Custom Home Design Trends for 2020
By Lynn Gastineau
President of Gastineau Log Homes, Inc.
Welcome to the March issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information.
For more information, check out our web site at www.oakloghome.com
The owners of this custom home in Michigan added exposed beam trusses on all dormers and gables and shake siding as accents.
Trivia Question:
In honor St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th: Kissing the Blarney Stone is believed to confer what?
If a house is to truly become a home, it should closely fit the personality and lifestyle of those who live within its walls. This is best accomplished by custom home and interior design. Heading into a new decade, let’s review the current standards and trends to see if any of them fit what you’re looking for in you custom home!
Elevated Smart Home and Automation Systems
On the surface, there may be nothing new or dramatic about a home with a smart thermostat or an app that controls a lighting system. For 2020, however, these systems are being elevated to a new level. The latest smart home and automation system trends include disappearing video and entertainment systems, powered windowed coverings, full-scale security and camera systems and voice controlled virtual assistants in every space. Millennial’s are moving into home ownership, and they are bringing their passion for digital comforts and devices with them.
These homeowners incorporated a mix of early iron styled fixtures, metal hangers, and exposed beams in their living room.
The Industrial Look
Popularized by re-purposed industrial buildings in urban areas, the industrial home aesthetic is making its way into single-family homes. This trend includes use of steel, aluminum, vintage hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and even exposed HVAC vents. In kitchens, hanging pots, pans and utensils and floating shelves as cabinets or see-through cabinetry is becoming popular. Even in living spaces where the industrial look is less dramatic, some homeowners are choosing larger industrial size kitchen appliances and cook tops.
Relax in your own oasis in this luxurious master bath. It is complete with a claw foot tub and a custom tile shower and double vanities.
Resort-Style, Spa-Type Master Baths
Home trends for 2020 include allocating space from elsewhere to deliver the resort style master bath homeowners crave. Jacuzzi and walk-in showers are just the start of creating a relaxing personal space that serves as a place to retreat, relax and rejuvenate. Adjustable LED lighting, natural stones and rocks, quality sound systems, waterfall faucets, a sauna, whirlpool and even a hammock can add to the enjoyment of the space. Some homeowners are rediscovering how glass block can increase the open feel of this space and are even choosing wall-less showers.
Multi-Purpose Spaces
Where homes once had designated spaces for “dining” or “living” or “sitting”, the current home trends are making more use of open, flex spaces that are versatile. These spaces are either shared or designated as an office, entertainment and/or group dining area. This allows for greater flexibility, especially when entertaining friends, family or business associates.
The open concept has been the primary design feature of log homes since the early 70’s. The rest of the housing industry is just now catching up!
Stool Seating and Bar Dining
While we’ve seen a decline in formal dining space in recent years, this space is being replaced for other purposes. Instead, more casual seating like stools and bar height dining areas have become increasing popular. These are often in-kitchen or in near-kitchen areas and serve as a space to grab that morning cup of coffee, informal dinner and to even serve as a bar for social occasions. Stools don’t need to be fancy, leather, or adjustable. Plain wooden stools will do the job. Again, versatility is key.
Eclectic Styles
Interior design trends are becoming extremely eclectic, where modern meets Americana and retro meets contemporary. Just about anything goes as long as the pieces are nice and are enjoyed by the homeowner. A contemporary floor lamp next to a retro sixties style chair? An oversized Terracotta vase in a hallway with an oriental rug? A handmade wreath in a room with a modern piece of art? If you like it together, go for it.
Wood goes well with both black iron and vintage light fixtures! The rules have really changed in home decorating. Lots more freedom to mix thing that you like.
Carpeting Comeback
Neutral style wall-to-wall carpeting is making a comeback with a bit of a twist. Trends are to add a bit of pop with brighter colored or patterned area rugs. In essence, layering carpeting in rooms. This provides more versatility and flexibility in decorating, while adding a warmer feel that also is an effective sound insulator compared to other types of flooring. Area rugs serve as a nice accent under free-standing chairs or a coffee or end tables.
Next Level Custom and Designer Closets
Walk-in and traditional closets are reaching a new level in capability, capacity, and convenience. From motion-activated lighting to electrically controlled revolving shirt racks, technology has entered closet and storage space. These conveniences have been joined by rich wood and laminate accents that is simply too nice not to share and show off.
Pantry space is a feature that is frequently requested by our clients. Let us help you perfect your home design so it has all the features you want in your new log home!
Maximizing Storage Space
As living space becomes increasingly valuable in certain areas of the country, maximizing the use of the available space has become a part of home trend designs. This includes interior cabinet space, closets, spaces above kitchen cabinets, in laundry rooms and garages. There is also a trend toward multi-purpose furniture like pull-out couches, Murphy beds, convertible dining tables and others.
Putting Trends to Work for You
We here at Gastineau Log Homes stay up on all the new trends and design aspects in the housing industry to bring the desired look and functionality to your new living space. Because at the end of the day, your home should make you happy! Choose the trends and styles that will fit your lifestyle and preferences, and enjoy your new living space to the fullest!
Gastineau Log Homes wants to help you create your perfect custom home. Contact us today to get started!
National Model Home Center
Remember that the GLH Model Home Center on I-70 in central MO is open 7 days a week! We have three houses available to tour. Click here for directions and the homes you can tour.
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2019:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars. Or email Sales@oakloghome.com to register!
March 21, 2020
Log Home Shows for Spring 2020:
March 7-8 in Atlanta, GA
Answer to the Trivia Question:
Kissing the Blarney Stone is believed to confer the gift of the gab. Sounds like a worthy kiss to us!
Quote of the Month:
“You’ve got to think lucky. If you fall into a mud hole, check your back pocket. You might have caught a fish,” – Darrell Royal, said the late college football player and coach
