Some people say that constantly updating your home to follow trends is a waste of time. They all fade in a few months or so anyway. But we beg to disagree. Whether you’re adding a few new pieces to a space or gearing towards a complete home redo, keeping updated with the latest design trends is a fabulous way to breathe new life into Smith Mountain Lake luxury homes. Who knows? The trends you like might be the ones with lasting power.
Continue reading to get some inspiration for each room in your home.
FOR YOUR MAIN LIVING SPACES
Your main living area is where everyone gathers to relax, chat, or spend the day. In some households, it serves as an adjoining room, connecting the entry to more central parts of the home. Whether or not people stay here or just pass by, the living area never remains empty for long, which is why it’s a great space to zhuzh up once in a while.
Liven it up with color
Grey, greige, and all the other neutrals have had a hold on us for far too long. If you’re selling your home, going back to this inoffensive color palette is a safe bet. But since the purpose of your redecorating is for your personal enjoyment, indulge and consider other colors. Here are some choice picks to consider:
- Rich earth tones: Like neutrals, earth tones include a wide spectrum of colors from chocolate browns to some shades of blue. According to Vogue, browns and pinks are lovely colors to play with this year. But for Smith Mountain Lake luxury homes, blue-green, deep blue, creamy whites, and even caramel tones still fall within the classic lake home aesthetic.
- Go green: If you want to bring more of the outside inside, consider painting the walls of your living room green. Olive green, sage green, and forest green are some of the shades that will help you incorporate two trends (this one and earth tones). Moreover, they’re softer, warmer, and are often considered neutral enough. But if green walls are too big of a leap, add this color as an accent. Start small with throw pillows or vases. But if you want something of a statement, how about a beautiful green sofa?
Add visual interest
Apart from color accents, textures and patterns can make your living room pop. Like most interior design trends, you can go all out or make small, impactful changes.
- Go classic with heritage fabrics: Buying a new armchair or couch doesn’t make sense if you have a perfectly good one. But to freshen it up, you can reupholster it in a heritage fabric you love. You might have some stashed away in your storage, but you can also visit textile houses for an even greater selection of patterns and designs. If reupholstering an existing furniture isn’t possible, you can also use heritage fabrics for window treatments.
- Colorful Italian vibes: For those who want to bring the Italian coast to southwest Virginia, check out chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s new vase collection. Inspired by Sicily, these are hand-painted “heads” in vivid primary colors. Place it on the center table to serve as a conversation starter, or on top of one of the consoles to add excitement to a space. Other alternatives include these Roman powder-coated vases from Pols Potten— they come in a set of four for under $200. This blue earthenware vase by Henry Holland Studio is another great addition to your living room.
FOR YOUR KITCHEN
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. Apart from being the spot where food is stored and meals are prepared, it also functions as one of the house’s important communication centers. This is one of the places where stories are shared and family recipes are passed down for future enjoyment.
Modern kitchens are not only functional— they’re also stylish. Here are some style tips to consider if your kitchen is due for an update.
Color matters here, too
You may be acquainted with the concept that the colors red and yellow stimulate the appetite. But your choices shouldn’t be limited to these two hues. Regardless if you’re repainting your kitchen walls or looking to inject some colors, the following trends may spark inspiration:
- Greens are not just for vegetables: Green is proving to be a popular color for kitchens as well. It’s soothing, refreshing, and reminds everyone of nature. Go for shades with earthy tones, such as olive and sage greens, if you want a more grounded feel. But if you want a bit of pep, choose from a variety of fresh spring greens.
- Vintage appeal: Since kitchens are often used, it makes sense to keep the space classic. Rich browns, burgundy, warm whites, and navy shades can help you add color to the room while keeping things timeless. These colors also pair well with herringbone patterns and the general country aesthetic.
