Category: Trends

What Are Some of the Top Trends in New Construction Home Design?

In the world of home construction, home design trends are ever-evolving. Whether you’re a developer looking to stay ahead of the curve or simply interested in the latest in home design, understanding these trends can help guide your next project.

Franks Betz Associates has created award-winning house plans builders and homeowners love since 1976. We continue expanding our house plans to ensure they reflect the functional, stylish residence today’s homeowners are looking for. Here, we explore nine top trends in home design that we’ve been seeing.

Nine Trends in Custom House Plans

1. European Cottage-Style Homes

The charm and character of European cottage-style homes are appealing for their ability to bring you back in time while feeling modern. This design trend emphasizes cozy, rustic aesthetics with natural materials like wood and stone. Wembley Place is one of Frank Betz custom house plans that showcases this trend perfectly, incorporating the quaint, timeless appeal of a European cottage with practical and contemporary layouts.

2. A Scullery Off the Kitchen

A scullery, often referred to as a back kitchen, is becoming a must-have in contemporary house designs and plans. In fact, there’s one included in our Wembley Place house plan. Positioned adjacent to the main kitchen, a scullery provides extra space for food preparation, storage, and cleanup, allowing the primary kitchen to remain a clean and inviting area for social gatherings. There are several pros to a scullery, like a place to hide messy dishes, less used countertop appliances (toaster, mixers, etc.), china storage, space for a beverage fridge, and more. The practicality and convenience of a scullery make it a popular addition in today’s home design trends.

3. Dark Colors on Elevations

Dark exterior colors are making a bold statement in modern home designs. Shades like navy, dark gray, black, and deep green are being used to create striking, sophisticated home exteriors. These darker hues not only add a dramatic flair but also offer benefits you may not have considered. Things like increasing a home’s value, accentuating a home’s landscaping, reducing heating costs, and hiding imperfections are pros to a darker elevation. Designs like Becton Park and many of our custom house floor plans demonstrate how dark colors can elevate the curb appeal of a property.

4. U-Shaped Staircases

U-shaped staircases, also called “switchback” or “half-turn” stairs, are gaining popularity for their elegant design and space-efficient layout. Unlike traditional straight or L-shaped staircases, U-shaped stairs offer a compact footprint while providing a grand architectural feature within the home. They are perfect for creating a seamless flow between different levels of a house and add an element of sophistication to the interior design. Our Stansbury Glen and Forsyth Knoll custom house plans are great examples of this trend.

5. Flex Rooms

Flex rooms are all about versatility, allowing homeowners to adapt spaces to their changing needs. Whether used as a home office, a hobby room, gym, playroom, guest bedroom, or an additional living room, these multifunctional rooms provide invaluable flexibility. This trend offers homeowners a more adaptable living environment that can cater to a variety of lifestyles and life stages.

6. Bathtub/Shower Combo vs. Standing Shower Only

Both bathtubs and walk-in showers offer their own positive impact on a home’s design and person’s lifestyle. They’re a major trend in bathroom design that shows no sign of disappearing. Standing showers offer water conservation, accessibility, and are quick and convenient. They create a sleek, modern look and are often easier to maintain. Bathtubs are a great option for families with small children and a relaxing spa day or soak for sore muscles. Overall, the bathtub/shower combo provides versatility within custom house plans, incorporating both options to cater to diverse preferences and needs.

7. Water Closets

A water closet is a dedicated space within a bathroom just for the toilet. This trend is becoming a hallmark of luxury home design. It offers privacy and a cleaner bathroom aesthetic by separating the toilet from the main bathing area. Some prefer not to have it completely closed off and instead opt for using glass or tile walls to separate the toilet, making it feel less claustrophobic and closet-like. High-end homes frequently include water closets as a standard, highlighting their appeal in contemporary house designs and plans.

8. Steam Showers & Saunas

Incorporating steam showers and saunas into home bathrooms is a growing trend that brings the spa experience into everyday living. These features not only offer health benefits, such as improved circulation and relaxation, but also add a luxurious touch to a home. Developers are increasingly including these amenities in custom house floor plans to attract discerning buyers.

9. Heated Flooring in Bathrooms

Heated flooring in bathrooms is a trend that combines comfort with luxury. Especially appealing in colder climates, heated floors provide a warm, soothing surface that enhances the overall bathing experience. Heated flooring offers pros beyond comfort. They require no maintenance and last up to 20+ years, they’re non-allergenic, energy-efficient, and are easy to install. This feature is becoming standard in high-end homes, reflecting a commitment to creating comfortable, inviting spaces.

Contact Frank Betz Today!

From the rustic charm of European cottage-style homes to the luxurious appeal of heated bathroom floors, these trends highlight the dynamic nature of home construction design. If you’re looking to incorporate these trends into your next project, Frank Betz Associates offers a wide range of contemporary house designs and plans to fit your needs. Contact us today by phone or visit our website to view our house plans. Let us help you bring your vision to life with designs that are trendy and timeless.

