Part of our job is to help a client define their style preference early on in the design process. This allows us to provide the best direction for the multitude of decisions that will be required to pull their project together. Your individual design style preference does not need to align with a particular category, but I would like to define a few common categories and their current levels of popularity among our Charlotte clients:
Traditional – Current Popularity: Low The majority of homes that have been built in Charlotte over the last century are either strictly traditional or have traditional influences. Traditional kitchens feature raised paneled cabinetry with ornate crown molding. Bathrooms are generally white with ceramic or marble tiling and ornate plumbing fixtures and faucets. In general, floor plans keep the kitchen separate from other living areas.
Modern – Current Popularity: Medium Modern styling, particularly mid-century modern, shows up interspersed through areas that were developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Not to be confused with contemporary design, modern features geometric patterns, colorful accents, glass, plastic, or metal, and emphasizes function over fashion. Modern-styled kitchens feature clean lines with pops of color. Modern floor plans are open, with few walls.
Transitional – Current Popularity: High Transitional styling can mean lots of things, but I like to think of it primarily as a mix of modern floor plans and a simpler, less ornate traditional aesthetic. Many of the homes built in Charlotte starting in the early ‘90s fall into this category, with their open floor plans and traditional-ish moldings and cabinetry. Nearly every kitchen we design and remodel today includes creating a more open floor plan. The uber-popular “modern farmhouse” is a sub-category of transitional styling.
Contemporary – Current Popularity: Medium Contemporary styling is all about the newest in aesthetic and the most innovative features on the market. Simplicity, automation, and sustainability are among the various elements of contemporary styling. As Charlotte continues its transformation to a denser urban core with newcomers bringing influences from all over the world, contemporary style preferences are on the rise.
Eclectic – Current Popularity: Low Eclectic styling, defined as a truly unique project that can’t be put into any specific category, is my personal favorite – maybe it’s because I’m in the business and I often see trends get overused. When a client comes to us, wanting to think outside the box and mix styles to suit the way they think and live, we jump at the challenge!
Brad Little is the president and CEO of CASE DESIGN/REMODELING OF CHARLOTTE. For more information, visit CASECHARLOTTE.COM or call 704-759-3920.