Whether you’re after a year-round vacation feeling or a home design that compliments the climate, coastal-style homes are a great option for new builds.
Beach house designs are the perfect match for the Californian laidback way of life, and you don’t need to live a stone’s throw from the beach to enjoy this style of living. Coastal homes can also be adapted to suit your personal style, whether you prefer modern, classic, country or Hamptons.
What makes a coastal home?
Before we launch into our designs, let’s take a look at the specific features that make up coastal homes. Open concept living, neutral and airy colors, natural materials and simplistic design are key to creating a truly coastal feel.
Streamlined design
Simple lines and minimalist architectural features are commonly used in contemporary coastal home builds. Streamlined designs include waterfall benchtops, concealed cabinets, consistent material across the flooring and a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor areas. Less is definitely more in simple beach house designs.
Natural materials, textures and tones
Coastal design elements should seek inspiration from seaside locations. This means incorporating natural tones and textures and building with natural materials such as timber and stone. Interior design, decor and furnishings should also embrace neutral elements to create a cohesive and calming aesthetic.
Open plan living
One of the main characteristics of coastal home designs is an open floor plan. Fewer walls mean less light-blocking, allowing sunshine to fill the room from every angle. Open plan designs are also great for natural airflow, utilizing a fresh breeze as a natural way of cooling the home, making it less reliant on cooling systems in the summer. Bigger windows and glass elements also compliment open-plan living, adding to the light and airy feeling.
FAQs
What is a coastal-style house?
A coastal-style house is one that helps you to achieve a laid-back and relaxing lifestyle. The floor plan of a coastal-style home is carefully considered to ensure an abundance of natural light and cool coastal breezes, and natural building materials such as timber or stone are often used.
How are coastal homes built?
Coastal homes are built with close consideration of location, orientation, layout and the overall flow of the house. Depending on how close your home is to the coast, builders may choose materials that are more durable in coastal conditions, and likely to better withstand the elements over time.
What are the elements of coastal design?
Coastal or beach house designs are characterized by a number of features, including floor plan, materials and colors, natural lighting and plenty of airflow. Furnishing and interior decorating also play a big role in creating an overall coastal atmosphere. Neutral colors, natural textures and minimalist styling are all key to achieving your desired look.
Coastal Homes At G.J. Gardner Homes
Can you feel the breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes? Build a beach house that transports you to a place of serenity. Enjoy all the aspects of a laid-back California lifestyle in your dream home.
If you’re considering a coastal home for your new build, our G.J. Gardner Homes design consultants will happily talk you through our extensive range of beach house floor plans. Our expert knowledge and exclusive home designs will help you build a space that reflects your own personal style.
Choosing the exterior colors of your new home can be one of the most challenging decisions that you make during your home build. You want your home to have street appeal and establish your home’s personality, and the best way to achieve that is by choosing the right colors and finishes. However, choosing the right color for your exterior extends to more than just deciding what paint color to use. Aspects such as the overall impression of the house , planning the driveways, entrances, fencing and landscaping all come to play. The exterior materials of the building, including the roofing along with other materials, all need to be considered when choosing your exterior color palette. How these work as a cohesive story,how they work in the local environment, and how they are maintained to withstand the test of time are all important.
While there are no hard and fast rules to choosing the right colors for your home, we’ve put together a list of the key things to consider when choosing a color scheme that works for you and your home’s surroundings.
Choose the right colors for your home’s surrounding environment
One of the most essential elements to consider when choosing your exterior colors is your home’s environment.
Not only does the selection of exterior colors play a vital role in setting the aesthetic of any street but taking cues from the surrounding environment can help you choose shades that match the streetscape. Treating the whole exterior palette, including the landscaping, can make your home more aesthetically pleasing whether it’s for your enjoyment or to ultimately help retain the resale value.
The colors and style of your exterior should set the palette for your interior, helping the flow from outside to inside. The colors, the materials and the style should be a reflection of your taste yet work with the needs of the environment to help enhance your comfort level.
Here at G.J. Gardner Homes, we pride ourselves in building liveable houses, and when choosing your exterior color palette we urge our customers to consider your area’s environment, climate and the surrounding elements that you are building around and becoming a part of.
Trees and tree canopies help keep the environment cool so anchoring your color choices to the area seems more relevant to use deeper colors. When there is no established landscaping and there are long periods of high-temperature days, lighter colors will help reflect more of the sun’s heat on your roof on those hot sunny days.
In hot climates, choosing lighter colors like whites, soft grays, or warmer beiges and taupes for your roof will help reduce the temperature inside your home.
These colors are good at reflecting the sun’s heat from the home and absorbs less of the sun’s energy than darker colors, which can help cool off your home. This will also help your house be more energy-efficient and could help reduce the need for cooling systems.
In contrast, a darker roof will keep your home a few degrees warmer during winter. Deeper colors such as charcoals, navy and deep browns will give a stronger yet cozier look while keeping your home warm.
Consider the other materials that you are using
Alongside the color of your roof, you should factor in any other materials that you are using on your home’s facade or in the landscaping. Often the opportunity to use natural materials and their colors as part of the palette for a home’s exterior is overlooked.
Before choosing an exterior color palette, you should consider any elements like brick, stone or wood; as well as any landscaping features, like tiles, fences, paths, cladding and driveways.
