China Housing and travelling

Archive for the ‘Modernize Your Home’ Category

Modern design, with tidy lines & a lovely connection to the outside, will be the leading housing trend for the next few years. In response to a more complex world, homebuyers respond to spaces that are simple, light, & soothing. They watch home makeovers on tv, get décor catalogs in the mail, & have a wealth of online resources. Homebuyers today are aware of current design trends, & they love the tidy lines of modern homes.

Simplify & De-clutter

A minimalist interior is the first step toward the modern style that today’s buyers love. Smaller spaces can be overwhelmed with stuff. Fewer things are not as hard to display & keep the focus on the architecture. Mid century modern furniture, with tidy lines & functional design, is popular. It is a perfect combination with a light, open interior. Sparse décor, hard surface floors, white walls, & lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look.

Space for Living & Working

New Countertops

The downturn in the economy & the trend toward green living has led to more efficient use of space in homes. There is an interest in livability, than showiness. Bathrooms are smaller & more sensible, but closets are still generous. Formal living, media, or exercise rooms that are unconnected to other core areas tend to not be used. These spaces may be converted to studies or home offices. Buyers who work on line are growing in number, & they require work space at home.In the recent past, to upgrade a house was to “granitize” it. Today, granite is moving aside in favor of new choices. Recycled glass & engineered stones are growing in popularity, in line with the green trend. Soapstone, long used in labs, is in demand. The organic look of limestone, concrete, & marble have a following. Stainless steel is a lovely fit with modern styles.

Retro Is Back

Updated mid-century modern homes are much in demand. Geometric patterns & gigantic flower designs from the 1950’s & 60’s are in. Marimekko, Danish modern, IKEA, Eames, & early modern furniture are a perfect fit with today’s styles. Older traditional homes can be updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, & exposed windows. Open shelving in kitchens are a lovely fit. Today’s flat screens fit in easily, & the trend is to have more of them in places like kitchens or baths. Modern design with a retro feel will be the leading edge in the next five years.