Monthly Archives: November 2014

With more and more options for fixtures and finishes available in the custom home market, clients are really able to have their home reflect anything their heart desires!  As we look back on one of our busiest Fall custom home seasons ever, I thought that it would be great to recap the trends that our clients are going “ga-ga” for.

1. Barn Doors: These days, almost every client we meet with is looking to implement a barn door somewhere in their home.  We’re particularly fond of using barn doors in areas that do not require sound detonation (as in, you don’t want to put a barn door on a bathroom).  The image below offers an amazing option in using the barn door to offer separation for a pantry.

Image Source: http://www.thekitchn.com/

2. “Anything-But-MDF” Mantles: Traditionally, MDF is the material of choice when building mantles in new construction homes.  Lately however, our clients have been really looking for creative options when it comes to their fireplace mantles!  While one set of clients brought us an antique wooden beam, another set recently opted for stainless steel (see below).  We think that the position of a mantle and it’s location as the focal point in a room makes it the perfect place to let your style shine!

Image Source: www.themartellexperience.com

3. Faux Cedar Shake: When it comes to exterior finishes, the trend has been to get away from traditional vinyl siding.  That said, few clients want to absorb the additional cost of wood siding or cedar shake.  This leaves many clients choosing to outfit the exterior of their homes in faux cedar shake which allows them the maintenance-free benefit of vinyl while offering a more upscale look.

Image Source: themartellexperience.com

4. Composite Decking: One of the hottest items that we’ve worked with this year is composite decking as an alternative to wood.  Composite decking is a maintenance free product that stays looking new much longer than wood.  While this product is more expensive than wood, many clients are making the investment in this long-term product.

Image Source: thisoldhouse.com

5. Dark Ceilings: For clients looking to up the drama factor without darkening their room, dark paint on the ceilings is the way to go!  Light continues to reflect off of neutral/light coloured walls while the darkness of the ceiling gives the illusion that the ceiling is much higher than it really is.