All of the external features provide an opportunity to enrich a color palette and can work together to improve the overall cohesiveness of your home.
Talk to a G.J. Gardner Homes Consultant
Choosing the right colors for your exterior is a big decision to undertake on your own. That is why working with G.J. Gardner Homes Consultants is the best way to find the home design for your budget and lifestyle. Contact one of our friendly team members today.
In the unprecedented times we’re experiencing, designing a home able to support lifestyle changes for yourself and your family is fundamental.
Bonus bedroom homes offer the luxury and flexibility of space to support your evolving home life and family. From a multi-generational family arrangement or simply providing extra spaces to retreat, bonus-bedroom home plans can be customized and adapted with the future in mind.
For Your Family and Lifestyle
Multi-Generational Living
The phenomenon of multi-generation living continues to become more commonplace in America and beyond. Whether a product of family culture or financial practicality, intergenerational living requires a home to support the differing needs of each individual.
With increases in migration diversifying the American culture along with the impacts of Covid, more families are currently embracing multi-generational living.
Bonus bedroom home plans allow you to be mindful of your children’s or parents’ futures in your home design and employ a plan that works for you.
The Benefits of Extra Space
Beyond multi-generational living, bonus-bedroom house plans offer all the benefits of extra space. With growing families, additional bedrooms offer more independence for the family as needed, ensuring each family member has access to their own space.
Additional bedrooms equip you with the luxury of adapting spaces as needed, from extra bedrooms, guest rooms or multi-purpose spaces. Bonus-bedroom house plans provide flexibility and functionality, easily pivoted to suit your family and lifestyle priorities.
Bonus Bedroom House Plans
One Story
One-story homes offer all the benefits of bonus-bedroom home plans on split levels without compromising space. Ideal for young families or aging parents, a single-story home allows you to experience plentiful space at one level, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.
G.J. Gardner Homes have embraced the one-story bonus-bedroom house plan in multiple home styles, easily customized and suited for you and your family. Explore all one-story bedroom plans.
Atlas
The Somerset home styles provide the luxury of a bonus-bedroom house plan while maintaining a one-story structure to maximize convenience and space. The Atlas opens up to reveal an open concept living area with enough living space to keep the whole family happy. The four guest bedrooms are located along the left side of the home with their own separate living space and full bathroom. While the primary bedroom has its own wing with a private bathroom and two walk-in closets.
The family living area, including a designer kitchen as well as a family and dining area, separates the main home from the 524-square-foot ADU. The ADU has its own private entrance and can be used as a completely separate living quarter to the main house. The Atlas design is ideal for multi-generational families who are looking for their own space.
Brighton
Pinehurst
All Pinehurst homes offer a bonus-bedroom house plan in traditional, modern, craftsman and modern farmhouse styles. The ultimate home design for modern family living, the Pinehurst is designed for sizable lifestyle lots offering both connection and privacy with three well-defined living areas.
An open plan living area centers the home, with two offices and a games room seamlessly connected to provide additional space for entertaining or lifestyle changes.
The primary bed wing is on one side of the home, with a private bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, patio and living room to give the parents privacy. While the four remaining bedrooms are centered around the kid’s game room.
Two Story
Two-story homes can be an optimal way to utilize the space available while still maintaining the bonus-bedroom house plan. The additional story allows for ultimate privacy and the clear separation of living and personal areas.
G.J. Gardner Homes have reimagined the bonus-bedroom house plan over a two-story home, with various design structures to support you and your family’s needs. Explore all two-story bedroom plans.
Carlisle
The stylish Carlisle design celebrates the bonus-bedroom home plan with luxury and prestige. The two-story family home with an optional basement is designed to suit standard-sized lots while providing spacious open-plan living.
The lower level features a family and dining room, next to the kitchen as well as one of the five bedrooms. The upper floor hosts the remaining five bedrooms,.
The optional basement can allow you to add a sixth bedroom to the design or expand on the living and entertainment spaces.
Sapphire
The Sapphire home has been designed especially for the needs of intergenerational families. Through the inclusion of a 425-square-foot ADU and a separate primary bedroom, the home provides spacious personal spaces for maximum privacy.
With an open plan living, dining and entertaining space and an additional family zone living room, the Sapphire masterfully uses a double-story layout wisely to foster privacy and togetherness.
Get in touch
Considering a bonus-bedroom house plan for your family’s needs and lifestyle? Get in touch with a G.J. Gardner Homes consultant today.
The future of the green living movement is only becoming more convenient and relevant for modern living.
Sustainable styles continue to dominate home design trends as we incorporate innovative and conscious features into our homes. For 2022, G.J. Gardner Homes forecasts conscious construction, sustainable materials and energy efficiency as the new frontier of home design. In most cases, these trends remain cost-efficient and in favor of the earth.
Whether you’re already committed to building a sustainable home or interested in learning more, here is your guide to the most important housing trends that are shaping the future of sustainable living.
What is a sustainable house design?
A sustainable home is defined as a home construction and design style which prioritizes eco-conscious practices, including quality systems of low-impact, high-performance materials and procedures. Sustainable house design extends to the planning, construction and living stages, which seek to serve the environment and minimize impacts.
In the planning stages, the new building’s location, size, and orientation require consideration to enhance the home’s sustainability and reduce energy consumption. In the construction stage, sustainable house design calls for conscious processes which minimize the project’s environmental impact. In finalizing the home, sustainable house design extends to the materials and products in use which enhances the strategies employed during the building process and ensures sustainability for the future.
