate.

Yes, you could theoretically spend almost any amount on appliances and granite, but remember: You’re going for “builder-grade.” That means you should install an affordable variety of granite countertop (such as Napoli, Baltic Brown or St. Cecilia) with a basic beveled edge. Don’t splurge on higher-end cuts of granite or more ornate beveling; leave that for your own personal custom home.

Want to do a kitchen remodel on the cheap? Simply refinish and repaint the cabinetry and add updated hardware (such as new hinges and handles). That alone can transform the look of the room.

Whatever you do, opt for colors and styles that are likely to appeal to the widest range of homebuyers. You may adore the idea of a bright red retro kitchen, but it could seriously put off some buyers.

2. Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, many buyers want the “spa” experience so help them envision themselves relaxing in the tub.

First, let’s start with basic upgrades, like replacing old, pink 3×3 ceramic tile with modern pieces. (For an inexpensive tile, try white subway-style ceramic, or opt for 12×12 porcelain in a neutral tone.) Replacing your plastic tub surround with a tiled shower also makes a big difference, and for about an extra $100 – $150, you can also add a recessed alcove (a built-in wall niche).

As with a kitchen remodel, you want to consider which changes will have maximum impact. You may not need to replace that old pedestal sink. Instead, you can just change out the faucet fixture — upgrade from brass to chrome — and hang some luxurious towels next to it. You may not need to replace the quirky floor tile if you choose a new paint color for the walls that will play it up, rather than clash with it.

Make sure the colors and styles you choose are as universally appealing as possible. Neutral colors never offend. If you want a dash of extra character, light blues, serene greens, and fresh pops of white are your best bet for an inviting bathroom. (A few well-placed candles and fancy soaps don’t hurt, either.)

3. Paint

One of the easiest upgrades to achieve the “wow” factor is to simply repaint your rooms.

Neutral shades like whites, creams, and tans will help buyers envision themselves in your space, since these read as more of a “blank canvas” than bolder shades. Earth tones will help mute any “louder” furniture you may have and can play well with hardwood floors. A surprising pop of bright color, like a cheerful yellow, can help brighten up small, dark spaces like half-baths and alcoves.

4. Flooring

Like paint color, good flooring can drastically change the look and feel of your rooms.

Hardwood is always appealing to a wide range of buyers, as are high-quality laminate options and affordable, eco-friendly choices like bamboo and cork. If you’ve got hardwood under your carpeting, your best bet is to restore it. If you already have exposed hardwood floors but they’re looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to invest in a good sanding and refinishing.

Kitchens and baths do well with tile or laminate flooring, which are both visually appealing and easy to clean. Carpeting is still acceptable in bedrooms, especially if it’s plush, in great condition, and in a neutral color.

But more and more buyers are turning away from carpeting altogether, so if you’re in doubt about whether to replace your carpets or install different flooring, hardwood (or its more-affordable cousin, bamboo) is your best bet.

5. Staging

Staging helps buyers imagine themselves living there. It’s also relatively inexpensive — you can often just rearrange the furniture you already have to make it show better.

First, make sure your home is free of clutter. Remove any overly personal touches (like family photos or children’s artwork on the fridge). Arrange furniture is in a way that flows well — buyers will feel claustrophobic if they need to navigate around big pieces as they move from room to room.

In your living room, arrange seating and tables into inviting “conversation” areas. Designate spaces for particular tasks, like placing an armchair in that empty bedroom nook to frame it as a cozy reading spot. Make sure all areas of a room are well-lit and that your accessories and artwork are the right scale for the space.

6. Curb Appeal

Don’t neglect the outside of your home — if buyers don’t like what they see when they first pull up, they may not even step inside to see all the great work you’ve done.

To make the outside of your home as appealing as possible, make sure all walkways are clear, the landscaping is neat and tidy, and everything is in good repair. This may mean repainting your siding, fixing those loose shutters, and finally sealing those cracks in the driveway. Or it could be as simple as mowing the lawn, blowing the leaves, and planting a few colorful annuals.

Add one or two “homey” final touches, like an festive wreath on the front door, a new welcome mat, and an outdoor seating area. Your home will feel extra-inviting — and just may get a quick offer.

5 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends That Will Last

To help you get ahead of and sort out the kitchen and bathroom trends — pity the last fool to install an avocado appliance in the 1970s — HouseLogic.com went to this month's trend central, the International Builder's Show. Our takeaway: For gosh sake, enjoy your home; remodel so that you love where you live.

