By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
Homes near public transit, employment centers, and retail and entertainment complexes continue to increase in demand, according to the latest Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey report, which focused on community and neighborhood design. AIA conducts a quarterly survey, based on more than 500 architecture firms, that reports housing trends for the residential sector.
“There has been a resurgence in urban living in general, but economic realities like high foreclosure rates, increased commuting time and costs, and a renewed interest in affordability are key drivers in altering the residential real estate landscape,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a public statement about the study findings.
Compared to 2009 findings, the following community and neighborhood design features increased in demand in the third quarter of 2010:
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
So what does 2011 hold for home decor? Expect lots of 2011 forecasts in the coming weeks. Here are highlights from a recent article in which design experts chime in what they expect to see popular in home design in the New Year.
1. Old is ‘New’
Vintage is to be hot in 2011. Period pieces that are repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from the 1950s, ‘60s, or ’70s will get new life again. For example, one design expert predicts more furniture styles inspired from the ‘50s and ‘60s with round tapered legs, geometric accents and seating with curved backs.
2. Bold colors
Aqua and green colors will continue to reign in the New Year. Subdued hues such as sage green, barn red, and mocha brown are also expected to increase in popularity. Continue reading »
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the growth of the “man cave” in homes, that place of refuge for men to retreat to often outfitted with comfy chairs, a big screen TV and a mini fridge. But now the mom’s are wanting their special space too: Welcome the Mom Cave.
I recently stumbled upon this article, “Mom Caves are Latest Interior Design Trend” by Kelly Roncace, that detailed this new fad.
Unlike the masculine design of the “man cave,” moms want a peaceful place to unwind, often with soft hues, relaxing music, and an overall stylish decor to create their special retreat.
But with men taking the garage or basement as their place of refuge, where are the moms to go for their own place in a home?
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
Photo Credit: InSpire Roofing by The Tapco Group
Well, that’s not your standard piece of slate on the roofs at Craig Ranch, a mixed-use, French-influenced styled development in McKinney, Texas.
Sheldon Robinson Custom Homes, based in Frisco, Texas, is taking roofs beyond the standard grays, blacks and browns and going multi-colored and bolder — such as with reds and greens — to enhance the overall look of a property. Could this be the beginning of a new trend where the roof becomes almost like artwork in home building design?
The builder even used up to 8 different colors on one home’s roof that boasts Red Clay, Chestnut Brown, Stone Black, among others in spicing up the exterior. Sheldon Robinson Homes partnered with InSpire Roofing Products, a company that says it offers the largest selection of slate materials in the industry — up to 25 colors, including plums, reds, greens, grays, blacks and browns as well as blended colors, such as red/black or plum/green.
But why the multi-color statement on the roofs?
Sellers tired of hearing buyers complain their otherwise perfect home is storage challenged? Help them unearth new storage by sharing the free article “Window Seat Options for Storage Solutions” from the REALTOR® Content Resource.
At the REALTOR® Content Resource, you can share consumer articles directly to Facebook, Twitter, and email. You can also add them to your blog, website, or e-newsletter, or even print them as handouts with your branding. Want to share a different article? It’s easy to search the REALTOR® Content Resource. Continue reading »
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