Hot
- More Astroturf in back areas are a low-maintenance alternative.
- LED lighting is a smart choice for energy efficiency and longevity.
- Glass-front appliances (or black stainless steel) add a new and different twist on traditional stainless steel.
- Use navy or blue as a neutral in the interior color scheme.
- Natural pools blend into the landscape. Plus, they’re pretty.
- Brightly colored appliances add whimsy to the kitchen.
- Trim work is leaning more contemporary with straight, simple lines.
- Use your square footage. Reduced, smaller houses are a welcome trend.
- Gold door hardware and painted front doors welcome guests in style.
- Cars down under: Subterranean garages are hot.
- Elevated dog washes are a comfort—especially one that you don’t have to bend over to use.
- Bigger is better when it comes to sinks. Choose industrial, large-scale food prep sinks for the home chef.
- Get smart: It enhances the home experience.
- Play with exotic tiles.
- Phantom screens for entertaining keep the outdoors out.
Not
- Carpet has seen better days. Instead, spend your budget on beautiful rugs.
- Move over gray—color is back.
- Opt for fewer muntin bars on glass and try wood windows or less traditional mulls or muntins.
- Subway tile for kitchen backsplashes are still stylish, but don’t be afraid to play with grout contrasts.
- Hold the brush: Keep the paint away from the bricks.
- Oversized master bathtubs are more for show than practical use.
- Stark white everything—from exterior to interior —is making way for richer hues, even in the kitchen.
- Chevron and geometric tiles date a home. Mix it up with artful patterns.
- The shower is starting to overload with body sprays. Try just one or two.
- Matte is back. Ebony-stained hardwood floors have had their day, but matte black floors are a fresh selection.
- Barn doors were a bold alternative to a pocket door, but now consider “invisible” paneled doors that disappear into the wall. Voilà!
- Yes, you should spend your money on bold lighting, but too many pendants overwhelm a space. Try simple lighting and subtle sconces in lieu of pendants.
We asked our builders for five trends they want to disappear. (We struck a cord!)
“1. Builders painting brick 2. Brick that builders are painting 3. Paint being used on brick 4. Brick covered with paint 5. Masonry material commonly called brick hidden with a material called paint!” – Paul Pastore, Waterside Properties
