Home Design Trends That Will Continue Into 2019

Design Trends We're Seeing in South Bay Remodels

Remember plaid wallpaper? How about shag carpeting, track lighting, or avocado toned everything? Like all trends, home design's ever-changing style can be hard to keep up with. No one wants to invest time and money into their home only to find their recent upgrades are already outdated, or to have that dreaded thought of “What was I thinking?” Here are some of the design choices we keep seeing hold up well in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach remodels.

Energy Savings

Everyone can appreciate saving a few dollars on utilities. The energy-efficient focus that took hold in home design a few years back hasn't gone anywhere, from appliances to the materials used to build a home. Many homeowners want a layout that fits their needs while using natural light and renewable energy more effectively. LED lighting, low-E windows, and low-flow toilets have become standard asks rather than upgrades. California's solar mandate, which took effect for new home construction in 2020, cemented solar as the norm rather than the exception.

Open Concept

Also, known as an Open Floor Plan, creates large spaces by combining many previously separated living areas, such as the kitchen, dining room and living room. In turn, your home feels and looks bigger. This layout maximizes square footage by eliminating walls to sparsely utilized spaces, such as formal living rooms, and allows for a better flow of natural light. It’s also great for entertaining and lets the designated family member chef enjoy company while cooking.

White Cabinets

The rich, dark hardwood cabinet look was common in many older homes and past renovations, but white has become the dominant choice in recent years. Its clean, beachy look fits naturally into South Bay coastal homes. Part of white's staying power is how many bold color options pair well with it, letting homeowners keep a timeless neutral backdrop while changing accent colors over time.

The Great Outdoors

In some ways, outdoor living space is simply an expansion of the indoor living area. Most of the comforts of the indoors can be moved to the deck and patio areas of the home. It's a low-maintenance area that doesn't need to be heated or cooled, and the South Bay's mild coastal climate makes that possible almost year-round. We're seeing more homes fitted with well-built porches, patios, and decks, along with bifold or multi-track doors that create a seamless transition between indoors and out.

Getting Smart

Automation is huge in practically every industry today, and the home building and renovation world is no exception. A Nest thermostat is often just the beginning. Appliances continue to add smart features as internet integration and new technology become standard rather than a novelty.

Walk-in Shower

Walk-in showers aren't new, but the move toward barrier-free walk-in showers with frameless glass doors has held strong for years now. It modernizes a bathroom that might otherwise be crowded with a tub/shower combo that rarely gets used for actual bathing. Walk-ins are also low maintenance, with fewer parts to clean and no corners where mold can build up. If you're planning a bathroom remodel, it's worth thinking about a barrier-free shower for the long run.

We're Here to Help

As a licensed general contractor and real estate broker, Levine Homes Real Estate & Construction sees these trends up close on job sites across Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. If you're thinking about remodeling or building new, give us a call. We're happy to share what's actually holding up well in South Bay homes, and what's worth skipping.