Modern design, with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors, will be the leading housing trend for the next few years. In response to a more complex world, homebuyers respond to spaces that are simple, light, and soothing. They watch home makeovers on television, get d�cor catalogs in the mail, and have a wealth of online resources. Homebuyers today are aware of current design trends, and they love the clean lines of modern homes.
Grey is the new NeutralShe and Buck acknowledged that they had qualms about starting a business in a down economy.BOTTLESTONE (shown in Mocha) Made of kilnfired recycled glass and ceramic binders, it resists heat and stains. Can be custom designed using wine bottles. COST $68/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 80% recycled content; no VOCs.INFO BottleStone, Los Altos, CA (bottle stone.com)Red and gold are out. Thick texture on walls is out. Heavy faux is out. White and off whites are in. Pastels are in. Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated look. Add a splash of deep color � turquoise, chocolate brown, plum � and you have today�s look. A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in. On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used.The friends-turned-business- partners are the owners of Interi- Life, which opened in January at 301 E. Pikes Peak Ave., on the eastern edge of downtown. The store sells sustainable, eco-friendly interior finishes such as cork and bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops and Mythic paint, a nontoxic, low-odor paint.Heinbaugh sees a demand for green products. The challenge, she said, is "we just need people to know that we're here."Hard Surface FloorsOutside is InA minimalist interior is the first step toward the modern style that today�s buyers love. Smaller spaces can be overwhelmed with stuff. Fewer things are easier to display and keep the focus on the architecture. Mid century modern furniture, with clean lines and functional design, is very popular. It is a perfect combination with a light, open interior. Sparse d�cor, hard surface floors, white walls, and lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look.FUEZ GLASS (shown in jade) With recycled glass, fly ash, stone, and shells, it's more durable than marble. COST$8o/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 60% to 80% recycled materials, including beer bottles; made using 100% wind-generated electricity. INFO InFuez, Portland (fuez.com)SQUAK MOUNTAIN STONE (shown in Natural) An alternative to quarried stone, slabs are made of fly ash, post-industrial crushed glass, and low-carbon cement. COST $50/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 50% recycled content including paper, 1/3 less C[O.sub.2] produced during manufacturing. info Tiger Mountain Innovations, Woodinville, WA [squak mountainstone.com)PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS J. STORYSpace for Living & Working
More than ever, buyers want to experience the outdoors. Large, sliding glass doors and screened porches have made a comeback. On tight urban lots, glass walls open the interior to a private yard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable to today�s buyers.
Author: Roselind Hejl
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