Last week we highlighted some of the top home design trends as seen by the design experts within our award-winning Design Studios.
Want even more inspiration when it comes to design? Here are a few more noteworthy trends happening in the design world right now that you can get in on when you call a Traditions of America 55 and over community home.
An Eclectic Aesthetic
What is an “eclectic” style?
This term is often thrown around in the world of design, yet many are not aware of the actual components that make up an eclectic aesthetic. Essentially, an eclectic room mixes old and new, bringing a variety of periods and styles seamlessly together. So how exactly do you achieve this cosmopolitan look in your own home? HGTV dished on all the design details, from furniture to fabrics to finishes. Furnishing your room is all about interweaving different design styles. Traditional meets contemporary, rustic meets modern, whimsical meets industrial, and the pairings are endless. Bringing together an array of fabrics, whether textured or patterned, will help you cultivate an eclectic aesthetic. However, keep in mind that to avoid a room that is visually disconnected and overwhelming, it is key to keep a neutral color palette when it comes to the walls, ceilings, and floors. This will ensure your eclectic space is grounded and has a cohesive thread throughout the overall interplay of different styles. One simple way to cultivate this look is through art. Check out this article on creating a “gallery wall” in your space, and you will already be well on your way to achieving one of the top design trends this year in your very own home!
Lofts
Believe it or not, lofts are becoming increasingly popular with active adults. This may seem counter-intuitive at first, but let’s dive a little deeper and discover what this trend is all about. 55 Places explores this rising desire for second-floor space, citing that one of the main drivers behind this trend is functionality. Active adults want adequate room to accommodate visiting family and friends, which a loft is ideal for. In addition, a loft often functions as a space for active adults to pursue their favorite past-times and hobbies. Whether it be a music room, home office, entertainment center, or craft room, the function of a loft is extremely flexible to each individual homeowner’s unique desires and interests. Of course, the stairs will inherently be used much less than in a normal two-story home, as the master bedroom will be located on the first level. In this way, a loft is the best of both worlds: accessible, first floor living paired with the option of enjoying bonus space on a second floor. Say good-bye to running up and down the stairs, without sacrificing functionality and space.
What Living Room?
Once upon a time, each room of the house was distinctly divided and entirely separated by walls. This is now a thing of the past. In fact, these days it is almost more instructive to note if a home has a “closed” floor plan as opposed to an “open” one, as the former layout is becoming a significant minority. There’s a reason why open floor plans continue to rise in popularity- they reflect the way we live. Open floor plans afford heightened interaction with your friends and family, enabling an increase in flow between spaces in your home. You can be in the kitchen preparing a meal while still an active part of any conversation going on where your guests are relaxing. In addition, an open floor plan lends itself to more flexibility in how you will utilize your space, as well as giving your home a more spacious feel. Regardless of whether you are on board with this trend towards openness, or remain more comfortable with separated spaces, Traditions of America’s Interactive Floor Plan tool allows you unparalleled opportunity to customize and create the floor plan that is right for you. What is your favorite floorplan?
White-Out in the Kitchen
Football stadiums aren’t the only venues for white-outs. 
Channel some of the spirit from that Penn State game into your kitchen! That’s because one of the hottest kitchen trends of 2016 is designing all-white kitchens. This trend continues to soar in popularity. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, sixty-seven percent of members said that white is their top choice for cabinets, a 20% climb in the past two years. If that doesn’t sound popular enough, the National Association of Home Builders highlighted layering white on white as a Best in American Living Award. In addition to white cabinets, don’t be afraid to add in a white backsplash and countertop, you can’t go wrong! The Traditions of America design team is cued into this trend- look no further than our model homes.
Craftsman Craze
Everyone knows the old saying “history repeats itself” because it tends to be true, and this adage can be readily applied to the world of home design. One of the top trends in construction today is the “craftsman”, a style that has definitively been resurrected from the 1920s and is taking the world of home-building by storm. 
There are many reasons why buyers find themselves overcome by a craftsman craze, from the appealing use of natural materials like stone and wood to wide, tapered columns to charming gabled roofs. This style exudes a sense of authenticity and comfort while emphasizing simplistic yet eye-catching handiwork. If your idea of a DreamHome includes this trending exterior, you are in luck! Traditions of America offers a wide array of exteriors, including the craftsman, for you to not only choose from, but customize to meet and exceed your design preferences.
Statement Lighting
Ever want to make a simple space pop without a complete design over-haul? Look no further than your lights! Lighting selection is a quick and easy design choice that packs a major punch in any space when chosen correctly. To make a big impact through lighting, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, don’t be afraid to make a bold statement with an oversized fixture. This will create an eye-catching focal point and artfully ground your space, especially in a foyer or over a dining room table. Second, look to metallic hues like copper, bronze, and brass for a clean, refined style. Experiment with pendants to add interest and ambiance, or with chandeliers to infuse a sense of luxury and opulence. And don’t overlook sconces as a tasteful, understated way to illuminate any hallway in your home. Keep these lighting trends in mind when browsing our Design Center as you begin the process of designing your DreamHome, or as a current homeowner looking to easily transform any space.
While this two-part blog series features the top trends in luxury home building style and purchasing tastes today, each and every item on this list is easily accessible to any Traditions of America homeowner. We hope one or more of these trends will inspire you when it comes to the layout and design of your home. Oh- and don’t be afraid to dream big, because it is our job to make those dreams a reality.
By Molly McCarthy, Traditions of America Marketing
