When it comes to home design trends, your clients may have some thoughts of their own, but they’re likely going to lean on your expertise as the industry expert in their lives. Here are five of the most popular home design trends for 2023 that your customers might want to consider incorporating into their home.
Colour your world
White walls, trim and so on will always be popular for interiors, in large part because they make a space feel larger than it is. But all-white everything is, frankly, pretty boring. Which is why many people are adding splashes of colour to liven things up. A popular option is a feature wall with a section painted in a bright, contrasting colour, covered with a classic wallpaper, exposing original brick or adorned with stone veneer.
Consider a curveball
Those white walls are usually built with starkly linear lines. A growing trend is to soften a boxy interior with curves. A skilled drywaller or plasterer can build in curved walls lining a stairway or an arched doorway. Another option is to install curved wooden panels as a room divider or install undulating, eye-catching pantries or built-ins.
Aging in place
Let’s face it, we’re all getting older. In fact, nearly one in five Canadians are 65 or older. Increasingly, builders and homeowners are planning ahead with options to make it easier for people to “age in place” whatever mobility in the future. The number one feature to include is a curbless shower so users of all ages and abilities can enter without risking a fall. A handheld showerhead and built-in bench make it easier to stay hygienic even on your own.
Bring the outdoors in
Throughout the year, Canada’s climate can make it challenging to enjoy the outdoors. And so, homeowners are increasingly adding rooms that can be easily opened or closed to the elements.
The design starts with a large roof overhang. These can then be partially walled in with insect screens to keep the bugs out, or three- or four-season plastic or glass enclosures with doors to the outside. Patio heaters and outdoor fireplaces make it easy to enjoy the space in the shoulder seasons.
Sustainable solutions
Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint – or at least the cost of their utility bills. The current gold standard, of course, is net-zero construction where the building produces at least as much energy as it consumes. The building envelope is a key area to focus on when designing energy efficient homes. Masonry is the most energy efficient choice to use on a home’s exterior and all Shouldice Stone products are LEED certified. Plus, masonry is also the most durable option, meaning owners won’t worry about ongoing maintenance or replacing the material just a few years down the road.
Shouldice Stone has a range of options for any home design, from Shale Stone and Estate Stone for a traditional design to Urban Brick Smooth or Norman Brick Smooth for more contemporary looks.
See more ways you can incorporate masonry into your next project in our galleries.