7 Design Ideas for Your New Custom Home

Is 2020 the year you’ll build the home of your dreams? Maybe you’re just toying with ideas, or adding to your “someday” board on Pinterest. No matter which stage of the custom home buying process you’re in (or even if you’re thinking of renovations or changes to your current home), we can help you understand which ideas are worth exploring and which trends are on a downward trajectory. There are certain ideas that are currently popular, and our clients ask for them again and again. Without further ado, here are 7 design ideas for your consideration.

Black windows – Black windows with a white interior and exterior are commonly asked for right now. They tend to enhance the view and are a great option for many homes. However, they’re not right for every house so it’s important to ask your architect if the plans you’ve come up with accommodate black windows.
Open concept – No surprise here! More functional living space continues to be a need for most families. Watch any home improvement show and you’ll hear the term “open concept” several times. Most new builds are created with open concept living areas, and many older homes are remodeled to create open spacing.
Open shelving – Once used only in cottages or boho design themes, open shelving is giving cabinetry a run for its money. Many farmhouse style homes are leveraging open shelving to display their dinnerware. This certainly isn’t an idea for everyone (for example, if you’re naturally unorganized and won’t sort plates by color) but you can expect to see more open shelving in homes throughout the coming decade.
Vinyl plank flooring – This flooring option is extremely versatile, low maintenance, and doesn’t swell or shrink with humidity. It is quite sustainable, has a long shelf-life, and looks like natural wood. There are a lot of choices to pick from, and there’s almost definitely one that’s right for your flooring needs. Learn more about vinyl plank flooring in our previous blog post “It’s Basic, But a Big Deal: Flooring Options for Your New Home”.
Contemporary bathrooms – As some trends skew toward more traditional, requests for modern and streamlined bathrooms have increased. Features like glass doors on the shower, large floor tiles, rain-head showerheads, and free-standing tubs (if space allows) have all increased in popularity. Bathrooms using a clean and light aesthetic continue to catch the eye of new home builders.
Kitchen islands with waterfall edges – A waterfall countertop is easily recognizable by the fact that it drops vertically down the sides instead of stopping abruptly at the edge of a cabinet or island. This is a higher-end option, and the appeal of more countertop material comes at a price.
Non-white kitchens – Contrary to the all-white trend that was everywhere in kitchen design for the past decade, more colorful options are starting to be displayed. Consider more natural and wood cabinets, contrasting painted islands, and unique shelving.

If you’re considering building a custom home, or renovating your current one, the world is your oyster! Don’t be afraid to share these or any ideas you might have with your architect or contractor. If you need advice on which ideas to explore and which to avoid, let us know!