When building a custom home, you want a design that not only suits your tastes but stands out with creative flair. The latest trends in home design can spark inspiration as you plan the architecture, layout and aesthetics of your new construction home. At Hardwick General Contracting, we build custom homes across Central Florida and stay on top of emerging and timeless trends. In this blog, we’ll explore some of our favorite design elements that will help turn your vision into a dream home reality.

Indoor/Outdoor Living Spaces

One of today’s biggest trends is blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living areas. Homeowners want to connect with and enjoy nature from their residences. Walls of sliding glass doors that open to backyard patios achieve this, along with outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. Building a covered patio or pergola extends living space into the yard. The majority of our custom homes are on the water, and we want to maximize that experience.  If your lot has views of lakefront, sunsets, natural preserves, or woodlands, we strive to position the home to maximize those scenic overlooks. Even in urban settings, balconies and rooftop decks incorporate outdoor access. Let the outdoors in by adding living walls, plants, and water features indoors, too. 

Creating Multifunctional Spaces

Another key trend is maximizing home functionality with adaptable, multifunctional spaces. For example, keeping the front entry spacious allows it to moonlight as a sitting area or home office. Choose movable room dividers over permanent walls to modify room layouts when needed. Alcoves designed as reading nooks can also serve as play areas for kids or guest sleeping corners. Built-in furniture like banquettes, window seats and Murphy beds efficiently utilize unused space. A basement rec room easily transforms into a home theater. Consider how each area in your new home could serve multiple purposes.

Sophisticated Neutral Palettes 

While bold colors come in and out of fashion, an elegant, neutral color scheme has lasting appeal. Shades of white, beige, gray and brown paired with natural wood and stone materials create a sophisticated backdrop. Touches of black for accents and fixtures along with metallics add interest while allowing the home’s architecture to shine. Neutrals make rooms feel light and expansive, especially smaller spaces. They also provide flexibility to switch up accent colors over time through new furniture, paint and decor. It’s easy to achieve different looks from coastal to contemporary with a neutral foundation.

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living

Open floor plans connect kitchens, dining and living areas for relaxed entertaining flow. Spacious great rooms combine kitchen, dining and family room functions. Built-in banquettes and bar areas support casual gatherings. Large center islands with counter seating double as casual dining space. Extend the living area outdoors with ample patio or deck space and an outdoor kitchen. Seamlessly moving between indoor and outdoor areas makes for effortless hosting.

Personalized Storage Solutions 

No two families’ storage needs are exactly alike, so custom built-ins and closets allow personalized organization. Walk-in closets with customizable storage systems prevent clutter. Built-in cabinetry sized to fit your collections and hobbies reduces visual clutter. Kitchen pantries with adjustable shelves accommodate your grocery storage style. Mudrooms with storage cubbies simplify organization coming and going. Home offices with customized bookcases and file drawers fit work needs. Think through your family’s storage needs and incorporate custom elements to fulfill them.

Design a Home Perfectly Tailored to You

These trending design features offer inspiration as you envision your dream home. At Hardwick General Contracting, we excel at turning personalized visions into reality. Our team has the expertise to incorporate trendy touches while building a home ideal for your lifestyle. Want to start creating your custom design? Call our office today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to constructing your dream home!