Gone are the ultra-modern designs, and natural is back. Quality, certainly, but never ornate or fussy. We’ve put together some examples of the latest approaches to kitchen and bath design.
- White Cabinets – Classic white never goes out of favor. The Lazio floor plan at our Lakewood Ranch community in Sarasota, Florida is a great example of how white cabinets give a kitchen a clean, light feel.
- Quartz Counters – These counter surfaces have a lot going for them, beyond simply being attractive. Durable and low-maintenance, quartz counters come in a variety of colors in both polished and matte finishes. And here’s a bonus: quartz counters contain an antimicrobial agent.
- LED Lighting – Energy and budget savings are very big these days, and LED lighting fits both bills. Often used for under-cabinet as well as standard lighting, LED bulbs use less electricity, last longer than other lighting and are cool to the touch when turned on.
- Electronic Faucets – Touch-activated and hands-free faucets have found their way into today’s homes. Sure, the technology is fun, but it also helps keep germs in check.
- Transitional Style – Here’s an example from our Sterling II floor plan at Silverleaf in Colorado of why a blend of traditional and contemporary has become so popular. Note the use of muted color, patterned window treatments, sexy bathtub design and sleek faucets.
- Social Media Inspiration – Social collaboration sites like Pinterest and Houzz are great for finding design style inspiration. These kinds of tools help you pinpoint the colors and styles you prefer. It’s also fun to see what other people are doing with their home interiors.
- Flexible Spaces – Today’s kitchen, like this beautiful design from our Lancashire floor plan at Terrain in Castle Rock, Colorado, is open and inviting, an extension of the great room. It’s a place to gather and enjoy entertainment, so kitchen islands are becoming standard. This flex area is ideal for sharing food while socializing.
- Kitchen Technology – The communal kitchen/great room space has morphed into an internet café with built-in WIFI. Appliances are computerized and convenient outlets make it easy to recharge cell phones and plug in laptops.
- Eco-friendly – Interior design in general is trending green. Kitchens and bathrooms follow suit, with energy-saving features added without sacrificing style and functionality. In the bathroom, for instance, you’ll find attractive showers that save water and low-flow toilets.
- At-home Spa – At the end of a long day, homeowners want to escape into peaceful luxury. Master baths are more spa-like than ever before, with mood lighting, built-in music systems, steam showers, larger showers with multiple showerheads, and over-sized whirlpool bathtubs for long, languid soaks.
Figure 1- Here’s an at-home spa example from our Vista Del Mar community
in Carlsbad, CA
As you consider a remodel or the purchase of a new home, keep these kinds of upgrades in mind.
