I had the pleasure of touring the newest Homearama model homes at Summer Lake earlier this week. The eight homes are built by various custom home builders in the Richmond area. Each of the homes has a unique style and design aesthetic but there were definitely some trends that were noticeable in multiple homes. The below list includes some of trends that were apparent in the different designs. If you’re interested in seeing the exteriors and reading more about the builders, head here next.
1. Mixing Textures
Mixing textures in interior design isn’t a new concept, designers have been preaching this for decades. However, we are starting to see textures taken to all new levels. Rattan, cane, and rope appeared in many of the model homes – and in quantities unlike seen in previous years. Think Studio McGee with natural elements layered with light fabrics and mixed metals. One of the builders even laughed with me about how she was at Target a day before buying too many things from Studio McGee’s Target line – I think we are all guilty.
2. Black Windows
Black windows have been taking the stage for a while now. They have an elegance that the rest of our boring white windows just don’t have. We have been seeing them in new construction for a few years now but this year, 7 out of the 8 homes had all black windows which seemed like enough that it needed to be mentioned.
3. Wood Tones
Wood toned kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities are back! Can you believe it?! Now before you go picturing the light oak cabinets seen in many homes from the early 2000’s, I can assure you that these wood tones aren’t quite the same as those. In this year’s models there were a lot of varying wood textures and accents like the ones pictured below.
4. Outdoor Entertaining Space
This should surprise no one. After the wild year and a half we have been through, people have been begging for outdoor spaces to entertain their friends safely as well as ways to expand their homes to make them feel larger. Big screened in porches, fire pits, and even an outdoor water feature were on display at the Richmond 2021 Homearama homes.
5. Gold Accents
Another favorite of mine – gold accents! From brass light fixtures, to door knobs, and faucets – gold was making a major statement in the model homes this year. I was obviously relieved since we just renovated our kitchen and incorporated a lot of brass hardware and light fixtures. There was also a lot of gold detailing in the tile and countertop choices this year, pictured below.
6. Funky Wallpaper
I have been singing love songs about wallpaper for a hot minute so I was obviously on board with wallpaper making a dramatic return. Nonetheless, the wallpaper choices this year definitely got funkier this year than in years past. There were a lot of animal wallpapers in each of the houses – I saw at least birds, antelope, flamingoes, and ostrich!
7. New Trim Ideas
Trim is obviously an easy-ish way to dress up a room and give it some personality. This year the trim work included everything from traditional picture frame moulding to farmhouse shiplap, to rippled effects and wood accent walls.
8. Accent Ceilings
Also seen in previous years, trimmed ceilings have been a way that custom home builders can call attention to a specific space. This year though there were new designs on the ceilings that I haven’t seen before – and not one traditional coffered ceiling.
9. Fun Kid Spaces
Also partially because of the quarantine, there was a lot of thought put into fun play spaces for kids in each of the homes. From a dollhouse bed, to libraries, to indoor soccer areas, and study or reading rooms, many kids spaces were given extra thought in this year’s homes. My personal favorites were the playhouse bed, book wallpaper, and built in desks in the Clay Street Builders home.
10. Beverage Rooms & Bars
Thank you, 2020! The designer’s of this years homes made it no secret that many of them had alcohol on their mind when considering their designs and we can’t say we blame them. From hidden bars rooms, to beverage areas on screened porches, and wine rooms, there were spaces in each home to dedicate to your favorite drinks that have helped you survive the last year or so. I think my favorite beverage space was the bar room in the Biringer Builders home that included a gorgeous arched doorway and interesting mirrored tiles.
If you’re headed to Richmond Homearama this year, I would love to hear about your favorite homes and spaces! Their show begins on Saturday, July 10th and runs through the 25th. Tickets are only $10 and can be found here. If you’re in the area, I definitely think it’s worth checking out for ideas and inspiration to use in your own home!
