Luxe spoke with top local architecture professionals in Miami, California and New York to find out what trends are hot right now. Here’s what they had to say.
“I have had equal requests for traditional and modern designs. The inherent beauty of traditional forms and proportions gives people comfort. But, I also believe that good modern architecture, which bases itself on those classical frameworks, inspires comfort for clients.”
–DANIEL KAHAN, Smith & Moore Architects
“Our clients are asking for houses that are timeless. Transitional styles of architectural design can stand the test of time and be easily updated with new furniture and art. They want the home and the interiors to be neutral to evolve with their lifestyles.”
–CAROLINE KOONS FORREST, MHK Architecture & Planning
“Modern architecture is appealing in how it is an expression of the early advances of technology. It has developed further as an expression of improvements in cell phone technology, Internet connectivity and a variety of ways to use media screens.
–BENJAMIN SCHREIER, Affiniti Architects
“We’re seeing more interest in steel windows and doors–their thin frames and muntins maximize visibility while maintaining the character of the divided window. They’re often cost prohibitive for an entire project, so we incorporate them in feature locations, utilizing wood for the balance of the residence.”
–CHARLES E. D’ARCY, d’Arcy & Associates
“Our current clients are interested in open floor plans and lots of daylight. For the ground-up custom homes we have in design currently, most are modern designs that have the ability to be more open. We can design larger expanses of uninterrupted glass which blur the line between inside and out.”
–JEFF ANDERSON, Jeff Anderson Architecture
“Storage, storage and more storage. Everyone is looking for a place to tuck away the debris of modern life–toys, supplies, phones and computers. We’ve started to design ‘accessory spaces’ that are similar, conceptually, to a butler’s pantry and act as transition spaces between rooms and repositories of our daily things.”
–SCOTT JOYCE, Scott Joyce Design
“Our homeowners are mostly families, so we’re creating homework areas, kid-friendly sinks, tons of storage, Uruguayan barbecues, walk-out basements, wet bars and more. Our clients want to save and generate energy, too, so they’re asking for Tesla shingles, retractable pool covers and laundry-to-landscape systems.
–TIM BARBER, Tim Barber LTD. Architecture
“Most of our clients are interested in taking an existing residence and updating it with modern conveniences. This can be a limited remodel of the kitchen and some baths or a larger remodel with additions of various sizes. The intent is rarely about adding square footage; it’s about adapting the layout for the way we live now.”
–STEVE PALLRAND, Home Front Build
“People are looking for simplicity and far less formality in their lifestyles as well as their home design. For instance, the formality of a proper dining room and living room have been replaced by a kitchen-dining-gathering area, all open to each other, with lots of glass and volume.”
–ANDREW V. GIAMBERTONE, Andrew V. Giambertone & Associates, Architects
“We are seeing a real focus on wanting rooms that offer both an indoor and outdoor experience with retractable doors and windows. These areas would have radiant heat, fireplaces or infrared heaters for New England winters. Lower levels have also become family entertainment centers, with everything from showcase wine cellars to bowling alleys.”
–LOUISE BROOKS, Brooks & Falotico
“Depending on where you live, the solution is different but the request is the same: ‘Where can I have space for fun activities–without the kids taking over my home?’ In our New York City townhouse work, the trend is to underpin. Going down beneath the foundation allows for wine rooms, game rooms, laundry facilities, storage and theaters to be created.”
–NEAL STUFANO, NJ Caine Associates
“I am seeing more homeowners asking for truly modern design. This is a very exciting exercise for us, because it involves reimagining a residence’s space, scale, proportion and style. Perhaps what is being designed now may one day be considered the ‘New Colonial era.’ ”
–ROBERT A. CARDELLO, Cardello Architects
“An interesting concept that has occurred on several recent projects is the inclusion of a pool house with a more modern aesthetic. In contrast to the classic shingle-style homes, it is more of a modern folly, acting almost as a sculpture in the landscape.”
–ARTHUR C. HANLON, Shope Reno Wharton
