If you’re planning on building the home of your dreams this year, here are four trends you should be aware of, so your style is fashion forward.
It’s all about contrast
One of the biggest trends in recent years that is continuing into 2023 is to use high-contrast materials for eye-catching exteriors. One popular option is to pair light coloured or white masonry with dark elements used for other exterior features, such as the roofing, doors and window frames. Another variation is to use two different colours of masonry on the same home, such as a predominantly light shade with dark accent pieces. A third example is to use a mix of masonry and wood for the exterior.
Durable, low-maintenance materials
We all live busy lives, so it makes sense to use materials for your home that require the least amount of ongoing maintenance. Many Canadian homeowners have learned the hard way that some roofing materials just won’t stand up to our harsh climate for the long-term. Whether you’re building new or in the market for a new roof, you should consider a metal roof. They’re available in a range of colours and profiles that mimic the look of shingles and shakes to slate and tile. Some manufacturers offer warranties up to 50 years.
For your deck, consider a composite material instead of wood. Unless you choose pressure-treated lumber, a wooden deck will need to be repainted or re-stained every few years. Composite decking retains its colour, will not rot or splinter and will give you decades of outdoor living without any headaches.
Masonry, of course, is the durable option for exterior finishing and requires little to no maintenance over the lifetime of your home. Masonry walls can stand for centuries with only an occasional power wash and some tuck pointing to replace gaps in the mortar to keep them looking as good as new.
Living inside out
As we come out of another winter that forced us to hibernate indoors for most of the past few months, we’re ready to spend as much time outside as we can. Trendy home designs try to capitalize on bringing the outdoors inside as much as possible. With large roof overhangs, it’s easy to add an enclosed three- or four-season outdoor room that keeps both the bugs and the cold at bay. Add patio heaters or an outdoor fireplace to the design and you’ll be able to enjoy the space well into the shoulder seasons.
Sustainability built in
We all want to do our part to help fight climate change. Building a new home gives you the opportunity to be as sustainable as your budget will allow. Current best practices are to build a net zero home. These produce at least as much energy as they consume. Going net zero is achieved by building a home that has a sealed building envelope, high-efficiency windows and doors and state-of-the-art HVAC equipment, all connected to a renewable energy system. Usually, that means solar panels. But wind turbines and geothermal heating and cooling systems can also be used.
Even if you don’t go the full net-zero route, talk to your builder about what sort of sustainability measures you can incorporate into your project. You should also research which grants and rebates are available in your region for taking steps to lower your home’s carbon footprint. Shouldice Stone is the timeless choice that never goes out of style.
Learn more about Shouldice Stone’s commitment to sustainability, including recycling water and repurposing waste material, in the latest edition of Stone Trends magazine. And find the dealer closest to you who carries Shouldice Stone products when you’re ready to break ground on your dream home.
