Austin Home Design 2010

Led by the green movement, modern design with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors will be the strongest housing trend in Austin for 2010. Buyers today are well aware of housing design styles as they happen in real time. They watch home makeovers on television, receive décor catalogs in the mail, and browse through home magazines in line at the grocery store. They simply open their laptops to experience the latest, most creative ideas. Homebuyers today want their homes to express themselves and their interests.

Less Is More

The interest in green living, combined with the economic slowdown has led to a more efficient use of space in homes. Smaller homes with clean lines, open floor plan, and less stuff appeal today’s buyers. They are interested in livability, rather than showiness; personality, rather than pretention. Vaulted ceilings are out. Large media rooms and formal living rooms not connected to core areas are out. They are being re-invented as studies or home offices. A growing number of buyers work from home. Old garage apartments are finding new life as office space.

Hard Surface Floors

The green movement and modern design have both contributed to the use of hard surface floors. Carpets hold dust mites, dirt, and allergens. Bamboo, which grows a foot per day, is an attractive and sustainable choice. Other popular floors include concrete, stone, cork, natural linoleum, and rubber. Ceramic tile continues to be a good fit in baths and kitchens.

Mid Century Modern

Younger buyers are breathing new life into their grandparents’ mid-century modern homes. Geometric patterns and big flower prints from the 1950’s and 60’s are back in style. Vintage wallpaper on an accent wall is a great find. Marimekko, Danish modern, IKEA, Eames, and modern American furniture are a perfect fit with today’s styles. Sparse décor, hard surface floors, white walls, and extensive glass areas create a clean, simple look. Complexity is out, simplicity is in.

Eclectic Combinations

Traditional homes are being updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, and exposed windows. And, as the same time, modern style homes benefit from vintage or rustic touches. Open shelving in kitchens and baths are in. Stainless steel appliances are still a good fit. Bathrooms are smaller, but closets are still generous. Today’s flat screens fit in easily, and the trend is to have them in places like kitchens or baths. Modern design with a retro feel will be the leading edge in the next five years.

Move Over Granite

In the recent past, to upgrade a house was to “granitize” it. Today’s buyers want new choices. Recycled glass is a green inspired choice. Engineered stones, such as Cesarstone and Silestone, are growing in popularity. Soapstone, long used in labs, is in demand. The organic look of limestone, concrete, and marble have a following. Stainless steel is a good fit with modern styles.

Turquoise Is Back

Pantone, a color authority, has declared turquoise to be the color of the year for 2010.

Here is what’s out: Heavy faux; red and gold; thick wall texture. White and off whites are in. Pastels are in. Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated look. Deep colors such as turquoise, chocolate brown, and plum are used in moderation.  A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in. On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used.

Outside is In

Buyers today want more connection to the outdoors. This is expressed in several ways. Glass doors that open the whole room to a patio are exciting. Screened porches have made a big comeback. On small urban lots, large glass areas may open to a private courtyard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all favored by today’s buyers.