People love Austin for many reasons, but it’s primarily because of the palpable sense of community. By comparison, other cities have a dense population, yet the communities feel lonely and detached from one another. Not in Austin, though. Residents dwell in lively neighborhoods filled with action, fun, and warmth. If you’re planning to move there, know that you’re making the right choice. And to help you make the most out of your potential home, here are the latest design trends you should look out for.
Two-For-One Kitchens
A two-in-one kitchen isn’t separated by walls to another room. Instead, the kitchen and another area like the dining room are connected like what you typically see in modern Japanese homes. This design can be achieved by installing a long counter that serves as a divider between the two areas of the room. The room feels more spacious, and doing kitchen chores doesn’t feel like a burden since you can interact with others.
Having a Mini Library Inside Your Home
This trend has been gaining popularity in recent years and is based on the idea of having your own library inside to house your favorite books. It began primarily in Europe, where mansions have study rooms of their own. Since it doesn’t have to be massive, you can start by purchasing used shelving units, painting them, and installing them inside the room’s smallest corners.
Combining Siding Types
A common rend not only for Austin homes but in many places is mixing and matching siding types. Various combinations have paved the way for the usage of unique options such as metal siding. Using stacked sheets of steel together with wood is a popular option for upgrading the exterior. There are also different shades and textures of stone veneers that can add character to your house. If you prefer an alternative that won’t break the bank, you can combine vinyl siding and engineered wood to create a unique look that’s sure to stand out in the neighborhood.
Minimalism
Sometimes, less means more. This way of life first popped off in the 1950s and has influenced the design world in many ways since then. Minimalist décor is characterized by its simplicity – clean lines, lack of clutter, bare walls, and little to no accents that give a soothing feeling. There are several benefits to a minimalist home design. The first is that it’s extremely easy to maintain. When there isn’t much in a room, there isn’t anything for dust or dirt to get stuck on. Secondly, it looks great in photos – photographers love rooms with beautiful open floor plans and large windows because they look fantastic in pictures. The downside of minimalism is that the lack of details isn’t exactly for everyone.
Large Windows
A massive trend that never gets old is using large windows for homes. They’re an excellent feature to have, considered by many as a beautiful aspect of modern architecture design. Some people also enjoy having floor-to-ceiling windows with big sliding doors opening onto the outside world. Other ideas include stained glass or French doors leading out to an outdoor patio or porch area.
Granite Countertops
A recent design for kitchens uses granite countertops. Granite has been traditionally used on lavish old homes since they add a bit of rustic charm to any kitchen or bathroom. However, thanks to modern methods that make acquiring granite easier, they’re becoming more popular and readily available.
Shower Curtains Instead of Doors
Some people prefer shower curtains to doors since they do not take up space in a small room and allow more airflow into a bathroom, which can become musty or humid during certain weather conditions. Some designs have sliding doors, but it’s a trend that has its own decent following.
Indoor Gardens
Indoor plants are not new, but incorporating entire gardens inside your home is becoming a thing in Austin. A popular form of this trend is a vertical garden, also known as green walls. Vertical gardens are usually made up of living plants such as mosses and succulents that grow in small pockets attached to a wall. The garden can be tailored into any design you prefer and can even include small waterfalls and crawling vines rather than just individual plants. Installing an indoor garden can be expensive, but they’re worth it for their beauty and benefits to your health and well-being.
Solar Roofs
Before, solar roofs were only preferred among off-grid houses. But because of increasing energy needs and rising utility bills, Austin homeowners are implementing this renewable source in their homes. And because of the bright Texas weather, there’s no better way to utilize the heat than to use solar power.
Conclusion
Designers and architects always come up with better styles every now and then. 2022 is an exciting year for real estate and a promising one for homeowners. Make sure to do more research before settling down in your new home.