Take aways:

1. Integration of outdoor living with the design of the home should be created as a part of the whole concept, not as an afterthought. One space should flow into the other seamlessly. Soft goods and furnishings should mimic the style of the rest of the home and keep the integrity of design so the spaces knit together in harmony.
2. Outdoor kitchens shouldn’t duplicate the elaborate ease of the indoor kitchen instead they should serve as a way to meet the needs of cooking outdoors with simplicity. Remember the environment is the STAR not the built-in full-sized stainless fridge!

The demand for exterior built in appliances is becoming more mainstream in the South as our climate allows for more time outdoors. However, this trend may have a short lifespan…so plan accordingly. Best advice: Keep it simple.

3. Organic materials were prevalent and remain classic treasures. People identify with what nature offers. The challenge is to blend the textures and colors into a space where a streamlined more modern approach is predominant.

I’m not referencing shells as a beach house theme…I mean blending organic wooden shapes, natural stones, and even water elements into the home design. Cool organic light fixtures were everywhere at the New York show. Artist are crazy about the sense of style these bring to a home.

Bathrooms and kitchens are getting sleeker and more refined. Less layering and more streamlined are the continuing trends. Think: Flat front cabinetry, floating sinks and toilets, large islands serving multiple uses…workstation, dining, office along with food prep.
The Home design and interior furnishings industry is creative and innovative filled, with talented people that introduce beauty and function to us for our daily lives. I loved the innovation award winners highlighted throughout the show…shape, color and texture were all big hits! We have great new designs coming our way that will help us live more efficiently and with more comfort in an aesthetically appealing way.
Jai Covington

Home Owner Relationship Manager

Evans Coghill Homes is a new home builder in the Charlotte, NC area building new homes in Riverwalk, Springfield or Cheval, and River Run. For more information, please visit www.evanscoghill.com.

Laura Britcher