BACK TO THE FUTURE

The future is here, and don’t be surprised if you experience deja vu with some of these trends–you’ve seen them before, either in your grandparent’s house or on The Jetsons. Alex Aitken, Zachary resident and executive director of marketing for M&M glass company, is our insider at the 2024 International Home Builders Convention in Las Vegas. So park your DeLorean and start taking some notes.

NEW MAXIMALISM

Homes aren’t necessarily getting bigger, but they are getting more efficient. The new movement is maximizing space, where every area is designed with a purpose in mind. Sustainability also remains a focal point, as higher prices in recent years have challenged builders to be conservative with materials and resources. 

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

Cold neutrals are totally out, Aitken reports, in the sense of whitewashing and graywashing everything. Think warm, nature-inspired elements that bring the outside in: cozy, earthy, moody tones on the walls (and ceilings!), stone and marble features used unconventionally, and ornate millwork giving way to simple, organic woodwork. 

SPLASHING OUT

Splish splash, the bathtubs of the future are vibrant, freestanding statement pieces, like Kohler’s new “heritage colors,” a modern rebrand of the mid-century’s pervasive mint green and pale pink bathrooms. (insert pic) Bathroom floors have also become a testing ground, where homeowners boldly venture out with statement tiles in wild colors and patterns. 

ALEXA, FLUSH

That’s right…smart toilets are the wave of the future. They come with a hefty price tag, and without tanks (?!) but they promise to save a lot of water with a single flush. Smart hubs in bathrooms also allow users to customize water temperature, lighting and more. 

COST SAVINGS

Flooring has surprisingly emerged as an area of construction where homeowners and builders can look to save money. “They've really upped the craftsmanship of vinyl flooring,” Aitken says. Realistic wood or stone textured engineered planks for high-traffic areas dominated the showrooms in varying ranges of affordability.

MARBLE’S MOMENT

Move over, simple tile–veiny marble is EVERYWHERE, Aitken says. From the kitchen to the bathroom, the timeless material in bold colors is popping up on every surface. Think countertops extending into a seamless backsplash, marble-look fridge panels, and bathroom sinks, trim and showers.

PEEK A BOO–I SEE YOU

They’re hiding everything these days, from pantries, to fridges, to toilets. Functional cabinets easily conceal kitchen appliances, and paneled doors give way to “hidden” water closets. But, Aitken says, glass is making a break for it in unexpected ways–namely stair railings, impossibly thin floating shelves, and closet doors that showcase the contents. 

FORMICA LAMINATE

Your grandma’s countertops are back, and they’ve had work done. Available in a wide range of designs, from luxe to nostalgic, ordering new countertops can be as simple as adding to your Amazon cart.