8 Design Trends Builders Are Incorporating in 2023

2023 is off and running! We've already seen landmark events like the sky-high Super Bowl halftime performance by Rihanna and the coronation of a new King of the United Kingdom – to name a couple. But in the real estate world, a few distinct construction and design choices from our country's most preeminent builders have become the talk of the town. Here are a few trends you'll surely notice during your next home shopping trip.

Dedicated Workspaces 

With more and more Americans working from the comfort of their homes, the dedicated workspace or home office is more common than ever in new construction designs. Remote workers can rejoice as wall-to-wall glass windows and soft, natural surrounding colors will help make the hours in front of your laptop fly by and, hopefully, be more conducive to your needs and promote productive work and creativity.

And keep in mind, home offices can be tax- deductible. See if your office qualifies and read about other tax folk tales in our article on common homeowner tax myths. 

1. Natural Woods 

Natural wood's warm and inviting look is all the rage in today's interior designs. Cedar or pine finishings and tones are simplistic, healthy, and easy to care for in contrast to the stark white-on-white adornment popular in years past. Whether in the kitchen, on the floor under your feet, or lining the ceiling, natural woods provide this year’s homebuyers with a 24/7 connection to nature and an all-encompassing sense of comfort while they spend more time inside.  

2. The Privacy Floor Plan 

Modern open floor plans have been, and continue to be, popular in new home construction over the past few years. Still, many of today’s buyers want a little more privacy. That doesn’t necessarily mean the closed floor plan is experiencing a resurgence, but it does mean a compromise between the two is starting to gain traction.

The “privacy floor plan” expands on the open floor plan by creating private and secluded compartments inside larger, much grander spaces. Waist-high half walls (also known as pony walls) and dividers break up vast open areas and give new homeowners room to work, read, or escape the noise without locking themselves behind a door.

3. Accent Walls 

So far, there’s been a common thread running through each of 2023’s trends: the large-scale migration of employees out of the office and into their homes has significantly impacted new home construction. Accent walls, interior walls that differ in design, color, or texture from those around them, are another trend beginning to pick up some steam.

Also known as feature walls, accent walls spice up any room and give homeowners a unique alternative for their Zoom meeting background. Stone, brick, wood, tile, or even wallpaper can tastefully break up the monotony of the painted walls around them and breathe fresh air into any room.  

4. Your Own Private (Kitchen) Island 

“Multi-functional” is a big word these days in the homebuilding industry, and perhaps that’s most apparent in new homes’ kitchens. More buyers are looking for a large kitchen island that can serve as both extra counter space and the dining room table. But the functionalities don’t stop there. XL kitchen islands can be a meal prep station, a desk for your kids when it’s time for homework, or even a showroom-esque display table housing all the latest appliances.  

5. Walk-In Pantry 

And if you still need more space in the kitchen, you’re in luck! Walk-in, or butler, pantries are another popular trend this year. A recent National Kitchen and Bath Association study found that a “working pantry” is among the top five emerging kitchen features, according to its home designer and industry professional respondents.

Walk-in pantries give homeowners more space to store food, smaller appliances, and cookware. Sometimes, they might even include countertops to give homeowners extra room to prepare their next holiday dinner in record time. 

6. Floating Sinks 

The average size of a new home decreased slightly from 2,525 square feet to 2,480 square feet in 2022 after a temporary increase in new home sizes in 2021. While there are several reasons for this change, including rising home prices and high demand amid historic inventory lows, one of the first places builders start to cut back is in the bathroom. Half-baths and smaller full baths aren’t your typical attention grabbers; however, floating sinks are one way builders are making the best out of the space they’re afforded.

These innovative sinks mount onto walls and don’t take up any floor space, providing more room for storage and easier cleaning access. Along with floating vanities and cabinets, floating sinks “open up” rooms and make compact spaces feel larger.  

7. Bringing The Outside In 

“Biophilic design” is quite the buzzword nowadays in the homebuilding sphere. In short, it’s the practice of integrating nature and its most breathtaking elements into building design. Builders incorporate plant-covered living walls, roofs, and indoor gardens (complete with a water fountain) to create relaxing, tranquil, and sustainable living environments. Biophilic design has its benefits, as it can even improve air quality, reduce stress, and spark creativity.   

8. Design to Décor  

But of course, a house becomes a home when it’s filled with you. The trends above are an excellent place to start, but every room in your new home needs that personal pizzazz that makes it your own. Not sure where to start? Check out this article on the latest home décor trends, and stay tuned to the Knowledge Center for more homeowner tips!