2019 Kitchen Design Trends | Frank Betz Associates

At Frank Betz Associates, we know that the kitchen is where the heat happens — so we always incorporate the hottest trends into every design. From holiday brunches and celebrations to milestones and weeknight meals, there are so many memories waiting to be made in your kitchen, which means you deserve nothing less than the best. If the kitchen is the heart of the home… then one of our house plans is where you truly belong.

From more space to gather with guests to contemporary, sleek appliances, homeowners today are looking for entirely different kitchens than they were even five years ago. One of the reasons our Frank Betz team is so trustworthy is our ability to constantly stay on top of trends, and incorporate what matters most to you into your expertly designed house plan. Take a look at a few of our favorite things that we include in our beautiful kitchens:

Massive Islands with Pendant Lighting and Seating:

Whether you’re a Sunday-morning-breakfast kind of person or a big fan of weeknight wine tastings, a large center island in your kitchen is the perfect place to relax, gather, and enjoy whatever it is you love most. Complete with pendant lighting and comfortable seating, there’s nowhere else you want to get “stranded.”

Built-In Refrigerators:

Refrigerators may do the most important job of all (keep our delicious foods safe and sound!) but let’s face it… they should take up the least amount of space as possible. When a refrigerator is built into the cabinetry of the kitchen, they make efficient use of space and look incredibly sleek while they’re at it.

Commercial Ranges with Decorative Hoods:

Who says that ranges can’t be stylish? While this part of the kitchen isn’t typically the first thing that comes to your mind, our sleek ranges serve as a focal point when they’re paired with a decorative hood. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, this pair of appliances adds a trendy touch to your kitchen.

Open Shelving:

Openness in homes is now on the rise, and shelving in your kitchen is no exception. While traditional design called for closed cabinetry, our modern house plans incorporate shelving where everything can be seen. This way, you can get creative with how you display your items, and utilize pieces that enhance the vibe of the room.

If you’ve been looking for a house plan that lives the way that you do, Frank Betz Associates has the perfect fit. Our kitchens are expertly designed with contemporary trends to make your everyday life even more special, and we can’t wait for you to experience one for yourself. For more information, please call 888-717-3003.

Bathroom Trends 2019

A master bathroom is so much more than an addition to the bedroom — it’s where homeowners recharge in the morning and unwind at night, it’s what they rely on for relaxation and comfort at any moment. As one of the most personal spaces a person can have in their home, it’s safe to say that your master bathrooms play a big role in your homeowners’ satisfaction.

At Frank Betz Associates, we believe that high-quality features and a stylish, modern design can completely change the vibe of a master bathroom, in turn changing a person’s entire mood when they’re in there. That’s why we offer both custom and stock house plans that incorporate the very best of the best in bathroom design, from stand-alone tubs to roll-in showers to spacious master closets. Take a look at the features we can include to transform the master bathrooms you offer:

Stand-Alone Tubs: Modern, luxurious, and incredibly easy on the eyes, both the aesthetic and feel-good benefits of stand-alone tubs are truly timeless. One step inside and every care melts away…

Giant Showers: When it comes to a master shower, less is not more. In fact, the more room the better! A spacious shower makes getting ready in the morning or settling down at night so much more enjoyable.

Volume Ceilings: We’re firm believers in the power of “looking up.” The gorgeous new-construction trend of tall, dramatic ceilings gives the entire home an unbelievably elegant feel that never diminishes over time.

Laundry Room Next to Master Closet: There’s something to be said for practical design, which is why we put laundry rooms right next to where clothing is stored. Easy to access, these laundry rooms redefine “chore.”

Age-Targeted Items:

Roll-In Showers: These no-door, no-step showers aren’t just contemporary and stylish, they provide easy, comfortable access without the threat of accidents or injuries.

Discreet Grab Bars: In a “slippery” situation, grab bars offer invaluable support. But when they’re just as sleek as the rest of the shower, they help to maintain the luxurious vibe of the bathroom while providing comfort.

Radius’ Large Enough for Wheelchairs: Why should anyone in a wheelchair have to feel less than comfortable in their shower? With the best-designed shower, wheelchairs can fit easily with plenty of room left.

Luxury Items:

Heated-Tile Floors: Let’s face it — there’s nothing worse than a cold bathroom floor beneath your feet first thing in the morning, especially in the winter. With a heated-tile floor, every foot gets its own spa treatment…

Steam Showers: Who says you have to go to the sauna to feel the therapeutic effects of steam? A steam shower is not only as contemporary and lasting as can be, it makes every shower that much, well, steamier.

Heated Towel Racks: A hot, relaxing shower is one thing; it’s another thing to step out of it and wrap yourself in a fluffy, heated towel. Heated towel racks are the feature everyone never knew they absolutely needed.

If you’re ready to upgrade your house plans to what your buyers truly want — for now and in the future — Frank Betz Associates is your trusted team next door. For more information on our custom and stock plans, please call us at 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to work with you!