What's Hot

A quick stroll through any new-home model in Central Florida quickly reveals numerous not-so-subtle changes in the designs and finishes builders are now offering. 

And those changes are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, according to a delegation of local home builders, designers and new-home professionals who recently returned from the industry’s International Builder Show in Las Vegas. 

Those industry pros recently participated in a panel discussion at the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando (HBA). The panel included; Jaclyn Anderson, Marc Michaels Interiors; Rick Caccavello, Central Kitchen and Bath; Mark Macco, Phil Kean Designs; Deb Marton, Centerline Homes; and Tony Weremeichik, Canin Associates.

The emcee was Randy Noles, group publisher of Florida Home Media, publisher of Florida Homebuyer Orlando. Here are some of the trends identified by these trendspotters.

WALLS ARE SO PASSE 

Homes are basically boxes with walls, right? Any more, not so much. Floorplans are opening up, flowing seamlessly from space to space. Rooms are being defined less by traditional ideas of what ought to happen where, and more by how homeowners actually live. For example, one family may choose to designate square footage as a formal dining area, while another may decide to incorporate that same square footage into an oversized family room. Today’s homebuyers are enjoying the versatility and options the new designs are offering them. 

LET THE SUN SHINE IN 

Whether it’s used to entertain friends or to enjoy intimate family gatherings, well-equipped outdoor spaces are becoming de rigueur in every price range. Expansive windows and foldaway doors are opening up the entire home, increasing useable living space. But it isn’t just back yards that are getting extra attention. Entryways, porches and courtyards are also being outfitted with interior-style accouterments. With outdoor fireplaces, comfortable seating and even soothing water features, courtyards can offer a welcoming transition from the hustle bustle of the outside world to the tranquility of home. 

FLEXIBILITY AND STORAGE 

Need a home office, a children’s play area, a craft room or even another bedroom? No problem. Home designers and builders are now offering floorplans that have built-in, easy-to-adapt flex space. Builders are also incorporating more storage and home organization options into their designs. Many of these options have found their way into laundry rooms, which may offer built-in ironing boards, storage benches and racks to hang and organize clothes. Attic space is being finished and made more easily accessible, transforming what had been dead space into usable storage areas.

CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY

Master suites continue to evolve into a spa-style retreats. The bathtub is becoming a focal point and, in some cases, is moving out of the bathroom and finding its way into the bedroom. In fact, freestanding bathtubs are becoming akin to works of art. But the star of the bathroom has become the super-oversized shower. For the ultimate spa experience, today’s showers incorporate showerheads with steam elements and electronic sensor panels that handle lighting, water flow and even music. Some home designers are also opening up the bathroom to the outdoors, creating intimate spaces without sacrificing privacy.

SHADES OF GRAY

That is gray with an “a.” Today’s hottest color, gray is expected to play a dominant role for quite some time. But experts warn that there are many shades of gray, and picking the right one can make all the difference. If the room is flooded with natural light, go with a paler shade. The hue will appear to change throughout the day. Dark rooms require a richer shade to bring the space to life. And don’t forget to pair gray with an accent color for more drama and interest.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Lighting was once purely functional; people needed to see in the dark. But today, lighting a key part of the home’s overall design scheme. A hand-blown glass chandeliers, for example, can become the focal point of a room. Exposed bulbs give a room a hip, modern look, while homeowners wanting to add an air of sophistication are blinging out their chandeliers with crystals, prisms and fake gemstones. Additionally, chandeliers are popping up in such unexpected places as closets and bathrooms. Don’t forget — the key to lighting is not just the fixture, but controlling the amount of light it emanates. So a good dimmer is always in order.

Like everything else in life, not everyone wants the same thing. Central Florida’s builders know that’s especially true with homebuyers. 

So, while these trends are noteworthy, what’s most important is that you find a home with the design and features you want. After all, it’s your home and should be a reflection of your taste and lifestyle.

The Panelists

Deb Marton began 20 years ago selling new homes for a national builder, and for seven years was Top Producer for the Southeast and Southwest regions of Florida and Georgia. Later she was named vice president of sales and marketing for Centerline Homes and continues to hire, train, build and coach sales teams throughout the state.

Mark Macco, formerly senior architect at Phil Kean Designs, earned a master’s degree from the Boston School of Architecture. He came to Central Florida from Ponte Vedra Beach, where he specialized in designing oceanfront homes. Phil Kean Designs is an award-winning architecture, construction, and interior design firm in Winter Park. The company has won the Parade of Homes Grand Custom Award four years in a row, and was the architect, builder and interior designer of The 2012 New American Home. 

Jaclyn Anderson is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning. She’s now director of business and branding development for Marc-Michaels Interior Design and serves on the design committee of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). She’s also is a member of the Sales and Marketing Council of the HBA of Metro Orlando.

Rick Caccavello is president and owner of Central Kitchen & Bath. He’s the immediate past president of the Bath & Kitchen Buying Group, a national organization of 200 kitchen and bath dealers and remodelers. In 2007 he was named the HBA of Metro Orlando’s Associate of the Year. He’s written industry related articles for local and national publications such as Qualified Remodelor and Kitchen and Bath Design News. Central Kitchen & Bath is a five-time Parade of Homes Grand Award winner, and in 2006 won the Grand Aurora Award for Best Kitchen Remodel. 

Tony Weremeichik is the principal of the Architectural Design Studio at Canin Associates, an urban planning, landscape architecture and architectural design firm. He has more than 20 years of experience designing residential, mixed-use and public buildings in master planned communities and resorts throughout the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean.