The interior design industry has experienced 10 consecutive months of positive performance across sectors, according to a new report from the American Society of Interior Designers
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose this month to its highest level in six years and many expect the housing recovery to strengthen in the next six months. Although new homes represent less than 20 % of the housing sales market, they have an outsize impact on the economy. According to the National Asociation of Home Builders, each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue. Patrick Newport, an economist with HIS Global Insight says the housing market remains depressed and a complete recovery isn’t expected before 2016.
As a producer of repositionable, removable and reusable wallcovering, Casart Coverings takes note of these trends and how they impact our product as well as our designs. Who will these home builders likely be and what will they want? Generations X (1961-1980) and Y(1982-1995) is the answer.
While younger consumers love technology and trendy, that doesn’t mean they’re willing to sacrifice practicality, or durability, to attain their high-tech design dreams. Generations X and Y may have modern-day sensibilities but they were raised by practically minded parents and retain those values .
Recently when kitchen and bath designers were surveyed, they saw these generations looking for practical, durable products and designs. Time-saving products that are easy to clean and maintain are high on their wish lists. Technology is also popular, but only if it’s easy to learn and use. Simplicity and timeless design are desired along with their high-tech amenities. X and Y generations share a love of color and texture as well as custom or unique, more contemporary styles. With the economy today, budgetary constraints are an important part of their decision process. Younger consumers find that simple designs are generally the most affordable. While appearance and image matter, they feel design should be a reflection of who they are. In the bathroom, the love of all things modern is showing up in these generations’ desire for anything square – faucets, shower plates, showerheads, etc. They have more confidence in digital options, such as digital shower valves. Older homeowners aren’t comfortable with some technology and aren’t confident in its performance level.
Younger homeowners do a lot of research before approaching a designer, builder or architect and most often select the latter expert first. Even if the design has room for an open floor plan with a kitchen, they will opt for a practical floor plan over a showy kitchen which will needlessly use up living space.
The October issue of House Beautiful featured Mick De Giulio’s Kitchen of the Year at Rockefeller Center which illustrates the trends mentioned above.
A Whirlpool Gold 30-inch induction cooktop uses less energy than traditional models.
Hand-scraped Gold Rush Walnut flooring by Shaw incorporates recycled wood fibers. The backsplash of Caesarstone panels open to reveal 4 inch deep shelves for spices and cooking oils. De Giulio’s Multiere sink for Kallista has a colander holder, a flatware tray for rinsing cutlery, and a cutting board with a knife holder and sharpening rod. The sink drain is at one end which allows for more useable space below with the plumbing at one end. The sink is pitched at the bottom to channel water quickly to the drain. This sink was my favorite item and prompted one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” moments.
KraftMaid’s pantry fits in between other cabinets or appliances and gives access from both sides. Caesarstone, a nonporous quartz surface that resists stains, scratches and heat is used for counters.
— Lorre Lei
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