It’s been a while since we posted about the latest trends, so we thought we’d give you an update on what’s big this year. A contemporary look — meaning smooth lines, clean design, open rooms, and efficient use of space — has been popular the last few years nationwide and we’ve noticed a growing trend in the Midwest. Some have fully committed to the look, while others have added a homier and arguably more midwestern touch. For example, some people are opting for a modernized farmhouse look or else integrated statement pieces like a rough-hewn barn door. Leave it to the Midwest to do it best.
What’s great about custom designing your own home is that you don’t have to commit fully to one style or design — you get to make it something that reflects your personality and your needs. Whether you’re looking to design a fully contemporary home or just looking to spruce up some features, here are some trends from 2019 to inspire your next home project.
Modernize Your Kitchen with Standout Pieces
Standout Sinks
Notice how the sink draws the eye by standing out from the shelving.
Standout sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, pay homage to the past. Back in the day, these sinks were designed for heavy use and thus were designed to be comfortable and functional. They live just a tad under the surrounding counters, making it easy to brush things into the sink, and jut out ever so slightly, offering a side view. Standout sinks tend to run deep so if you need to wash the grill after hosting a BBQ or wash large pots after a dinner, you’ll have plenty of space to work with. Standout sinks are clearly utile, but they can be beautiful pieces to have in a home, especially when paired with a tradition-style tap.
Open Shelving
Why not show off that great casserole dish?
A lot of people have been downsizing on items that don’t “spark joy” for them thanks to Marie Kondo. This year, cabinet doors just aren’t sparking joy for a lot of people. Open shelving allows people to see everything they have, putting that fancy coffee maker you got front and center so you remember to use it. It’s also an excellent way to show decorative dishes, collected bowls, and generally prevent hitting your head on doors left open. If you love the idea but still want somewhere to hide the extra, less decorative dishes, consider doing a mixed open shelf concept, with one section open and others still safely hidden behind doors.
White Cabinets
Clean white cabinets allow the eye to focus on other features, like a beautiful backsplash.
Dark colors had their time in the sun, but consider them bleached now. White is back in, and other light colors generally. In line with the interest of inviting in natural light, white cabinets make a space look more open, clean, and generally bright. They also create a lot of options for you to decorate around them in whatever way you please (including adding some dark accents) because fortunately, white goes with everything.
Flush Away Crappy Bathroom Looks
Black is the New Black
The black trim on the window adds an extra degree on design here, without overwhelming the space.
Unlike in the kitchen, dark colors are in in the bathroom. Matte accents around lights, mirrors, and sinks can give your bathroom a sleek and modern feeling to them. If you aren’t prepared to commit fully to black, grey can add a great bit of color without being quite so bold as a deep black.
Efficient and Compact Storage
This is a popular feature of contemporary and modern designs and can be especially useful in the bathroom. Having proper storage that allows you to organize your personal care items, neatly tuck away towels, and hide extra toilet paper sets a calmer tone in the bathroom. Organizing your bathroom into a clean and ordered space lets you focus on pampering yourself, rather than starting and ending your day with a sense of feeling cluttered.
Designing a Lounge Space People Want to Be In
Open Spaces
This space offers seamless connection between the kitchen and the living room.
It looks like this is a trend that’s sticking around, and for good reasons. Opening up rooms creates a cleaner look, opens the house to more flow and connectivity, and allows more natural light into the space. Sliding doors are an easy and stylish way to offer some in-between as well, giving you the option to close off rooms should the need arise.
Ditch the Mudroom
These custom pillars create a halfway effect between a mudroom and an open entry.
Increasingly, people are skipping a mudroom and having an entry take people immediately into the home. It leaves the space more open for other option. If you want to skip the mudroom but still want a sense of separation, you can always consider adding a staple feature like these pillars from our partners at JT Unique.
Invite the Outdoors In
To see more photos from the Heck project, check out our gallery.
We’re not saying you have to have a deer at your dining table, but many people are making home-design more yard-inclusive. Backyard patios can be a great option for outdoor dinners in the summertime and pumpkin carving in the fall. For those who really want to live large, you might even consider building a pizza oven. You’ll have a fast way to make friends with your neighbors by inviting them over for make your own pizza night!
Are you thinking about adding on to your home? Here are a few things you should consider first.