Today's homeowners are more design-savvy than ever -- a trend that requires homebuilders to follow suit when it comes to showcasing their model homes.

"Home buyers are bombarded with ideas and marketing pull from hundreds of home furnishing stores, catalogs, and enticing websites", said Doris Pearlman, president of Possibilities for Design, Inc., an interior design and merchandising firm based in Denver.

"The marriage of image and information has led to 'the look' -- the finely tuned home-fashion statement that merchandisers and home buyers seek to recreate," she said in the April 11, issue of the Nation's Building News.

One of the top elements to consider is color. Pearlman says brown is the new black and should be combined with green, gold or blue. She also says trendy pinks, yellows and purples are also making their mark, but should be used cautiously.

The Color Marketing Group, an international association that forecasts color trends for a variety of industries, says colors next year will be warmer, clearer and brighter -- reddened oranges, yellows becoming more prominent, blues on the decline, and neutrals becoming more complex.

When it comes to the home, CMG predicts the following five trends to flourish in 2006:

• Asian rose. The CMG says this is a multi-cultural home color with heritage and heart, meaning a need to reconnect with the past and focus on warm, comforting times.

• Bliss. This will emphasize luxury and nostalgia.

• Decoesque. A less abrasive version of green and blue.

• Elemental gray. A good dark neutral.

• Flemish gold. Exuding luxury and the synthesis of cultural norms.

In addition to color, furniture is key in achieving "the look." Pearlman says traditional schemes now include warm textures combined with leather upholstery punctuated with nail-head accents.

Better Homes and Gardens, in reporting on finds from the High Point International Home Furnishings Market, a major furniture manufacturer tradeshow, said color is hot in furniture, particularly bold bright blues, yellows and greens.

"But the season's hottest palette is straight from your parents' 1970s earth-toned den: persimmon (think burnt orange) paired with brown or alternately, shades of green mixed together for an eco-friendly look," BHG says. "(one manufacturer) used the orange/brown palette to give a modern twist to traditional French furniture."

Meanwhile, universal design -- design that grows with the homeowners as they age -- is another important component in an enticing home.

Some universal design elements include:

• A bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. With a full bathroom and the master bedroom on the main floor, older homeowners who have trouble going up and down the stairs don't have to worry about the ups and downs -- literally.

• Controls and handles that are easy to use and conveniently located. Raised electrical outlets, electrical switches positioned lower than normal and thermostats with large, easy to read numbers make it easier for an older resident.

• Entrances that are step-free. Providing at least one entrance that doesn't have steps.

• Extra space to move about. Wider doors and hallways will make the house more accessible.

• Larger bathrooms, equipped with safety features. Bigger bathrooms make it easier for those who have walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. And grab bars are essential for stability and preventing falls.

• Better lighting. As eyesight dulls, appropriate lighting is essential. Additionally, multiple controls can limit the number of trips to turn the lights on and off. Adjustable controls and dimmers can help prevent glare.

Another important piece of the interior design puzzle is lighting.

"Lighting is one of the most under-designed components in the home-and one of the most important," the National Association of the Remodeling Industry tells website visitors. Members of the American Lighting Association say there are three types of lighting:

1. General lighting provides an area with overall illumination. Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness.

2. Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, hobbies, games, or balancing your checkbook. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting, and portable lamps.

3. Accent lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculptures, and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outdoor landscaping.

Finally, the accessories -- the accents that give your house style and character.

"Don't forget the accents," Pearlman says, saying that repetition of art pieces, identical mirrors side by side in a dining room, an antique armoire that conceals a TV are all examples of good accenting.

"By considering all these areas, you can recreate 'the look' in your model homes -- and your buyers will definitely notice."

Published: April 25, 2005

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