Whether you want to add a splash of colour to give your home exterior a fresh face, or if it’s time to completely reface the exterior appearance of your home to maintain, update and increase your resale value, improving the look of your home exterior can make a significant difference.  New home builds in the suburbs can be quite ‘production looking’ in appearance based on architectural guidelines that a new build must adhere to.  However on that note, generally if you are past the 2 year mark of taking possession, even homes in the new communities can undergo a facelift.  Since inner city and older areas around our city are not as restricted, this is where your home can really reflect your individual style. We’ve gone ahead and put together a list of current design trends that are sure to inspire – let’s take a look!

Maximalism

More colour, more energy, more vibrancy; this is what we’re noticing across the world as the latest trend. The opposite of minimalism in every way, maximalism refers to more texturing, colour, patterning, and embellishment, leading to a more eclectic and truly unique style. Some homeowners feel that departing from minimalism allows for the ability to uniquely express themselves.  Although on that note, keep in mind that we do not want to take it to such an extreme wherein it leads to a collective home identity crisis. While there is still common interest in minimalistic design choices and this will likely continue for some time, we are seeing the growing fascination with extremes. In fact, we are beginning to see a return to near-bohemian chic, with a focus on modern angles with traditional touches.  New inner city build exteriors and are becoming more ‘European’ with clean lines and incorporate the latest products and materials. The same applies to structural elements, with a focus on more ‘wow’ value merged with sheer practicality – often to an industrial extent.

Black and White

From the inside out, black and white is another growing inner-city design trend. Intended to blend with dark wood finishes (and very successful at doing so), this may feel like a fad from the past but in reality, it’s back. White-painted rooms obviously catch more light, brighten a space and create a larger feel to any space.  When combined with a striking dash of noir – black tile backsplashes and dark iron fixtures as well as all-natural dark wood elements such as supports, trusses and floors, the result is a very modern look that isn’t afraid to be simplistic yet refreshing. Additionally, black and white-themed designs, inside and out, allow for plenty of customization when it comes to window sizes and shapes, door finishes, and landscaping without cluttering the overall look of a home. We’re seeing a lot of homeowners refacing their homes in black or white stone treatments which, combined with black vinyl windows or natural wood window frames and smart trim, lends a high-end look.

Specialty Wall Treatments

From fabrics with a soft, plush feel to natural finishes made of finely woven grasses, we’ve seen a shift towards updated specialty wall treatments that dare to be different for both the interior and exterior projects. When enhancing a home’s exterior, we’re seeing all sorts of incredible treatments being used.   From longboard, to batu wood, or weather panel and cladding systems designed for energy efficiency that bring a European inspired look, there are a gamut of styles to create the new look that you want to achieve.

Reclaimed Materials Galore

With the increased awareness of our landfills and environmental concerns, we’re seeing a steady rise of appreciation for reclaiming or repurposing items throughout the world along with our own city. Barn wood is still a particular favorite for interior home applications while other recycled interior materials can produce some incredible, refreshing results on the exterior landscaping with yard pathways created out of reclaimed bits of tile.  Many older homes still have the red brick on the exterior including the interior at the fireplace, but don’t despair!  Brick can be painted to give it a fresh look and of course, a second life.  Moreover, the industrial look is back and this brick can even be reused at another area inside a home to wrap columns or reface the kitchen island.  If you are still tired of the brick, people will buy it so when it is removed, place an ad and people will come.  Either way, repurposing materials is a more cost effective, environmentally friendly, and unique approach to enhance the interior and exterior design of homes and not just within inner-city Calgary, but elsewhere as well.

There are so many products on our market today that it may at times, feel overwhelming to select materials for your home that would be best suited for you.  Our team at Tri-Link Builders Ltd. is here to help you turn your dream concept into reality. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your next project!