Home builders can tap into current design trends to enhance the appeal of their model homes, which will naturally result in increased sales. Each year new colours and finishes come into vogue and builders that stay abreast of what’s “in” can reap handsome benefits.
There is no such thing as just “beige”. As a colour, NEUTRAL has never been out, it’s just been added to. Whether taupe, mushroom, linen, bisque, cappuccino or parchment, grey is the new shade on the block. A monochromatic backdrop can be accessorized with one of the season’s hottest new colours - coral. Coral-coloured dishes, lamp bases and vases can all add up to an exciting colour mix. Window coverings the same colour as your walls, simple fabric panels with grommets are so “Now” and add a whole new layer of texture and warmth.
SATURATED COLOURS - For those brave souls that never saw a colour they were afraid of, block walls in different hues that share that same intensity for a totally funky look. Always remember that it’s just paint. You can augment neutral furniture by adding accessories in the newest, trendiest colours or painting your walls a daring colour. No amount of white is going to make a small room look any bigger.
TRANSITIONAL GLAMOUR - This style takes some of the classic pieces of furniture popular yesteryear and tweaks them to appeal to a younger, more contemporary crowd. Your grandmother’s silver may be as old as your grandmother, but displayed with crystal & glass on a mirrored tray, it takes on a timeless glamour.
OUTDOOR STYLES - For vacation or timeshare properties Ralph Lauren’s style of aged leather, studded upholstery and mixed plaids evokes shades of the hunting lodge. Mix & match fabrics for sofa, distressed painted furniture and rattan pieces will make a cottage look as if it had been passed down from generation to generation. Slate, flagstone and wide plank pioneered hardwood flooring will add a masculine feel! Accents of twigs & antlers will enhance the overall appeal of a nature lover’s home.
WALLPAPER - It’s hot again! Whether covering just one wall or enveloping a small room, the variety of contemporary wallpapers available are as endless as they are awesome. Polka Dots, Patterns, Horizontal Stripes & Grasscloth Weaves for your trendiest palettes are abundant in books distributed by Ontario Wall coverings.
EURO CHIC - Many kitchen manufacturers are showing sleek minimalist cabinets that read as furniture in condos or open concept great rooms. Don’t be afraid of colour, but neutral will never disappoint. In addition, the hot new trend in kitchen flooring is hardwood. Finishing a kitchen in this style will add great appeal to your model suite. Other “hot” items in high demand are heated towel racks in the bath and warming drawers in the kitchen. Honed counter tops & concrete counters are another fabulous upgrade to offer your home buyers.
Gabrielle Eckhardt is an interior designer specializing in the creation of market specific model homes. She works with numerous homes and condominium builders accross Ontario.
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