Top Home Design Trends For 2013 Favor Simplicity

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Organic, natural colors, simple prints, rustic finishes and open spaces are proving to be the top home design trends of 2013, according to newly released information by Pulte Homes, a national brand of homebuilder PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM).

To view a collection of top home design trends, view the Pulte Homes Pinterest Board here.
http://pinterest.com/pultehomes/design-trends-2013/

"In years past, bold colors, ornate designs and expansive floor plans ruled the day.  But today's homeowners are more focused on creating a soft modern feeling with a comfortable, casual and unfussy experience," said Janice Jones, vice president of merchandising for PulteGroup, Inc.

"Overwhelmingly, our homebuyers prefer spaces that can easily transition from family game nights to dinner parties with friends.  To achieve that functionality, our 20-person design team is creating open, interworking spaces with a design and aesthetic that easily transitions from day to night, weekday to weekend."

Gleaned through dozens of focus groups, frequent customer surveys and direct experience decorating and interior designing more than one million square feet of model homes across the country in 2013 alone, Pulte Homes has identified the following as being the most predominant trends in home design this year.

Color: Moody, masculine
While Pantone has deemed emerald green as the 2013 color of the year, Pulte Homes is seeing more movement towards natural, moody tones.  One example is the Sherwin Williams color of the year, Aloe SW6464, a soothing green tone.  Additionally, masculine tones in cool shades like gray continue to be very popular.  Complementing these colors with raw, organic neutrals, such as linen, creates a clean, natural look that induces a calming effect on the senses.

Prints & Textures: Adding a pop
Prints and accents are vital when styling rooms, but it's important to keep it simple.  Geometric shapes and stripes are popular, but should be used sparingly.  An easy way to introduce them into rooms is through accents such as pillows, artwork or throws.  However, adding contrast to a room isn't relegated to just accessories.  There is a growing trend to blend contrasting wood finishes in furniture, adding perhaps a crisper white or one of the many rich gray tones available to complement a natural or stained wood finish.  This helps create a reclaimed, rustic look that complements today's color choices.

Creating space
Gone are the days of formal sitting rooms, dining rooms and studies.  Instead Pulte Homes' buyers are drawn to open, flowing layouts that eliminate formal spaces, offer more storage solutions and functionality, and create open areas for easy entertaining.  Some ways to make the most of living space is adding an island to the kitchen.  It can serve as the "anchor" and provide additional storage space.  Rooms that are often thought of as dens or formal living rooms can be turned into home offices, craft rooms or sunrooms.  There's also a trend toward creating a "loft" feel through simple linear lines and tucking away master bedrooms and bathrooms to create a "retreat" for homeowners.

Taking the inside outside
Whether just for the summer or year-round, today's homeowners are moving their entertainment space outdoors.  While not always practical for every climate, the ultimate outdoor entertainment space includes an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.  Homeowners also can enjoy their outdoor spaces with paved patios and comfortable seating that can be created with outdoor cushions, pillows and patio umbrellas.  Some homes are creating a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors through accordion glass doors that fold into the wall.  For buyers interested in investing in a luxury outdoor space, this offers a smooth transition from the main indoor living space to the outdoors.

"Our sales, design and development teams are working with homebuyers across the country on delivering homes that incorporate what matters most to them," said Jones.  "While trends in colors, accessories and furniture evolve over time, homeowners' preference for livable, life-tested spaces is a trend that's here to stay."

About Pulte Homes
Pulte Homes is a national brand of PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM).  Pulte Homes builds consumer inspired homes and communities that provide the move-up buyer the best quality of life.  Only Pulte Homes offers the combination of innovative Life Tested™ home designs with an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail.  For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pulte.com.

SOURCE Pulte Homes