Incorporating sustainable design techniques and processes at any stage throughout the building and living process is still an impactful choice to support environmental sustainability.
What are the trends in sustainability?
Energy Efficient Homes
Recent developments in clean energy have served to make renewably powered homes more commonplace and efficient. Recent policy changes have encouraged the introduction of renewable energy in the home, making it an available, affordable and accessible way to incorporate sustainable practices into your daily routine.
Eco-Conscious Construction
Sustainability is not only relevant in the home’s design. It is crucial that eco-conscious practices are in place where possible to limit the environmental impact through the construction process.
This includes recycling throughout the construction process, repurposing unused materials in the project to avoid sending them straight to landfill. By making sustainable decisions throughout the construction process, sustainability can go beyond just the home design and extend to the entire home building process.
Sustainable Materials
The mindful use of sustainable materials is an expanding mission within sustainable homes. These materials serve to enhance the overall sustainability of the home construction and daily operation.
Incorporating durable, sustainable or certified carbon neutral materials into the home, ranging from cool roofs, high-performance windows, and recyclable wood, is a practical way to practice sustainability for your home’s future.
What are some trending sustainable house features?
Classic and emerging trends of the sustainable living movement have sought to reinvent various traditional house features.
Solar energy and passive design
Implementing solar power to enhance the energy and cost efficiency of your home has remained a common and impactful way to increase the sustainability of your home. In addition, G.J. Gardner Homes advocates for taking advantage of the specific orientation of your home, so you can passively use solar to create an efficient living space.
Passive solar design employs the sun’s direction and natural sunlight to foster a comfortable temperature in your home throughout all seasons.
High-performance windows
In most contemporary design styles, windows are a major focal point; however, they are considered responsible for over 50% of lost energy in homes. Recent sustainability trends seek to enhance the aesthetic feature of windows whilst making them more sustainably conscious.
These practices include new technologies of double glaze, special coatings and nonconductive frames. By tailoring your windows to the climate of your home, you can limit energy loss whether serving a colder or warmer setting.
Energy-Efficient appliances
When finalizing the furnishings and features of modern homes, sustainable appliances continue to be increasingly popular. Choosing appliances with high energy efficiency ratings allows you to invest in the future of your home and the environment.
Mindfully considered appliances for your kitchen, laundry and heating and cooling system, remains a trending way to incorporate sustainability into new builds or existing homes.
Home Resilience
The use of durable materials continues as a leading aspect of sustainable living practices. Resiliency has been identified as the newest trend of sustainability, dedicated to ensuring homes can withstand major events and retain longevity. By using durable and non-toxic materials, future homes require less replacement and maintenance, limiting the need for new materials and wastage over time.
Get in touch
Are you interested in learning more about current sustainability home trends? Get in touch with a G.J. Gardner Homes New Home Consultant today.
In recent years, Hamptons style homes have emerged as a beloved source of home inspiration – renowned for their innovative and classical features. Ultimately, the Hamptons style revolves around the feelings of calmness, charm & comfort.
The Hamptons Style House Exterior
Hamptons Style Facade
The Hampton house style is recognized for its board & batten exterior. Both functional and appealing, this style element is quintessential to the Hamptons style.
The board & batten siding forming the home’s facade provide a unique, textured appearance to the home’s exterior, while also weather-proofing for a range of climates. Hamptons style houses offer a coastal charm through this iconic feature. In using either wide or narrow paneling, you have the freedom to decide the contemporary or classic feel of the house whilst still remaining fresh and clean. Multiple G.J. Gardner home designs have embraced the board & batten exterior, inspired by the Hamptons house style, including the likes of the Hampton and Ashland.
Hamptons Style Entry
A major element of the Hamptons house style is the incorporation of shaker-style design, characterized by clean lines, tapered legs, and minimalist designs, both internally and externally. The inclusion of shaker-style elements in the entryways represents a famed feature of a Hamptons home, offering an inviting entry to the home.
The addition of a front porch or an arbor serves to enhance the welcoming charm of the Hamptons style. Shaker-style pillars and eaves create continuity between the Hamptons style interior and exterior. Our range of homes provides the opportunity to include this subtle yet classic Hamptons feature within your own home by incorporating front porches and customized entry designs.
The Hamptons Style House Interior
Hamptons Style Color Palette
Inspired by coastal styles, Hampton style homes use muted colors to provide a calming and naturalist experience. The use of soft tones from pale grays, blues, and greens to simply all-white palettes provide a versatile and fresh foundation for your home.
The use of natural colors, akin to the colors of sand, sky and stone, accompanied by bold accents, impart the classic Hampton style. Offering you the freedom to design your own Hamptons inspired color palette, all G.J. Gardner Homes allows you to customize your own paint colors.
Natural Materials of the Hampton Home
Influenced by the aesthetics of the natural coastal environment, Hampton style homes incorporate various natural materials. To enhance its calmness and charm, the Hamptons style draws on stone accents, timber additions and linen textures to foster a beach-like haven.
Natural materials are incorporated into the style through exposed stone walls and features as well as timber staircases and flooring. Different material tones impart different feelings; the use of light oak floors maintains a classic casual coastal appearance, while darker flooring provides a more sophisticated finish to enhance the fresh color palette. G.J. Gardner Homes’ design styles support the use of a range of natural materials in our custom homes, from bold stone fireplaces to timber focal points.
