As a real estate agent in Baltimore I tour dozens (hundreds?) of homes every year. I have an intimate understanding of which design trends are in and which are out. Moreover, as I walk through homes with my buyer clients, they're giving me on the spot feedback about what it is they're looking for. We chat about everything from flooring to paint colors to lighting fixtures. If the home isn't aesthetically what they're looking for, I love to help them reimagine the space with their taste in mind.
Whether you're looking to sell your property or transform it into your dream home, understanding what's in and what's out in terms of design can make a significant impact. In this blog post, we'll explore the current home design trends in Baltimore, giving you insights and inspiration to elevate your living spaces.
But wait, before we jump in there's one very important thing to remember when it comes to design. If it's your house, and you like, do it. Your home should be a place that you love and that represents you.
What's In:
1. Open Floor Plans: Open concept layouts are still highly sought after in Baltimore. With rowhomes being long and narrow, open concepts create a sense of spaciousness and flow, allowing for seamless transitions between the front and the back of the house.
2. Bold patterns and textures: Whether it's funky tiles or whimsical wallpapers, I'm noticing my clients drawn to visually interesting elements rather than totally neutral spaces. They're also really in to organic or textured materials like boucle and antique woods.
3. Catering to plants: It seems like everyone (other than me) has a green thumb these days and buyers are looking for light filled homes where their plants can thrive. Any sort of large window sills, sunrooms, or shelving areas are a plus.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces: After off street parking, the number one asked for feature in home design is usable outdoor space. Whether it's a rooftop deck or a back patio for grilling and gardening, having outdoor space is highly sought after in city living.
5. Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular. Homeowners are embracing features like automated lighting, smart thermostats, and voice-controlled systems for convenience and energy efficiency.
What's Out:
1. All-White Kitchens: While white kitchens have been popular for years, homeowners are now opting for more personalized color schemes. Bold and contrasting cabinetry, such as navy blue or sage green (like my kitchen pictured above!) is gaining traction.
2. Wood Accent Walls: Beaded board and traditional wainscoting will never go out of style but the geometric DIY wood accent walls are seen as too trendy and now starting to feel dated.
3. Formal Dining Rooms: Traditional formal dining rooms are being replaced by more casual and multifunctional spaces. City dwellers are embracing open dining areas that can accommodate both everyday meals and entertaining and maybe an office desk too!
4. Vinyl Floors: I'm happy to report that almost all of my clients specifically want homes that do NOT have luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It has been all the craze the last 10 years due to durability and affordability but the horrible gray color and texture of them completely throw off the original feel of a historic home. Buyers are opting for original hardwoods that they can refinish to the tone that they want them.
By incorporating the current trends and avoiding outdated styles, you can create a home that is both stylish and functional. Whether you're renovating, selling, or simply looking to refresh your living spaces, embracing these design trends will help you stay ahead in Baltimore's ever-evolving real estate market. Remember, the key is to find a balance between what's popular and what suits your personal taste and lifestyle.
So, what do you think? Comment below with what design trends you're seeing, loving and hating!