Unique pieces
There are many ways to add personal flair to your kitchen, from marble backsplashes to fluted or double islands. The following, however, are practical, stylish, and will likely stand the test of time:
- Custom storage: Your kitchen needs to work for you, not the other way around. Instead of sticking with the standard storage solutions, call in a contractor to design cabinets that fit your needs and preferences to a T. These may include dedicated cabinets for your spice and dried herbs collection, technical cabinets near appliances you use frequently, and oil drawers. With custom storage, your kitchen will be the most organized space in your home.
- Prep kitchens: We all hate to deal with a messy kitchen, especially during prep. Having a secondary prep kitchen that’s easily accessible from the main one is a wise long-term solution. You wouldn’t need to carve out a new space for this. If you have a pantry, you can transform this space into a dual-purpose room. You can also add custom storage here, as well as a wine cellar, a cocktail bar, or your personal coffee station.
FOR YOUR BATHROOMS
Spa bathrooms are often recommended for Smith Mountain Lake luxury homes, but what does exactly look like? What are the features you can add to truly achieve that spa-like feel? Here are some 2023 luxury bathroom trends to note.
Luxe showers
There’s nothing quite like a hot shower after a tiring day or a cold one to get you energized in the morning. The following upgrades to your shower will make you feel like you’re in an ultra-exclusive wellness center:
- Steam shower systems: For those who are looking for a smart home upgrade to their bathroom, here is a solid recommendation: the Mystix steam shower system by Brizo, which recreates a restorative spa experience in your home. Go for the basic steam settings or choose the “transcendent” option, which also includes aromatherapy, audiotherapy, and chromatherapy. For an alternative, Delta is releasing their new ShowerSense line this summer.
- New tiles: You can create a more indulgent atmosphere in the bathroom by choosing tiles that go well with the overall theme. For a classic look, larger size tiles or ones made of marble will stand the test of time (and trends). You can also lean toward your playful side and opt for color; sea-green or warm pink tiles add a lovely touch to any shower area and complement various types of hardware. For fans of the modern organic look, natural stone is unbeatable.
Statement makers
Bathrooms, just like kitchens, can be both functional and beautiful at the same time. The following trends are sure to impress you and your guests every time you pay this room a visit:
- Freestanding baths: Freestanding baths look so much more luxurious than their other counterparts. And when you place it in a spot with a view, the overall effect is amplified. But it turns out freestanding baths are more practical than they seem. Since they aren’t attached to anything, a freestanding bath makes a bathroom look bigger and more spacious. They’re also easier to install and can be placed almost anywhere in the bathroom, giving you more flexibility in designing the room.
- Walls full of character: For those who want an instant way to change the look of their bathrooms, it’s time to experiment beyond just painted walls. One option is to go for a chequerboard tiles to cover the lower half of a wall— a stylish yet practical way to protect your walls from spray. There are a myriad of color combinations to try, ranging from maximalist and quirky (pink and green) to vintage (black and white, avocado green and warm white). Another option is to invest in wallpaper— you can go for floral or heritage patterns, or transport whoever is using the bathroom by opting for wallpapers with painted scenery.
FOR YOUR PRIMARY BEDROOM
Your bedroom is your space. And while it’s mostly used for resting, you can extend its function as a sanctuary where you can enjoy your hobbies and interests. For now, however, let’s focus on making your bedroom your most favorite spot in your Smith Mountain Lake home.
Like a cocoon
- Canopy or four-poster: Canopy and four-poster beds are typically seen as extra-traditional because of its boxy shape and perceived heaviness. That said, their 21st-century versions are becoming more and more fashionable. These beds eschew the traditional look in favor of arched framing and experimentation with metals and other wood finishes. The end look is something that’s still especially private and grand, but updated. It’s also up to you whether you want to hang curtains on your canopy bed for that extra secluded feeling.
- Shutter-wrapped bed: How about a small room within your bedroom for another layer of privacy? Instead of a canopy bed, a shutter-wrapped bed adds a solid division from the room at large. You can add lighting inside for reading and scrolling through your social media feeds, as well as a small set of shelves for your books and other bedside must-haves. Since you are literally shuttered in, you also won’t have to worry about any light or noise pollution coming from outside your home.