Furnishing choices from wicker chairs to woven rugs can serve to enrich the addition of natural materials and represent a classic and accessible element of the Hampton style.
Layers of Light
While embracing the natural setting, the Hamptons house style seeks to bring the outdoors in through the use of open living spaces, which encourages abundant natural light.
Natural light serves to enhance the fresh and bright feeling of the home while making it an airy and open space. Design features such as porches, open plan living and large scale windows provide the feeling of summer. The use of a light color palette allows light to bounce from the walls, enhancing the role of natural light. In Hampton’s home, most design decisions seek to enhance the natural light and brighten the space. G.J. Gardner Homes specialize in large patio spaces leading off from the spacious open plan dining and family rooms, which provides an ideal space to hero natural light.
Finer Details
The considered use of finishes and details serve to make the Hamptons style. Elements such as shaker-style cabinetry throughout kitchens, bathrooms and offices as well as decorative moldings and cornices have served to enrich the heritage undertone of the Hamptons style. Moreover, the use of paneled or vaulted ceilings serves to create height and support the airy and open Hamptons feature.
The Hamptons style is mastered through these simple stylistic choices by providing touches of classical elegance with modern innovation.
Are you dreaming of a Hamptons style home? Get in touch with a G.J. consultant today.
If you’re especially fond of hosting backyard barbecues, afternoon drinks or dinner parties, your home outdoor entertaining area should provide the ultimate atmosphere for you and your guests.
Whether you’d like to create an extension to your indoor living space, an outdoor dining area or a simple space for backyard seating, we’ve gathered the top outdoor entertainment area ideas to inspire your new home design.
Before you dive into designing your new space, let’s explore the key points you need to consider.
Let’s pick the layout
When deciding on a layout, it’s important to first think about the main purpose of your outdoor entertaining area. Do you mostly barbeque, enjoy drinks with friends, or host dinner parties? You’ll want to design a space that compliments your entertaining style with a layout that’s suited to your needs.
If an outdoor kitchen or barbecuing area is a must, create a multipurpose layout by dividing your space into zones separated for cooking, eating and drinking, and relaxing. Encourage flow throughout the space by keeping an open area in the center.
If you’re limited by space or your entertaining style is a little more laidback, you can create an intimate layout with a few small seating areas for leisurely lounging.
Mapping out the materials
You can build a modern outdoor living space with materials such as wood, stone and concrete, which can also be weatherproofed to withstand the elements.
If your outdoor entertainment area is going to be an extension of your home, use the same materials to create architectural cohesion. For more inspiration, read our blog on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
Say goodbye to overgrown grass or unsightly pavement and introduce durable and functional flooring that compliments your interior style. Wood decking can add natural style and warmth to your space, or if you’re looking for durable, low maintenance alternatives, consider polished concrete or stone. For an eco-friendly option, ask your builder about using reclaimed timber or recycled wood.
Picking the right plants
Impress your guests with a beautifully planned garden. Greenery will not only create a calming atmosphere, but it will allow you to create a true outdoor experience.
Trending vertical gardens are also easy to maintain and can have an impressive effect on your outdoor entertaining area. You can start with a few simple climbers or completely cover a wall in foliage. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, potted plants are a stylish option. Incorporating potted plants into your landscaping makes a yard not only more low-maintenance but also more versatile. Potted plants are an easy way to add color to different parts of a yard and can be moved as necessary. Why not plant a few of your favorite herbs for a green finish that’s both fragrant and functional.
Talking Tech
We’ve come a long way with outdoor entertainment area designs, and they’ll now, more often than not, include tech features to enhance the comfort and functionality of the space.
Lighting, audio, fans and wifi can transform your space into the ultimate entertaining area. Include fans or heating if you entertain in every season, install an outdoor theater if you stream sporting events and be sure to extend your wifi to the outdoor area for an uninterrupted connection.
Smart home technology can add even more value to your entertaining area with automation and energy-saving features. If your garden is your pride and joy, you might want to invest in a smart sprinkler system to schedule your watering.
Start designing your dream outdoor area
There’s no better space to relax, unwind and entertain than in the great outdoors. Build a seriously great outdoor entertaining area by considering the layout, materials, greenery and tech features. If you’re interested in building your dream outdoor space, team up with one of our new home design consultants, who are experts in collaborating with clients to design and build their dream homes.
If you’re simply looking to upgrade your existing area, take a look at the outdoor entertaining area ideas on our inspiration page.
FAQs
How much does it cost to build an outdoor entertaining area?
The cost of an outdoor entertaining area will depend largely on the size of the space, whether you’re upgrading an existing area or starting from scratch. You will need to consider the cost of materials, labor, landscaping and any additional tech features you want to include to enhance the space. Speak to your local G.J. Gardner office to organize a personalized quote.
How do I style my outdoor area?
Your outdoor area should be an extension of your interior design. Choose furniture that’s suited to the size of your space, consider comfort and views when positioning and opt for long-lasting materials and textured fabrics that are suited to outdoor living.
Mimic your indoor color scheme and decor to create a cohesive look, and use plants to make your space calm and inviting.
How can I make an outdoor area more inviting?