Still, with a couple of exceptions, these five kitchen and bath trends offer lasting value:

1. Kitchen cleanliness.

By clean, we're talking design, not germs. Kitchens are going clean, contemporary, and horizontal (open shelves, long and horizontal pulls, thick countertops). Even in a classic kitchen, go with simple, flat cabinets rather than highly carved cabinet details, says designer MaryJo Camp of Design Camp, Denver, N.C.  

Tip: This is a trend to get on board with. A simple, tidy, fresh appearance will have broad appeal if you decide to sell.

2. Color is out.

This year, colors are cycling out, Camp says, except for black and white used together. 

Tip: Practically speaking, black and white are hard to keep looking good. Black kitchens show every scratch and white cabinets show every speck of dirt.

Regardless, color is fickle; choose what's best for your space.

 

3. Dark wood is where it's at.

If you've had white cabinets, you know they show every speck of dirt, which can drive you crazy unless you have a cleaning fetish. Combine those white cabinets with another up-and-coming trend: dark wood. Or if your budget can handle the hit, go with specialty woods like mahogany or zebra wood that can make an island look like a piece of furniture.

Tip: Alternatively, you could invest your money in more kitchen storage and functionality than trendy decorative elements that might not stand the test of time.

4. Appliances that blend in.

The more open our kitchens get, the more we want them to look like the rest of the house. That's fueling a trend away from the big pro range and ginormous stainless-steel refrigerator and toward concealed, high-performance refrigerators and dishwashers. Induction cooktops, which use less electricity than electric cooktops, are growing in popularity, Camp said.

Tip: When you buy appliances, look for the Energy Star label or go even deeper on energy performance ratings with Consortium of Energy Efficiency. 

5. Ageless design gets easy.

What the Baby Boom wants, the Baby Boom gets. And Baby Boomers want to live in their homes forever. That's led manufacturers to create DIY remodeling products with built-in universal design features — like toilet paper roll holders strong enough to hold your weight as you arise from the throne.

If you wanted a no-threshold shower five years ago, you had to have it fabricated as a custom piece, said Mary Jo Peterson, a Brookfield, Conn., designer. Today, companies sell no-threshold shower kits with trench-style drains covered with grills so you can roll yourself right in.

5 Basic ideas of Modern Home Decor

Simplicity. If you were looking for a word that described what modern home decor was then that would be; it is simplicity. Of course, simple doesn’t mean boring and modern decor with its clean lines, neutral color palette and geometric shapes is anything but boring. Instead, modern home decor can be warm, inviting and completely stylish in just about any home. But how do you achieve modern home decor? Obviously, it isn’t as simple as walking into a store and choosing items that have clean lines. There takes a bit more to that and there are several basic ideas that should be incorporated into a modern decor.

The first idea is to keep it simple. Remember that word that best describes modern design and make sure that you incorporate it into your space. There is no need for the room to simply be four walls and a chair for sitting, we aren’t going to that extreme, but you will want to keep things as uncluttered as it possible. Studies have shown that clutter can lead to stress in your life so keeping your decor simple will help alleviate some of the stresses that you feel.

The second idea of modern home decor is function. Not only should your rooms be simple with those clean lines and minimal artwork and accessories, but it should also be functional. This varies greatly from room to room but when you go into a room, it should be easy to access and use various items in it. So, for instance, a kitchen that is designed with modern decor in mind should have ample workroom and everything should be easy to access.

Technology is the third idea for a modern decor in your home. It is actually a lot more than simply stating “technology” and any electronics that are in your home should work with the space. It is often recommended that all electronics be streamlined, so flat panel televisions, built in DVD players, small flat screen televisions in the kitchen, and computers tied in to a room rather than being a lump in it, are important to keep those lines clean.Open spaces. If you are going with a modern decor, then you will want to utilize our fourth idea by having lots of open space in your home. This may not be possible in some homes that offer closed rooms instead of an open concept but you can create the appearance of open spaces by using color, fabrics and furniture. You can also keep windows coverings that are light in color and airy in feel to create an open feel in to the room, even if it isn’t.

The last idea for creating a modern decor in your home is to add a little bit of character to the space. It can be amazing how one splash of color on an otherwise neutral palette can create such an alarming effect to the room. Don’t hesitate to explore your options with color and make the space one that you will enjoy sharing with every.

Creating a modern decor doesn’t have to be difficult and there is a lot of room to play around with your spaces. All you really need to remember are these five simple rules and before you know it, you will have a modern decor that shines.

