Last updated on October 31, 2024
An astonishing 33% of all homes purchased right now are new construction. If you're planning a new build or saving for a down payment on a new build in the coming months, here are our top tips when planning a timeless new build home.
How long will you be in your new home?
While it's impossible to predict the future, it's a good idea to sit down and think about how long you might be in your new construction. If you're planning a shorter stay, you may want to lean toward more traditional fixtures and finishes to help with resale value. However, if you are designing a home that you plan to live in for a long time, you can choose elements that speak directly to your style without worrying about it negatively affecting you down the road when it comes time to sell.
Regardless of how long you stay in your home, it's wise to consider timeless items rather than modern ones so you can enjoy your home even when trends change.
Understand the style of your home
When choosing the design of kitchens, bathrooms and elements such as the fireplace, stairs, etc., take into account the style of your home. If you have a traditional house, you should have a traditional staircase. If you have a modern house, you must have a modern kitchen, a fireplace, etc. When you start mixing styles, large areas of your home can quickly look out of place.
Inject personality into decor, furniture and paint colors, not fixtures.
We get it: there are many options when planning a new construction. To avoid choosing items you may not like in the future, remember that you can inject personality into areas of your home that are much easier and cheaper to replace. Think about paint color, decor, furniture, wallpaper, lighting, and more in terms of how to make your home look unique. If you keep a neutral palette in your fixtures, you won't feel the need to renovate your home years later as your tastes and preferences change.
Choose neutral floors
Did you know that most people completely change their decor every 7 years or so? The flooring you choose for your entire home should allow you to seamlessly change the decor as you wish. Choosing floors that are trendy or have undertones that are not neutral enough to match different decors can quickly make you regret your choices.
For hardwood floors, choose something with a medium brown tone or a pale neutral for a more timeless look. If you are going to place a rug in your home, try to select a neutral shade and stay away from pink or brown undertones, as they are very difficult to work with. For bathrooms, timeless tiles in white, marble or basket weave will always be in style.
How to choose timeless wardrobes
The kitchen is one of the most important elements to renovate. Homeowners who select classic items that have been in style for decades will be sure to enjoy their kitchen for years to come. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with white cabinets. While cabinet colors like green, black, and even beige are the biggest trend right now, before installing them in your kitchen, ask yourself if you'll still like them in 10 years. White cabinets also give you a clean, neutral backdrop for when you inevitably change your decor in 5 to 7 years.
Countertop Options
Countertops are expensive to replace, so you'll want to choose one that will fit your lifestyle and design aesthetic for years to come. Look for something that's neutral enough to serve as a backdrop for your changing tastes and decor over the years if you plan to stay in the house for a while.
In terms of stone selection, granite is virtually indestructible, but many homeowners are moving away from the look of granite in favor of quartz, which is more neutral but a bit more brittle. If you like the versatility of granite, there are much less used granites on the market that will easily stand the test of time. Marble is still not widely used in kitchens as it is too prone to staining and etching. Marble is a beautiful and timeless choice in bathrooms.
plumbing hardware
Plumbing hardware and metal mixing in general is a very hot topic, and there are many opinions and options! In terms of plumbing hardware, which, by the way, everyone should coordinate, the most timeless options are chrome, polished nickel, and brass. You can introduce other metals with hardware for cabinets, lights and mirrors.
Backsplash Options
The most timeless backsplash option that will truly never go out of style is a subway tile. For a classic look that will stand the test of time, stay away from heavily patterned or busy tiles. If you think subway tiles are boring, remember that you can add personality through your pendants, stools, rugs, and curtains/blinds.
If you liked this post, check it out The pros and cons of new construction and 5 mistakes to avoid when buying a new construction home.
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Allen Tate is the largest real estate company in the Carolinas with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner at Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest private real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow services offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff. in 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
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