Outdoor entertainment designs can be made more inviting with various building and decorating elements.
Use materials like wood for natural warmth or install a fireplace or pit for coziness in winter. Color and pattern, lighting and comfortable furniture can also help to create a welcoming space.
Try to avoid clutter with furniture that doesn’t suit the size of your space. Choose chairs and tables that allow the area to flow and don’t block doorways or pathways.
What makes a great outdoor space?
Great outdoor entertainment areas are defined by functionality, comfort and style. Your dream space will be one that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle. It should include all the features that are important to you and should align with your entertaining style.
Ensuring that your outdoor space suits your lifestyle will allow you to make the most of the outdoor space available. Consider how you want to use the space, is the focus entertaining large groups for a Sunday BBQ that would require a large dining table? Or will the area be used for lounging and afternoon drinks?
A G.J. Gardner New Home Consultant can collaborate with you to come up with design ideas that are best for your home and lifestyle.
Your new bathroom is looking pretty good, and it’s time to decide on the all-important details. Selecting a fixture for your new bathroom is a bigger task than you might think. Taps for bathrooms must not only serve their basic function of providing water for washing and rinsing, but they also need to look good and suit your bathroom’s aesthetic.
It can be easy to simply choose cheap and cheerful taps for the bathroom, but with so many high quality, contemporary options available, you’d be crazy not to find the perfect set of taps for your space.
What should I look for in a fixture ? There are several things to consider, including compatibility with your basin, shower or bathtub, color and finish, and overall design.
Pairing your fixture with your chosen basin
One of the most important things to think about when choosing a fixture is the size and style that’s best for your basin type.
Bathroom basin fixtures are available in wall-mounted and top-mounted taps. Top-mounted taps for bathrooms are the most popular choice, with a huge variety of styles, including three-piece tap sets, mixers and pillar taps. Top-mounted fixtures can either be mounted directly onto the basin or on a horizontal surface.
As the name suggests, a wall-mounted fixture is mounted to the wall, which is great for creating more space around the basin. Wall-mounted basin taps are growing in popularity thanks to the range of sleek, modern designs.
Let’s take a look at basin tap styles in more detail:
Three-piece fixture : This traditional type of fixture features a hot and cold tap with a separate spout. They’re suitable for mounting on a basin or wall with three tap holes.
Basin mixer: These mixers have a single mixing lever for hot and cold water flow and are suitable for single-hole basins.
Pillar taps: Pillar taps are quite a traditional style of fixture suitable for two-hole basins. They feature two separate faucets for hot and cold water.
When making your choice, be sure to select a spout that is proportionately sized to the basin. A spout that is too long or too short can result in splashing and will make for a rather frustrating finish. For example, if you’ve chosen a deep inset basin, you’ll require a fixture with a longer spout.
Key things to remember:
Consider the depth of your basin
Determine how many holes the basin or wall needs for your preferred tap style
Choose a style that gives you enough space around the basin
If you’re renovating or replacing old taps, you’ll need to select the same set-up
Pairing your fixture with your chosen bathtub or shower
Similarly to your basin fixture , bathtub and shower taps are available in wall-mounted and top-mounted styles, along with floor-mounted taps for freestanding baths. Your range of options will depend greatly on the type of bath or shower you’ve chosen.
Let’s take a look at shower and bath tap styles in more detail:
Mixer tap: Mixer taps feature a spout with a single handle that controls the water temperature and flow.
Three-piece tap: This type of shower tap features one spout accompanied by separate hot and cold taps.
Bath/Shower diverter mixers: A single mixer tap can be used alongside a diverter if you have a showerhead and bath spout combination or two showerheads. The diverter allows the water flow to switch between the two.
Free Standing mixers: A contemporary design becoming popular for freestanding baths, these mixers feature a minimalist bath tap that rises from the floor.
You’ll also need to consider the type of shower head you want to include. There are loads of options available today, including single-head, multiple, rain and waterfall showerheads. Choose wisely; this is the key to creating your ultimate shower experience!
Key things to remember:
Consider your style of shower or bath, do you have a separate shower, a shower/bath combo, a back-to-wall bath or a freestanding bath?
If you have a shower/bath combo you’ll require a diverter
Think about your desired water flow, not enough or too much water pressure can ruin your shower experience
Colors and finishes
Consider the style of your bathroom holistically when deciding on the color and finish of your fixture . What’s your desired end result? Contemporary or traditional?
There are a range of materials to choose from when considering the finish, including stainless steel, brass, chrome and coated finishes such as brushed metals and matte black.
Here are some recommendations for specific styles of bathrooms:
Monochromatic, industrial – a coated finish such as matte black, nickel or rose gold
Modern, contemporary or sophisticated– a sleek design in stainless steel, chrome, matte black, brushed metallic or a bright color
Traditional, country or heritage – brass, chrome, gold or a cream finish
To make your decision easier, we suggest creating a bathroom mood board that includes styles and colors of fixtures , bathrooms you’re inspired by and any other interior design elements.
Consistency is key
Possibly the most important thing to ensure is that your basin, bath and shower fixture coordinate well. Consider the shape of your fixture along with your other bathroom fixtures. Is it designed with smooth, curved lines or angular lines? Strive for consistency across all fixtures to create a cohesive look and feel in the bathroom.
It also goes without saying that your fixture needs to be from the same family!