Homes of the future

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) recently wrapped up in Las Vegas, and one idea creating a big buzz was “The Connected Home.” This isn’t a particularly new idea, and it has been talked about for years at CES, but it appears as if the technology is finally catching up with the idea, and having your very own connected home is not so very far away.

These new technologies, which include such devices as voice-controlled thermostats, toothbrushes that can tell you whether or not you’re doing a good job on your teeth, and refrigerators that play music are part of a new world of web-connected devices dubbed “The Internet of Things.”

According to the Gartner research firm, by 2020, the Internet of Things will include 26 billion devices, with a market worth of $1.9 trillion.

What can the Internet of Things do for your home? Will these new devices enable your bed to make itself and leave a chocolate on your pillow? Not quite, but some of the new features are pretty handy. Here’s a roundup of some of the new and upcoming products featured at CES, to give you a better idea of what a home of the future will look like. 

Connected Appliances
A Bluetooth-enable refrigerator that allows you to listen to music in your kitchen? A washer/dryer that can be commanded to clean from afar? These are two of the new “connected home” products featured at CES.

Whirlpool® debuted a line of Smart Appliances that give you the option of checking to see that everything is running smoothly at home, even when you’re far away. There is a washer/dryer pair called the “Duet.” You can monitor energy usage and access certain settings when you’re out, but you can’t get it to suck the laundry from the floor and wash it while you’re gone. Each one runs you approximately $1,700.

The refrigerator keeps you up-to-date on temperature settings, and power outages and allows you to manage other features such as your drinking water. This retails for about $2,000.

The $949 smart dishwasher, allows you to monitor energy use and lets you know when certain parts need replacing. 

Samsung is another player in the smart home arena. The company’s platform, called "Samsung Smart Home," debuted at CES and the roll-out along with pricing is planned during the first half of the year.

The initial platform consists of three main services: Device Control, Home View, and Smart Customer Service. With Device Control you can access customized settings for all of your devices from your smartphone—while you’re out of the house—or on your Smart TV when you’re at home. You have the ability to control multiple devices at once, no matter how far you travel. The service will also allow you to use voice commands with your Galaxy Gear or Smart TV remote. You can tell your device that you're "going out," for example, and your connected lights and appliances of choice will turn off as you leave. Smart!

Robotic Vacuums
Robotic vacuums are nothing new, but now they are getting more affordable. Neato Robotics already has a robotic vacuum, but this year they’re launching one that’s more affordable to the masses. In March, you’ll be able to pick up the Neato XV Essential for $379 at Walmart.com

The iRobot Roomba has a new version out as well. It boasts 60 percent more storage space and greater cleaning capacity than the former version and retails for $699.

The company also makes a robotic pool cleaner!

A Smart Crockpot?
It doesn’t get much better than this. A slow cooker that you can control from your smart phone, so your pork ribs are falling perfectly off the bone by the time you arrive home. This is a product from Belkin that launches sometime this spring and is set to retail for $99.99.

Control Your Climate & Beyond
Trane, Herman Miller, and Nest are a sampling of companies who want to help you control the climate of your home from afar. These devices not only adjust your temperature, but look better on your wall than their old counterparts. 

Nest also made the recent leap to the connected smoke detector. The sleek, round-edged square has a pale blue light glowing at its center which acts as a motion detector night light, to help guide your way through a dark hallway. This smart smoke alarm will also alert you to any smoke or fire problems at home when you’re not there. 

A Smart Toothbrush?
The perfect gift for your kids. Now you can see if they actually brushed their teeth and if they did a thorough job! The Kolibree toothbrush claims to be the first “connected toothbrush” that improves your brushing habits. Not only does it track how often your brush your teeth (or not), it claims to know what parts of your mouth you missed or didn’t pay enough attention to.

Wifi Lightbulbs
Controlling your lights while away is another feature of the connected home. Forgot to turn on lights to scare away the burglars? Not a problem. Do it with your smartphone. 

An Intelligent Lock
Another connected home feature of note at CES was the Goji Smartlock. The lock takes a picture of visitors at your front door and can be accessed via your smartphone.

Top Architecture Trends of 2014

1. Tranquility
More homeowners are seeing their homes as a place to get away from it all and relax, especially in certain rooms, particularly the bathroom. The spa bathroom is really big as a result of more people traveling to nice hotels. In 2014, we’re likely to see bathrooms with walk-in showers, roomy bathtubs and tranquil designs become a big trend for homeowners.