Nicolas Sargent for Architectural Digest
Maximalist touches
Minimalism used to be the norm in interior design. Now, people are starting to indulge their maximalist side. In your bedroom, this can translate to bold color choices, rich tapestries on the walls instead of framed art, or layers and layers of pillows, blankets, and textiles. You can start with the following:
- Supersized headboards: An easy yet dramatic way to update your bedroom’s look is to swap your current headboard with an extra large one. There is a wide variety of styles to choose from, fitting almost every kind of bedroom theme. That said, don’t automatically go for the largest headboard you can find. To make this work (and worth your investment), consider the size of your bedroom first and determine the headboard size it can take. If you want to make your new headboard more personalized, find an upholsterer who can help you create the headboard of your dreams.
- Mix old and new: When it comes to redecorating your bedroom in a maximalist fashion, there’s no need to replace your older pieces with completely new ones. Instead, take stock of what you already have, then find new decorative pieces that complement your collection (and your preferences). These items don’t have to match— they just need to go well together. When done right, mixing old and new pieces will make your bedroom feel cozy and lived in.
FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
Smith Mountain Lake luxury homes aren’t complete without beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. After all, how else can you enjoy the region’s moderate climate and surrounding nature?
Keep calm with water features
Water features, no matter the size, are no small additions to your entire outdoor living space. It will always involve some degree of digging and work. That said, the following luxury home trends have significant pay off:
- Fountains, bird baths, and more: Further enhance your garden or outdoor living space’s sensory element by strategically adding fountains or cascades in the area. The sound of gently rushing water in the background can create a soothing atmosphere to any outdoor space. But if a garden fountain is too major of an addition, consider installing a bird bath or two. Like a garden fountain or cascade, a bird bath serves as a good focal point, especially if you have a courtyard-style garden. Furthermore, you’ll be providing a resting stop for birds, which adds more life to your property.
- New pools: If your property has yet to have an outdoor swimming pool, consider this as a sign to finally have one installed. But instead of the standard pool, opt for either a saltwater pool or a cold plunge pool, both of which have their own set benefits. For instance, a saltwater pool requires less chlorine and other additives for maintenance. Therefore, they don’t smell chlorinated and feel much better on the skin. Saltwater pools also don’t damage towels and swimsuits as much as chlorinated swimming pools. On the other hand, a cold plunge pool offers serious health perks. If you use it regularly, you stand to improve your circulation and even give your mental health a boost. Some studies have also shown that cold plunge pools help with reducing inflammation and pain from chronic illnesses.
Space to thrive
If you are designing your outdoor area to become the ultimate gathering spot, here are some luxury home trends that might pique your interest:
- All-out outdoor kitchens: Outdoor kitchens aren’t a new thing, but these days, they’re more than just a grill, oven, and sink for cooking and prepping. Outdoor kitchens in luxury homes are now gourmet set-ups that can almost rival any chef’s indoor kitchen. If you want to go all out, add a griddle, pizza ovens, and outdoor air fryers to the space. Having a refrigerator (that’s well-protected from the elements) also increases an outdoor kitchen’s function and convenience.
- Cozy spots: Outdoor gatherings are typically concentrated in patios, decks, and some choice spots in the garden. But if you want to, you can add more cozy nooks to your property. These are great for some alone time or intimate conversations between a smaller group of people. You can create and design a sitooterie, which is a Scottish-style spot for outdoor breaks. Conversation coves, furnished arbors, and gazebos are also great additions to Smith Mountain Lake luxury homes.
DESIGN YOUR HOME FOR YOU
These luxury home trends are just guides to give you inspiration. Remember that the best way to enjoy your Smith Mountain Lake property is to design a home that works for you. Browse our blog for more related articles or get in touch for any Smith Mountain Lake luxury real estate concerns.