Need help choosing the right fixture for bathrooms?
Do you need some extra guidance in choosing fixtures for your bathrooms? The team at G.J. Gardner Homes are happy to assist! We can help you decide on taps for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. To get started, contact us and tell us about your current or new bathroom design.
Designing a home is one of the most exciting, yet challenging projects we choose to take on in our lives. But falling into the trap of designing your home with current trends is something the majority are guilty of doing. Choosing to design with seasonal trends in mind can end up being a costly mistake. As these elements fall out of fashion, you’re left investing to change your home’s style in a couple of years’ time.
Aging Design Trends
After building thousands of homes, we’ve picked up a thing or two on key design elements that can date a home. Below is our forecast of design trends we expect to go out of style in 2022.
Bright Carpet Colors
While we’ve well and truly moved past the iconic 70’s orange shag carpets, some are still stuck in the past with coloured statement carpets. But this trend can take away from your home design. To prevent your home from looking dated (and saving yourself carpet installation costs), try incorporating neutral-coloured carpets. This could include gray, black, or cream. Darker colors also show less dirt and staining over the long term. Which makes them a great option in a children’s room or rumpus room.
Alternatively, replace your carpets with tiles. They are simple to maintain and are more durable than carpeting, particularly in high traffic areas.
Old Cabinetry Colors
Another design trend that can age your home is your kitchen cabinet color. Choosing bright colors, or orange-toned wooden cabinetry for example, can create a dated kitchen look. Instead, incorporate solid neutral colors such as white or black, or add a pop of color to a section of cabinetry as an accent. This can help to modernize the space. It also enables you to add trends or coloured features through cabinetry hardware, which is a lot cheaper to change out as your style evolves.
Heavy Window Coverings
One aging design element that we often see in homes is heavy window coverings that enclose the space. Styles such as a curtain valance or track panels can cheapen the overall look of the room. Additionally, coverings that do not fit the window paneling take away from the room’s look and feel. Instead, invest in quality curtains and window dressings that will stand the test of time. If you live in warmer climates, invest in block-out roller blinds. This can help to not only keep the light out but cool down your home during warmer days.
Small Tiles
While long rectangular ‘kit-kat’ style tiles have recently made their way back into the inspo boards of home builders, small-format tiles can actually do more harm than good. Tiling your bathrooms with smaller tiles, particularly when covering entire floors or walls, can overpower the eye. Instead, a smaller accent wall can create a sense of dimension and texture.
Staircase Balustrades
Another common aging design trend is choosing exorbitant or detailed balustrades that won’t stand the test of time. Staircase balustrades are going to be in your home for a long time and are costly to change out. Pick something simple that complements your home’s interior style and can evolve as you change out furniture pieces.
Common Design Mistakes
At G.J. Gardner Homes we understand the importance of a floor plan that suits your design, lifestyle needs and budget. Our New Home Consultants are experts in this field and have identified some common design mistakes people make when designing their homes:
Making Bathrooms Too Small
In home designs, clients want to maximize their floor space by leaving square footage to main living spaces and bedrooms. However, this typically results in bathrooms that are too small for their needs.
When designing your home, consider carefully how each space is going to be used and who will be using the space. Bathrooms need enough vanity space and storage. As well as room for key appliances such as a bath, shower, and toilet.
Formal Living Areas Are Under-Utilized
While having a formal dining room is still a common feature in floorplans today, this is often under-utilized space. This additional room could be converted into a home office space or another bedroom.
Laundry Rooms are Too Small
Another room that is often neglected is the laundry. While this room can be smaller than other spaces, it is vital to consider the functionality. Ensure there is a big enough benchtop and sink space, room for the ironing board and appliances.
How to Transcend Design Trends
Use A Functional Floor Plan
The key to creating a timeless home design is to ensure your floor plan is functional. Consider each space, how you plan to use it and areas of high foot traffic. Additionally, the incorporation of open-plan living space with connected kitchen, dining and alfresco areas can help to create a flow between different zones.
Also consider furniture placement and powerpoints in the room. This ensures there is enough room dedicated to each space, based on key furniture pieces and the room’s functionality.
Light & Bright
One of the most underrated aspects of home design is natural light. Utilizing passive design, make the most of your home’s positioning to include as much natural light as possible. If your block of land does not get a lot of sun exposure due to its orientation, be sure to install skylights. This creates the same illusion of a light, bright home design and provides a nice feel to your space.
Neutral & Natural
Keeping the foundational elements of your room neutral can create a timeless and sophisticated look. This includes cool or warm white coloured walls and ceilings, plus neutral exterior colors. For pops of color or seasonal styles, swap out artwork, wall décor, furniture and design accessories.
Utilize natural materials like timber flooring or external stone cladding. While investing in these materials may not be as cost-effective, the quality and durability you will receive as a result will make it well worth it.
Classic Interior Style
The modern farmhouse and contemporary coastal design styles are great interior design formats. They provide a modern and ageless feel to the space by incorporating simple stylistic elements.
The Top Trends Transcending Time
Vertical Joints
Vertical joints (aka VJ Lining) are a tongue and groove paneling solution that can be installed on top of plastered walls. It creates a timeless feel and adds texture by providing the illusion of Hamptons or Farmhouse inspired paneling.