2. Mission Control
In the past the kitchen was often built at the back of the house, attached to the garage, and away from high traffic areas, but that tradition is changing. In 2014 we’ll see the kitchen as the focal point of the house, often placed in the center of an open floor plan, especially as more homeowners start to use their kitchen space as a multitasking room, or as “mission control.” By having the kitchen centered and open, parents can help children with homework, talk or pay bills all while making meals.

3. Traditional Design
While “midcentury modern design is thriving” and will continue to do so in 2014, more homeowners are looking at traditional home styles. For example, Craftsman homes with large porches, front columns and detailed gables will make a comeback in 2014. Queen Anne-style homes with asymmetrical facades and detailed gables may also see a resurgence. However, attention to detail will be important as homeowners look for exact replicas of the original styles.

4. Passive Homes
More U.S.-based architects are expected to include passive-house elements in their 2014 designs. Originally a European design, a passive house is built to work with the climate. For example, its roof may be pitched to make use of wind power, or it could have large windows installed to attract sunlight that heats the home. A passive-house design can slash energy consumption by up to 90 percent, according to Passive House Institute U.S.

5. Flex Rooms
Between the recession and the growing number of senior citizens in the United States, more households are becoming multigenerational. That change is leading to a developing trend in home building flex rooms. Typically bedrooms, flex rooms are designed to give more privacy to larger families and usually include a separate space such as a reading area or study off the main bedroom area. These rooms may also be built with a change in mind. Many flex spaces include a private entrance, which could later become a rental unit.

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10 Hottest Fresh Architecture Trends in 2014

1.  Passive Homes

One of the most prevalent trends in the architectural world today is the shift towards a reduction in the consumption of energy; a reduction in carbon emissions, a focus on green principles. The passive home deals with this entire issue of wasted energy and carbon emissions, and it’s because of this solution which PassivHaus provides which has made them the center of focus and architectural design thus far in 2014.

As mentioned in one of our other articles, ‘Passive Houses: 13 Reasons Why the Future Will Be Dominated by this New Pioneering Trend‘, we show how a passive home can save up to 90% in heating costs.  As a large chunk of the world’s energy consumption is gobbled up by the home, if only this trend became accessible to every single person, the positive impact on the world would be significant.

We envisage, as the economic woes of the world start to lift, more and more governments will begin to offer PassivHaus grants and funding.  If this happens: This’ll be a trend which will have a very real impact in changing the world and our children’s future for the better.

Passive homes will be a strong trend in 2014; but mark our words that this trend will continue to swell year on year for the foreseeable future.

2.  Designing for Relaxation

It has been said that the living of today are exposed to more information in one day (content of the New York Times) than an average person in the 17th century is exposed to in their entire lifetime.  One could argue that the type of information a person of the 17th century was exposed to is of a different kind of information in which most of us today would be blind to; but let’s focus in on the principle of information overload.

The fact is that most people don’t know how to organize and process the sheer volumes of information they face everyday; what’s important and what isn’t; etc.  It’s for this very reason more and more people are turning an area of their home into a place of retreat; a place to relax and unwind.  The most popular choice in 2014 is the home spa; a place where one can escape to and unwind.  

The home spa industry is growing at a healthy rate.  In quarter four of 2013, it grew by 10% compared to the same quarter the previous year. The home spa industry is healthy and will continue to be a favorite in architectural design in 2014.

Further evidence of this trend can be demonstrated through new builds in the United States.  Over 50% of new builds are now equipped with a whirlpool bath.

3.  Flex Rooms

What are flex rooms?  Flex rooms are rooms or areas in the house which have a range of uses, or could be changed at some point during the year.  It’s usually a place in the house which is used for more than one purpose, for example an entrance hall also being used as a dining room.

Why is this a popular trend and why will it be strong in 2014?  The strength behind this trend can find its strength in three main factors; baby boomers, income and versatility.

Let’s start with baby boomers.  Architects are now designing homes to accommodate the growing elderly population who are opting to stay with family.  These houses have to be well organized, usually segregated from the rest of the house in some way in a self contained unit.  This allows for separation between the family (sanity preservation) and it also allows the living space to be rented out if need be.

Secondly, income.  As disposable income has dropped significantly and pensions lost in the crash of 2008, retirees have been forced to move in with their families as they simply can’t afford to live by themselves, or pay for a retirement home.

Thirdly, versatility.  Options are empowering and give the homeowner choices.  Flex rooms enable maximum usage with the space given; maximum usage output per square foot of living space – It also allows for change of use if so required.

