Design Trends

Many people visit our models and say, "Your models are so beautiful- I could never get my home to look that nice."

Not True. We try to put the personality into a model home - you already have it. So here are a few design tips and trends to help you create your own model home.

Focusing on the Kitchen - the work of art.

• 
  Windsor Model at Oliviabrook in Oakbrook Terrace
• 
  Allerton Model at Elite Custom Homes in Elmhurst
• 
  Windsor Model at Oliviabrook in Oakbrook Terrace

It’s not just where you cook, eat or the kids do homework. Now you can really create your own style and personalize your home with your personality and taste in the kitchen. Recent trends have focused this blank canvas as the best place to show off your new home. It is after all, the place most of your guests will end up.

Backsplashes

Tile backsplashes or a continuation of the solid surface or granite countertops up to the cabinets helps add some color and texture to your kitchen and compliment your cabinets. Tile backsplashes can be done in a variety of different kinds of tiles and designs. Under the hood fan is a great area to let your creativity go and create a unique design - even just a diagonal pattern of the tiles. Listellos can be used to separate the space and frame the pattern.

Flooring

Tile designs can also be used to frame and separate areas in the floor. Define the breakfast area or the island with listellos or a different pattern or size of tile. It almost looks like an area rug in the tile. Different patterns of tile installation are also very popular. Brick style (looks like brick) or a random pattern with different sizes of similar or the same tiles can create a very interesting look and add a custom touch to a less expensive tile.

Cabinetry

Glazes offer a nice compliment to colors of your cabinets. Depending on the base color, it can give the cabinets either an antique or distinguished look. Different accents of contrasting color - like crown molding or other moldings in rope or spindle patterns add an interesting accent that creates a distinctive design element.

Islands are becoming the center of the hub of the home. Contrasting colors and the addition of shelving, legs and other accents make the island a piece of separate furniture - just like the butcher blocks in old kitchens and draw attention to make the island the focal point in the kitchen. Some people are even replacing their breakfast tables by enlarging the islands and making them the new eating area.

With the advent of higher 9 and 10 foot ceilings in kitchens and the elimination of soffits, many kitchens are showing larger 42" or higher kitchen cabinets instead of the traditional 30" cabinetry.

Sometimes this area can be used to create an art area with accent lighting to show off your favorite collectibles.

• Winchester Model at Hibernia in New Lenox and Armitage Pointe in Addison
• Tarleton Model at Oliviabrook in Oakbrook Terrace

Staggered cabinetry with different heights affords interest to the vertical space of the room and features the cabinets in a geometric design.