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Article by Kay Green
Published in the NAHB Sales & Marketing Ideas Magazine Sept/Oct 2008
In a tough housing market, the value of interior design pays off big time. Recently, one of our clients shared that a significant percentage of their new home buyers credited their purchase decision directly to our professionally merchandised model homes. Our design strategy, executed according to the client's target market demographic, truly tugged the buyers' heart-strings and compelled them to sign the bottom line. Now that's a return on investment!
Right now is the perfect time to educate yourself on the latest design trends, so your new community maintains a competitive edge. So what are the current design trends? Better than that - let's take a look at the upcoming design hot buttons for 2009, so you can stay ahead of the game.
HOT & HIP STYLES
The beauty of a well designed space is that it stirs your buyers' emotions. Evoke the desires of your home buyers with a home designed for their next horizon. Create a home that they perceive as a step up from their current residence and a progression forward in their family's life.
I like it, I love it, I want some more of it! In 2009, we will see a strengthening in the presence of soft contemporary furnishings. Of course, the level of this look will vary slightly depending on your target market demographic and the location of your community. As a rule of thumb, urban multi-family homes should boast edgier and bolder design, while a softer look is more appropriate for suburban single family homes.
Our Bethany II model is a perfect example of a luxury family home that is trendy but not-too-modern. In the home's alluring dining room, the glass tile floor detail mirrors the shape of the ceiling tray, and draws special attention to the home's architectural features. Floating shelves display large accessories that add to the room's appeal. The white benches are a hip alternative to traditional dining room seating. The combination of spa blue colors are still a hit in a home like this one, but in 2009, we will see some additional colors grace the industry's color palate. So what will the new colors be?
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