 4.  Prefabricated Buildings

With the development of manufacturing technology, investment into the whole area of prefabrication (especially in China) has helped move this trend into significance.  Don’t just think homes either, this trend stretches far and wide, encompassing hotels, office buildings, sheds and end of garden builds.

The main draw of this trend are the monetary savings in which it offers.  The repetitive manufacturing process means savings in raw materials and saving in manpower.  Entire walls and furnished floor space are pre-made in a factory, which are then delivered direct to the plot, ready to be assembled in some giant Meccano like structure.

Project management is easier, build time is less, work force required is reduced; all money saving factors and all reasons why this is a growing trend which’ll continue to develop in 2014.

I think one of the most powerful visual examples of the power of prefabrication can be seen in this video where a 30 story building is built in 15 days.

5.  Health Conscious Designs

The materials which are used in building, decorating and furnishing the home are an issue which is being addressed by architects and designers.

Paints, upholstery, insulation, wood stain and other synthetic materials used in the home which cause hypoallergenic reactions and possible serious health problems are being replaced with those which don’t have such negative side effects.

Alternatives to these potentially unhealthy materials are always available, it’s just a matter of sourcing them at a price which clients are willing to pay.  It may be a matter of selling the potentially significant health benefits of these materials to help overcome the potential cost increase; the winning strategy to win their approval.  It’s just like the concept: If you have never had a heart attack, eat and live as though you have had one, to prevent (or at least reduce the risk) that problem from occurring.

In the same vein, architects are looking to cut down on the hypoallergenic and prospective carcinogenic materials, a trend which we’ll see in 2014.

6.  Kitchens: Hub of the Home

This is one which we particularly like; the kitchen being the focal point of the home.  No longer will the kitchen be that room which is built in the dark recesses of the house – Now it’s being elevated to center stage.  The kitchen is set to be the room in the house which is being used for more than just cooking.  We are seeing it being used as a place to think, study and work in addition to whole range of other multitasking uses.

It’s a similar dynamic to the flex home, but more specific.  Having the kitchen as the hive of activity within the house is great for bringing the family together and strengthening relationships.  It’s the trend for 2014 which should continue for years to come.

7.  Inventive Storage Capacity

You might have noticed while driving around the massive, often bold colored storage locker buildings; they’re everywhere.  It seems like this trend has grown like an out-of-control garden over the past 10 years, but there is a fundamental reason for it.  People have acquired so much ‘stuff’ they don’t know what to do with it, so much so that they are paying monthly payments to store their junk precious items in storage.

Without tackling the underlying problems that would be the job of psychiatry professionals; architects realize the need and are catering for it.  More storage space is obviously needed in the home, and they are designing varied solutions with style & finesse.  Clutter around the house can be unsightly, and in a world of design where less is more, clutter needs to be dealt with; even if it’s merely storing it.

Again, based on need, this trend is a growth trend which’ll be popular in 2014.

8.  Reusing Existing Buildings

Some of the best designs in 2014 won’t necessarily be newly built buildings on the cutting edge of architectural genius, but rather using the existing shells of buildings to build around.  Buildings which have a rustic industrial aura, church buildings, factories and buildings with historical character are all existing buildings or derelict shells have character features which are difficult to recreate in modern design.  It’s a wonderful endeavor that helps to save historical beauty, which is why we’re glad this is a growing trend in 2014.

9.  Utilizing the Outdoors

Where the outdoors was once a place exclusively for the garden or yard, it is now being used for outdoor rooms.  The advance of outdoor eco-friendly materials has enabled architects to become more creative with the use of outdoor areas.  Space is a valuable commodity, so it makes logical sense that this trend is growing; especially as population growth increases whilst house prices remain staunch.  The trend will be especially popular in areas where the weather is kind, but even in places such as the U.K. you’ll find brave and creative architects making it work.

10.  Disaster-Friendly Designs

It seems that nobody is safe from flooding, storms, fires and earthquakes these days.  Growing up in England I’ve always categorized these dangers as problems that other country’s have.Hurricanes: I think Florida.  Earthquakes I think Tektonic regions.  Floods I think of Tsunamis in tropical countries.  England this winter has experienced the worst flooding in 250 years, with flooded homes and damage costing an estimated $2 billion dollars.  Whatever the cause for the erratic conditions we are facing as a human race; it’s reach is far and wide, and it’s an issue for geographical areas which previously weren’t affected – These areas are now investing into solutions to protect against such natural disasters.

As such, architects are now future proofing their designs for natural disasters such as flooding, storms and the likes.  This is a trend which has been forced upon us by need, and it’s an important one for coming decade.