| Are you wondering what is new for home interior | | | | 2009 is green, sustainable building and modifications, |
| trends in '09? Perhaps you are looking to prep your | | | | builders agree. "People are trying to save money |
| house to sell, building a new property from scratch, | | | | wherever they can, building to higher energy |
| expanding to a new office complex or you just need | | | | standards and building green to save water and |
| a change of scenery. Interior design jobs encompass | | | | electricity," admonishes Bob Weiss, executive VP for |
| a range of diverse styles, themes and tastes, | | | | Kentucky Homebuilders. Many homeowners are |
| although there are some clear trends emerging now | | | | trading in wall-to-wall carpets for recycled wood. |
| that builders are allowing clients so many customizable | | | | TechShield radiant barrier roof decking, which reflects |
| options. This year, open floor plans will likely continue | | | | heat away from attics, is purchased by 98% of new |
| to flourish, along with more practical ideas to combine | | | | home buyers in markets like San Antonio, where the |
| energy efficiency and frugality in a tasteful way. | | | | sun beats down all day long, driving up air conditioning |
| Homes from the 1800s to early 1900s were special in | | | | costs. Low VOC paint, which emits far less fumes |
| that the home designs of large family estates were | | | | than traditional paints, has become the standard. |
| internally divided to create distinct environments. For | | | | Spray foam insulation, energy efficient lighting, air |
| instance, home owners had practical servant's | | | | circulation systems and insulating window coatings are |
| quarters on the lower level floors near the kitchen, | | | | a few of the eco-friendly interior design trends to |
| whereas the family's bedrooms were all situated | | | | look out for. |
| upstairs. A powder room was often found | | | | Any architect interior designer will tell you that the |
| downstairs and an en-suite bathroom was just off | | | | home interior vibe is all in the finishing touches: wall |
| the parent's master bath. The children often lived | | | | finishes, paint, flooring, countertops. These nuances |
| down a hallway and in their own separate quarter of | | | | can draw home owners in or leave them feeling |
| the house, so the parents could have a bit of privacy | | | | discordant. John Friesenhahn of Imagine Homes says |
| and reprieve. | | | | native rock and brick exteriors are classic choices, |
| In some instances, a carriage house held the in laws | | | | but home owners are looking for a little more color |
| or guests. This is a home interior trend that's coming | | | | on their interiors. He says Silestone countertops offer |
| back for 2009, with second or third bedroom suites | | | | a wide range of colors. |
| and added bathrooms increasing in popularity. "Buyers | | | | Last year's mocha and sage green paint colors will be |
| are saying, let's put kids over here to one side to | | | | traded in for mustard yellow and grassy greens. |
| keep things quiet for parents or in-laws who will be | | | | Allergen-proof, easy-to-clean and natural flooring is in |
| moving in with them," explains Kyle Lindsey, owner | | | | this year too. High-end homes will see Italian mosaic |
| of Kyle Lindsey Custom Homes. These secondary | | | | tiles, travertine and porcelain. Dark exotic wood |
| suites are typically 300-400 square-feet with full | | | | cabinetry became popular in 2008 and will continue as |
| bathrooms and occasional sitting rooms in an isolated | | | | an interior design kitchen and bedroom staple |
| section of the house, Lindsey adds. | | | | throughout 2009. |
| Another home interior trend that will proliferate into | | | | |