Bev Murray Design

According to Barbara Ballinger, freelance writer for RealtorMag, “Taupe is the new Gray”. Whilst shades of white still top the list of neutral paint colors, the palette is shifting away from gray to warmer, beige (ugh, just writing that word gives me angst!) tones.

According to this article, there are two main drivers behind this year’s trends: the need for “healthfulness” and a desire for “community”. Developers in Lakewood Ranch are already tapping into the trend towards community by introducing resort-style amenities such as splash pads and cabanas at community pools. This encourages neighbors to spend their free time socializing together without having to battle traffic or make plans out of the neighborhood. The Esplanade even employs a full-time lifestyle director to coordinates activities.

Buyers will be looking for more “playful” homes this year, assessing potential homes based on the ability to use indoor space for hobbies, and outdoor space for sports (mini putting greens) and cooking (pizza ovens).

Cork is the new tile and is apparently making a comeback. Ikea is using it, so you know it’ll be everywhere soon enough. Aside from being a renewable resource, it is also resistant to “mold, mildew, water, termites, fire, cracking and abrasions”. It also goes along with the overall “warm” trend in housing design, style and finishes.

To see if our local builders are dialed into these trends, you might want to check out the 2017 Parade of Homes, which runs from February 18th through March 5th. We will have our award-winning model The Resolute on show in the Lake Club. Stop by and see us!