Top Interior Designers Reveal the Most Popular Trends in their City
“There’s nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”
An exterior view of one of our projects located in Lake Norman, NC. Fresh air and green spaces play an important part in our wellbeing. (Wanda S. Horton Interior Design | Builder: Arcadia Custom Homes | Photography: Dustin Peck)
Recently, the folks at Redfin reached out to learn more about what I saw trending in the Charlotte area. Being that I design more specifically around my clients and their needs, I tend to think about trends in a different sort of manner . . . not just in terms of design style but in terms of lifestyle. What a change we’ve seen in our world in a very short period! It’s truly unprecedented.
In effort to provide the most relevant information, I took some direction from my own clients and their projects. A few are in the process of reevaluating the use of some of their spaces. Thankfully, though not having the crystal ball of what living through a pandemic might require, we had been very mindful in creating solutions which could be also be applied during such a time.
Color and comfort; they never go out of style.Wouldn’t this be a beautiful space for perusing through a travel book? (Wanda S. Horton Interior Design | Photography: Dustin Peck)
During the beginnings of Covid, we had a kitchen remodel underway, repeat clients had just purchased a new home, and some other remodeling clients were considering expansion of their original plans. As staying-in-place began, clients were dealing with more time in the kitchen, working from home, running home classrooms, canceling travel plans, and were having to think about storing extra necessities. Toilet paper became almost as precious as gold.
In the midst of all of this, we kept in touch and offered support, even if via phone or digitally. One of the things we found to be important, regardless of how their homes were designed, was the desire for carving out a peaceful space or an area within. Technology may provide us with a lot of ways to connect, but after a day of Zoom calls or desktime, my people needed a place to disconnect - and they still do.
A bedroom is for more than nighttime. A twenty minute afternoon nap can restore body and soul. (Wanda S. Horton Interior design | Photography: Dustin Peck)
Back to Redfin, which specializes in online real estate listings and industry information . . . being part of a larger survey, meant I had to keep my response to three sentences. (I know, hard to believe I could do it!) I thought you might enjoy reading it, below.
Creating a peaceful space for yourself in Charlotte, NC
More recently, my clients have requested spaces to be delegated for quiet activities such as reading, listening to music, meditating, or yoga. Work-from-home areas could also meet this need, if technology such as a laptop or printer can be hidden from view and softer furnishings, a comfy sofa/loveseat, or pair of chairs with an ottoman can be incorporated. They’re also drawn towards outdoor living and dining with water features and lush plantings, fueled by their desire to have a greater connection to nature, fresh air, and a sense of wellbeing. - Wanda Horton, Wanda S. Horton Interior Design
It’s always interesting to learn more about what’s trending across the country, too. You can read more of the article <here>
I hope you’ve been able to find a peaceful space to comfort and support yourself. It’s so important to fill your cup in order to be there for others. If you’re reading this and you’ve been on the frontlines, please know how much I appreciate you and wish for your wellbeing, as well as for that of your loved ones and community.
Take care, be safe, and be well. (And don’t forget to wear those masks.)