Create a new design style – The Mercury News

From rustic or Mediterranean modern to distinctive classic or farmhouse inspired, the labels assigned to interior design styles seem to be on the rise.

Gone are the simple labels of traditional, modern and transitional.

One design firm that partners with several local builders even lists 12 design styles, ranging from modern and industrial chic to new traditional.

But is the design really that complicated or prescribed? Fortunately no. The good news is that all the new labels mean more flexibility and overlap between styles than ever before.

For example, the terms bohemian and transitional and even earth-inspired can be drawn from two or more categories at the same time.

So what’s your interior design style? During the residential construction process, builders and their design centers help each buyer discover their needs and preferences.

Professional designers included

A great perk of buying a new home is that professional interior design consultations are included in the process. The professionals who work for the builder or its design center have experience helping people navigate the process and may have ideas you haven’t considered yet.

Most builders offer both virtual design centers and physical design centers. When starting with virtual design, buyers have the opportunity to see how the entire interior of their new home will look with each set of options.

Guided by the professional designers, buyers can exchange one item for another to see multiple previews. Samples of floors, tiles, counters, cabinets and more will be made available before buyers make decisions and place orders.

Speaking of decisions, builders and design centers point to some important factors in making design decisions. This includes choosing elements that you will love for years and that will create space-to-space flow within your home.

Ask about the process

Builders’ welcome center representatives are eager to explain the design process to their new communities. And you don’t even have to commit to buying one of their homes to ask questions about how they approach interior design.

For some buyers, the interior design element may even be the deciding factor. Ask away. Builders want to show you what they offer and how they will work with each new buyer right from the start.

Collect design inspirations

To prepare for design center meetings, start by examining your existing home. Note your favorite aspects, including colors or styles of furniture and artwork you plan to display in your new home.

Write down any items or styles that you don’t want to replicate in your new home. Take pictures of it all and organize the images into folders on your devices.

Then browse model homes, online home design websites, friends’ homes, design websites and TV shows, magazines, and more. There’s no need to limit your model home interior design tours to the neighborhood where you’re shopping.

Find inspiration in various new home communities or in home improvement store windows.

Take pictures of what you like. Save all the resource web images you love.

Include everything from color and tile schemes to countertops, cabinetry, and even lighting fixture styles. You’d be surprised what your preference in ceiling light fixtures, faucets or cabinet handles says about your design style.

Do a style search

Design hubs offer questionnaires or surveys that help professional design teams understand new shoppers’ style preferences. If two of you plan to co-own the new home, each of you must complete the survey.

Don’t worry if one of you prefers an ultra-modern design while the other prefers a traditional design. Designers welcome the opportunity to flex their creative muscle and help families find a cohesive design across all styles.

Design surveys can even include questions about your preferences regarding the use of sustainable materials. Ask about the builder’s offerings for sustainable design elements.

Discover color palettes

Once you and the professional designer have a general idea of ​​the type of style you will be most comfortable with in your new home, the designer can gather more information about your color preferences.

Remember that the base color palette(s) you choose do not include accents; those come later. Instead, you will be asked to compare and contrast warm beige palettes with bright white palettes or cooler gray palettes.

Your preferred color palette will guide you in choosing key features such as flooring, countertops, and cabinetry.

Get ready to let your builder’s designers help you unwrap your new dream home this year.