Shaker Doors & Cabinetry
Another trend that will stand the test of time is shaker profile doors and cabinetry. This style features a flat center panel with a square border around the edges. It is particularly popular in kitchens, as it creates a classic and dimensional look to your cabinetry.
External Cladding
When choosing your home’s exterior finish, external cladding is a great solution. Ensure you choose a classic style that fits your personal style rather than the new products that are on-trend.
Staying True To You (& Your Design Style):
While all these design tips are important to keep in mind when creating your dream home, the most important thing is to stay true to what you like and what elements speak to your personal style. Your individuality and sense of style is something that won’t date. By ensuring you choose quality pieces and designs that you truly love, regardless of trends, it will become a timeless part of your home.
Another way to ensure you are staying true to yourself is to create a mood board for your home. Whether you are going old-school and create a collage or use Pinterest, this can help you stay focused. Rather than getting caught up in other people’s ideas and deviating from your own style.
Our top tip to not go overboard in home design is to live by the motto “less is more’. If you’re unsure about something, pair it back and go with your gut.
Our last suggestion is to select finishes and products that are expensive to change in neutral tones or colors. Then add splashes of color to smaller features that are cheaper to remove like furniture or splashbacks. Prioritize quality over quantity.
And there you have it! We hope our guide to transcending home trends can help you elevate your home design and create a space that feels unique to you.
Fixtures are a pivotal part of any new bathroom or design and can be the focal point of the room. Choosing the right fixture can elevate or even change the overall aesthetic of your home, so it’s essential to do your research and make considered choices when selecting fixtures.
With so many styles, colors and textures available on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we have outlined five of our favorite fixture trends to give you the best starting point possible.
Brass
Brass is one of the all-time favorite fixture materials and has never really gone out of style due to its versatile look and feel.
For those looking for a vintage organic feel, a rustic style or a beachy aesthetic, then brass is the style for you. Often we see brass fixtures paired with natural finishes like wood, marble and stone in both bathrooms and kitchens alike. Brass fixtures can help warm cool-toned bathrooms and can be especially striking in both white and dark bathrooms.
There are a few different finishes that are popular including polished, and satin brass.
Polished brass fixtures, while more expensive than other finishes, are easy to clean, easy to find, are durable and can easily be matched with other fixtures and accessories in your home to form a cohesive look.
Satin brass has a smooth matte finish that is subtle yet bold. Satin brass fixtures work great in modern and contemporary rooms and add a little bit of class to any room. The matt finish prevents fingerprints and water spots from showing, great for any high traffic kitchens or bathrooms. However, it can be challenging to match satin brass with other fixtures in the home.
Brushed Metals
Brushed metal fixtures are one of the staple fixture trends for 2022. Brushed metal has a more handcrafted appearance, and the texture of the fixture allows more interplay of light and shadows.
With a timeless look and feel, brushed fixtures are a little bit glamorous while still having a contemporary feel depending on the style of your rooms. Popular brushed metal colors include brass, gold, nickel, copper, gum metal and more. The right color brushed metal fixture really depends on your desired aesthetic. Brush gold fixtures work great in a monochromatic bathroom, while nickel and brass work in almost every type of kitchen and bathroom design.
All brushed metal finishes hide fingerprints, water spots and smudges better than any other finish due to its textured nature, making it great for high traffic rooms.
Pastels
One of the newest and perhaps the most exciting fixture trends emerging in 2022 is pastel fixtures. Pastels are changing the game when it comes to bathroom designs and twists away from the traditional metal and black fixture color schemes.
Pastel fixtures are versatile and come in a wide range of colors and finishes, which allows you to introduce soft pops of colors in your kitchen or bathroom. Dreamy blues, pinks and greens perfectly complement classic gray, white and black tones in your rooms and add some more character to any room.
Pastels are also the perfect tones to mix and match with other accessories in your bathrooms and kitchens and work well with chromes, brushed nickels, mattes and more.
Matte Black
Black fixture is here to stay for good. Black fittings, especially matte black taps and fixtures, offer style as well as substance. This style of fixture is one of the most versatile choices on the market as it works well with a vast array of styles, color schemes and textures, enabling it to be a great foundation for a beautiful bathroom or kitchen.
Matte black fixtures can be used to achieve an industrial, modern and contemporary theme for your kitchen and bathroom design. In neutral color schemes, black fixtures become a key focal point of the room but still works well with natural materials like stone, marble and timber. Black fixtures also pair well with bolder bathroom designs, especially with teals, millennial pinks and pastel colors.
If you already have a hero point in the room, matte black fittings are more likely to complement rather than overpower it, making it the perfect supporting color.
Matte black is a wonderfully low-maintenance option as it does better than most colors at hiding watermarks, dust and stains.
Textured fixture
Much like beachy, earthy colors are becoming popular for interior paint colors; textured fixtures are the newest trend hitting American shores. With a handcrafted look, textured fixtures work well in both rustic and modern bathroom and kitchen designs.
Serrated groves and knurled surfaces are becoming more and more popular, especially in chrome or gunmetal colors. Texture and patterns can add a playful and homely nature to any room and can create a point of difference in any neutral color scheme.
Still not sure what style of fixture to choose? Get in touch with your G.J. Gardner color consultant to help select the right type for you.
There are so many decisions to make when it comes to designing and building your new kitchen, choosing a backsplash can often be put on the back burner. While it’s first and foremost a kitchen practicality, a backsplash (or splash back) is also an important element in the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether your style is contemporary, classic or somewhere in between, we’ll help you decide on the perfect backsplash option for your kitchen.
