When designing a custom home, it is so easy to fall into trends that might feel fresh now, but could make your home look outdated in just a few short years. As a top Wichita homebuilder, Paul Gray Homes sees it all. Here are a few top features to avoid that can quickly date a new custom home:
Interior
– All-White or Gray Interiors – While clean and modern today, all-white kitchens and gray walls are starting to feel overdone and can quickly age a home. Warmer, more natural palettes are becoming timeless alternatives.
– Granite Countertops (Especially Speckled) – While still durable, speckled granite has fallen out of favor to quartz or more unique natural stone like soapstone or marble-look alternatives. Concrete countertops and butcher block are also a hot trend that are more timeless selections.
– Overly Open Floor Plans – While open-concept living is still popular, many homeowners are moving toward a balance of open spaces with defined, functional rooms for privacy and noise control.
– Tuscan or Mediterranean Styling – Heavy, ornate woodwork, dark cabinetry, and faux finishes from the early 2000s can make a home feel dated compared to modern, clean lines and natural materials.
Technology
– Built-In Media Niches – Large entertainment niches designed for outdated TV sizes can quickly show a home’s age. Floating media consoles or sleek cabinetry offer more flexibility.
– Non-Smart Home Features – A lack of integrated smart home technology (smart lighting, thermostats, and security) can make a home feel behind the times.
– Jetted Bathtubs – Once considered a luxury, large built-in jetted tubs are being replaced by freestanding soaking tubs or luxurious walk-in showers.
– Brushed Nickel Hardware – This finish was hugely popular in the 2000s but is now being overtaken by matte black, aged brass, copper, and mixed-metal looks.
What to Choose
– Timeless Materials: Use natural materials like wood, stone, and brick that age gracefully.
– Flexible Spaces: Design rooms with multipurpose use in mind.
– Neutral, Warm Palettes: Incorporate warm, earthy tones and natural textures.
– Classic Fixtures: Opt for fixtures in classic finishes like matte black or aged brass, which tend to stay in style longer.
– Smart Infrastructure: Pre-wire for smart technology and EV chargers to future-proof your home.
– ICF Homes- Insulated Concrete Form homes are the way of the future by providing energy-efficiency, disaster resistant building materials. Learn more about ICF homes.
When you are building a custom home, it takes a lot of planning. It is important to connect with an expert homebuilder that is ready to walk you through every part of the homebuilding process. We, at Paul Gray Homes, are ready to build new for you. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation. Let’s get started building your dream home today.