2016 Residential Style Trends

2016 has brought with it an abundance of residential style trends. From better-built homes, to bringing the outdoors in, these trends are sure to bring inspiration to your own home.

1. More resilient, sustainable homes

Homes are being built to better withstand natural disasters. The Insurance institute for Business and Home Safety’s FORTIFIED Home program created engineering and building standards developed for anyone seeking a more resilient building structure. This development was based off research from more than 20 years of storm damage investigations. So, how will this impact real estate? Increased durability means more homes will be saved, cost to rebuild will be less and insurance premiums will be lowered.

2. Reclaimed wood floors

Flooring is one of the top selling points of a home. With green building and remodeling being a current trend, for flooring, reclaimed wood is all the rage. Reclaimed wood is simply wood with a past life used for a new purpose. Reclaimed wood wears well, adds unique character, environment friendly and is very durable.

3. Tiny Houses

Tiny houses are a social movement where people are choosing to downsize the space they live in. Tiny houses are typically between 100 and 400 square feet and enable simpler living in a smaller, more efficient space. So many people are hopping on this bandwagon for reasons including environmental interests, financial concerns and the desire for more time and freedom.

4. Copper chic surges

Copper adds a nice sheen, sparkle and vintage glamor to a home. but most importantly, copper reduces 99.9% of bacteria in between routine cleanings. Copper will become more prevalent in homes as concern grows about buying healthy homes without mold, toxins or bacteria. Copper appliances are becoming available and throughout homes buyers can add copper appliances, sinks, door handles, light switches and the list goes on.

5. Indoor-outdoor convergence

Screened porches use to be the ideal way to bring the outdoors, now, floor to ceiling retractable glass walls and screens allow for better views of the outdoors, greater enjoyment, and easier access between indoors and outdoors.  Indoor-outdoor convergence blurs the line between two living areas and rooms can now blend into the outdoors without worrying about a solid distinction.

6. Kitchen takes center stage – “Back Kitchens”

Everything happens in the kitchen, it’s the central hub of a home. Now, home designs are featuring bigger kitchens, with less emphasis on a dining room space and more on seating being included as part of the kitchen. More is being put into a kitchen to keep the workspace neat, many kitchens with a bigger budget feature a “back kitchen,” where preparations take place and small appliances are stored.

What trends are you incorporating into your home, or looking for in your dream home?!