Trend One: Tile
Tiles are crowd pleasers when it comes to kitchen splash back ideas, and there are no surprises why. Practical, easy to clean and available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors; tiles are a great option that can be adapted to suit almost any style of kitchen.
Mosaic tiles
A mosaic tile design can be a show-stopper in the kitchen. Generally made from porcelain, ceramic or clay, mosaics can be used to create interesting patterns that will become the focal point of the room.
Subway tiles
Subway tiles are popularly staggered in a brick-like pattern and can be used as either a minimalist backsplash choice or a bold statement, depending on the chosen color. Plain white creates a clean and simple finish; however, if you’d like to be a little more adventurous when exploring splash back ideas, opt for subway tiles in a bright color.
Textured tiles
If your kitchen color palette is neutral, texture is the key to creating interest. There’s a huge variety of patterned and textured tiles available in designs that are suited to every aesthetic. However, you can still embrace the textured trend if color plays a strong part in your kitchen design. Create contrast with color and texture for a modern finish.
Handcrafted tiles
We love handcrafted tiles for their raw, authentic characteristics. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and handcrafted details can help it to live up to the name. Handmade tiles come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors; and will give your kitchen a unique and personal finish.
Trend Two: Window
A window splashback is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Plus, it lets in natural light and helps to make the space feel bigger. A window splashback is a relatively new trend when it comes to kitchen design and is an excellent choice if your outdoor area offers a scenic view or lush greenery.
There are a few options to choose from when installing a window splash back. Cut-out windows can be measured to fit the size of your area; otherwise, a benchtop to ceiling style window can be installed to make your kitchen a truly breathtaking space.
Trend Three: Stone
If you’re not completely sold on tiles, a stone splashback is a great alternative. Stone is a natural material that we love to use in kitchens. It’s durable, long-lasting and very forgiving when it comes to splashes of all sorts.
Sandstone is best suited in cool, coastal homes, whereas naturally darker stone like slate is complementary to a modern style home.
If your kitchen countertops are stone, you’ll have the option to extend them up the wall to create a cohesive look. However, if you’ve used another material for your countertops, stone can be used to create a dramatic effect in your kitchen, thanks to its unique grain and texture.
Trend Four: Glass and Mirror
Similar to a window splash back, glass and mirror options are an excellent choice for creating the illusion of space or brightening a kitchen. They offer a smooth, reflective surface that bounces light around the room and are free from grout lines or textures.
Choose from white glass, black glass or a completely reflective mirror to create your desired finish. Glass kitchen splash back ideas are minimal and ideal if your aim is to design a light-filled, contemporary kitchen.
We also love glass and mirrors for their ease in cleaning! A simple wipe down will remove any grime or watermarks, and you don’t need to worry about grout.
Trend Five: Marble
If a luxe kitchen is more your style, a marble splashback is a must-have. Marble is timeless and sophisticated, durable and long-lasting. Marble splashbacks come in several designs, including classic white and black, inverse black and white, or colored marble. Pink marble is a major modern trend in new builds.
A word of warning from our design team – there is such a thing as too much marble. If you’ve opted for marble benchtops, we recommend exploring alternative kitchen splash back ideas such as glass or windows.
How to Pick the Perfect Backsplash
We’ve taken you through the trends; now it’s time to pick the perfect backsplash. Before you make the all-important decision on what material to use, there are a few key points to consider.
Measure your space
How much space in your kitchen requires a backsplash? Each section above the counters should also be measured and remember to measure each space between power outlets separately.
Your space’s size will also help determine which design trend is best suited to your kitchen. Benchtop to ceiling style windows are beautiful in a big kitchen with higher ceilings, whereas mosaic tiles or bright-colored subway tiles are better suited on a small surface area.
Consider your countertops
If you’re at the stage of exploring splash back ideas for kitchens, you should have already decided on your countertop material. In most cases, a splash back will meet your counter, so they need to work well together in terms of color and texture.
Stone benchtops and splashbacks are a perfect combination for a clean, seamless finish. When in doubt, choose tiles – they suit just about every type of kitchen countertop material.
Figure out your budget
Your budget will also play a part in your backsplash choice. Glass and marble are up there with the costliest options, while tile and stone are available in various price ranges. Your choice of backsplash can also add some real value to your kitchen, so consider this if you’re renovating or building an investment property.
Be practical
Lastly, but certainly not least, consider your lifestyle. Are you a gourmet chef, do your kids run the kitchen, or do you entertain guests in the kitchen often? If you’re a messy cook or cleaning isn’t on the top of your to-do list, try to avoid porous materials or anything with grout. If you’re clean or the kitchen isn’t used as often, you can be a little more adventurous with your selection.
A back splash is an exciting addition to the kitchen that should be considered carefully! We recommend doing your research and seeking design advice if you’re unsure which material, color, and finish best suits your space. If you’re building a new home, connect with a G.J. Gardner Homes design consultant. Our experienced team can collaborate with you to make your dream kitchen a reality. If you’re simply looking to refresh your existing kitchen, take a look at our inspiration hub for home design and styling ideas.
If you’re ready to incorporate backsplash into your home design, get in touch with your local G.J. Gardner office to learn more.
