Drive through the diverse neighborhoods of Northern Virginia and you’ll see a range of architectural designs. From Federal and Cape Code to Georgian and Craftsman, these classic style homes feature modern upgrades that standout amongst cookie-cutter housing. Inside these homes you’ll discover a myriad of design styles that aim to provide beauty and functionality. If you’re considering a home remodel project or are interested in a custom new home construction project, you’ll want to think carefully about the interior design. Here you’ll find just a few ideas that you may want to incorporate into your home sweet home.
Open Floor Plan
Residential floor plans have evolved over time. Walk into a home in the 50s or 60s and you’ll likely see smaller, individual rooms off a main hallway. By the 1980s, floor plans changed to create spaces that harmoniously flowed to one another. Today, floor plans have progressed further with open floor plan designs that allow families to interact with one another while remaining in separate rooms. Open floor plans promote conversation and create an airy feel.
Natural Lighting
Using natural lighting doesn’t just lead to substantial energy savings. It can also have a significant effect on your interior home design. Large windows and skylights let in natural light that makes a room appear fresh, bright, and energized. Natural lighting can also create the illusion of space, which is defined by light reflecting off walls and surfaces. The orientation and positioning of the windows are also important. Placing windows along south-facing walls allow rooms to receive the most amount of the day’s sunlight. When building or redesigning a home, consider putting rooms that are most commonly used during the day facing the south.
Resilient Flooring
More and more homeowners are ditching their carpets in favor of the bare floor look. From trendy concrete to classic hardwood, a bare floor is cleaner and easier to maintain than most carpeted flooring options. To ensure longevity, opt for a resilient material that will give your home a lavish, inviting look. Hardwood is still the go-to for most homeowners, with options ranging from deep red oak to pale white ash. Ceramic tile and slate are also popular in the modern home and create a unique aesthetic that meshes well with most interior designs.
Natural Materials
Many modern homes feature natural materials that make a house appear rustic and comfy. While you often see organic materials like stone and wood accents outdoors, you can easily bring these elements into your interiors. You may choose to have brick as a focal wall in your living room or wood walls in your bathroom inspired by traditional dry heat saunas. When incorporating natural materials into your home design plan you may also want to choose materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Not only can you achieve a visually appealing design, but you can also feel great about helping the environment.
Simple Architecture
Today, many homes feature clean lines, abundant doors and windows, and the use of glass, concrete, and wood to create an industrial feel. The architecture may appear simple but each component comes together to create a streamlined design that tailors to the modern family’s lifestyle. In a modern home, you can expect to see a variety of up-to-date architectural features, such as flexible floor space, minimalist decorative elements, excessive use of glass to allow for natural lighting, and an unobtrusive front entrance. Modern architecture tends to boast the structure and materials used in the build instead of covering up spaces with ornate designs like in architecture of years past.
Hidden Technology
The use of technology is inevitable in modern homes. From lighting systems that you can control right from your smartphone to televisions that slide behind wall panels, home technology provides plenty of functionality at the click of a button. As technology has grown, more and more homeowners are choosing to conceal technological elements to create a more simplistic design free of distractions. Technology can also be hidden to save space, such as a TV that descends into a cabinet when not in use, or recessed lighting that is set into the ceiling.
Subtle Colors
Walk into any modern home and you’ll likely see some similarities. A light and airy color scheme is a go-to for many interior designers when creating a bright, inviting space. Subtle hues such as bluish-gray, light green, and off white are often attractive choices for large walls and pieces of furniture. With a subtle color in the background, homeowners have the option to play with vibrant accent pieces to create focal points in a room. With pops of pink, yellow, or blue found in decorative elements, the home design possesses visual appeal that catches the eye when you enter the room.
Ample Storage
Sufficient storage is a must-have in the modern home. However, most homeowners prefer storage that is concealed yet easily accessible. In the kitchen, a large island with cabinetry below acts as storage for appliances. Floating shelves on the wall are perfect for small room as they require little space but can hold books, collections, and other items. Extra storage space can also be found in areas where you’d least expect, such as under a staircase or in sliding drawer units that fit under the bed. Of course, most homeowners also desire ample closet space to hold clothing, shoes, and accessories. Having a “His” and “Her” closet is a luxury.
The home design process is different for everyone. However, many modern homes have similarities based on current trends. Modern homes often feature designs based on style and function. Materials such as steel, concrete, and glass are used not only for aesthetic appeal, but also for their resiliency. If you’re considering a home remodel or a new build, you may be excited about the plethora of opportunities available to you. To discuss what home design features you may want in the interiors of your home, contact Koncept Design + Build. With the right design plan, you can turn your vision into a reality.
