2018 Trends Part 1: Creating Sophistication with Simple Themes.
We love taking time to focus on smart choices that build home equity. And, if we can have some fun exploring trends at the same time – what a bonus! In this Part 1 article on 2018 trends, we’re exploring a few exterior design themes and considering how these choices can distinguish your property and build value at the same time.
While interior trends this year are creating drama by way of rich, luxurious and bold colors, we see exterior trends creating sophistication primarily through simplicity. Basic contrast of light and dark, the chic of natural wood finish, the texture of natural materials, and strong, yet subtle landscaping provide lots of inspiration!
PHOTO CREDIT: John Lively & Associates
TREND 1: CREATING ELEGANCE WITH SIMPLE CONTRAST
Here at General Shale, we’ve recognized the demand for light colored brick and stone. and over the past few years, we’ve expanded our selection! Consumer appetite for light, even white, brick continues to build as homeowners seek modern and sleek exteriors. The classic contrast of white and black, light and dark, creates a simple elegance that is in high demand this year. Plus, the neutrality of a light palette allows you the flexibility to switch out accents from year to year or by season. Bright green in the spring, beautiful fall decorations, colorful landscaping, a red front door – everything pops on a light backdrop. Check out our amazing light brick options when you’re ready to start planning.
Custom Masonry Contractors LLC recently shared this new build on Facebook, which features Bradford Tudor Hall brick How inspiring! You’ll notice the contrast created by the dark trim, windows and garage doors. It’s exciting to see trends coming to life.
PHOTO CREDIT: Custom Masonry Contractors LLC
TREND 2: CREATING TEXTURE WITH BRICK AND STONE
Another exterior trend which continues to gain interest in 2018 is combining exterior finishes to create more depth or ‘texture’. This approach is ideal for more traditional style homes, and is also a great upgrade for Craftsman designs. We offer dozens of stone and brick styles and colors through our General Shale brick and Arriscraft Building Stone product lines.
TREND 3: USING NATURAL WOOD TONES AS A FEATURE!
Incorporating natural wood tones continues to be a strong trend through 2018. We also see this in commercial buildings as designers seek to incorporate many natural materials, including stone, glass, metal, and wood. Here are some contemporary designs from arriscraft.com that are stunning examples of using natural wood as an accent.
TREND 4: PLANNING LOW MAINTENANCE, HIGH VALUE LANDSCAPING
No one can argue that good landscaping improves curb appeal and therefore home value. But time-crunched consumers in 2018 are also looking to save valuable time, so low maintenance landscaping continues to be a hot trend. Simple is best, including elements like armour stone that never needs maintenance, slow growing shrubs that don’t need constant trimming and trees that don’t … drop things. Doing some planning sketches and research on species can save you headaches and time!
Before you start, please don’t forget – carefully positioned shrubs and trees will create energy savings because they block wind in winter and provide shade in summer. Before you start planning your landscaping, confirm your home’s orientation and what opportunities you have to protect your home. Also consider your priorities – for example, in a hot climate, shading from afternoon sun is most critical to keeping cool and reducing energy costs. Check out our article on designing an energy efficient home.
General Shale has a selection of high performance, low maintenance outdoor products, like mailboxes and fire pits. These beautiful brick features will never need scraping or painting!
GETTING INSPIRED? OUR NEW SOFTWARE WILL HELP YOU DESIGN YOUR DREAM!
Whether your personal style is modern or traditional, these 2018 trends offer great inspiration for designing a home with long-term value. Later this spring, we are releasing a new software tool – “My Designs” that will change how homeowners design their home forever! This powerful software allows you to create virtual designs with incredible detail. Stay tuned – it’s coming soon.