TOP TRENDS

Glass And Steel

“In terms of trending materials, what I’m seeing right now is a ton of glass because glass is the guiding principle to capture views,” says Sapp. “When we use glass, we end up with a lot of steel supporting the building’s high structural integrity that needs to be there for heavy snow loads with high winds.”

Natural Elements

“We do a lot of natural elements on the outside of the building – natural stone, wood, and metal detail, with a lot of zinc in particular,” says Sapp. “Those materials help achieve the modern yet warm element homeowners are seeking in a mountain home.” For the interiors, Sapp explains the natural theme is carried through in warmtoned hardwood floors, wood doors, wood ceiling beams, wood cabinets and natural stone countertops made from materials like Quartzsite, which Sapp says is a go-to for everyone at the moment not only in kitchens but also for fireplaces. “There’s almost a Swedish feel to the design,” he explains – natural, minimal and clean. “We also do more of a character grade hardwood floor, where you’re seeing some of the character of the wood –the knots. It’s natural looking functional; you don’t notice a dent or ding from dropping something on the floor.”

Brighter And Lighter

“Everything is about the clean look now,” says Sapp. “We’re working with a very refined design, brighter colors and lighter-toned woods. For walls, it’s almost a museum-style drywall in a warm white and smooth texture. People are definitely steering clear of the grays.” And Jones agrees that color is in. “More colors, textures, and patterns are going into a luxurious trend home for tile floors, wallpaper and cabinets. It can feel nerve-racking to use color and pattern, but it can add so much character and charm.”

Bigger Homes

“House sizes were trending down slightly but since Covid, house sizes have gone up,” says Gasparik. “People are building bigger homes than they were in 2019. Homes here used to be 6,500 square feet, now they’re 7,500 square feet to 8,500 square feet.”

Double Offices

“We’ve been getting a lot of requests for two legit offices,” explains Gasparik, who says it’s no longer enough to create a dedicated office space in a kitchen or living room; now, people want two rooms that are actual offices.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR FLOW

The architecture is where it all starts,” says Sapp. “Once you have a site with views of the mountain then it’s about finding an architect who knows how to design a high-end, functional floor plan that flows seamlessly from inside of the house to the outside of the house. When you achieve that right flow, you’re encouraged to go outside and explore.”

Larger Garages

Gasparik describes four-car and five-car garages as the new norm. “It used to be three car garages but they’ve gotten larger,” he says.

Amenity Rooms

“Everyone’s wanting an exercise room and home theaters are making a comeback,” says Gasparik. He says other recent requests include a golf simulator room, and whiskey and cigar rooms.

Everything En Suite

“We do a lot of guest suites,” says Gasparik. “And everything is en suite.”

Pet Washing Stations

“One particular feature we have seen more of this year is the built-in pet washing station,” says Jones. “Some people will dedicate an entire room to their pet’s grooming needs while others will put a pet bath in their mudroom or bathroom. No matter where it is located in your home, it can add some major convenience to your life, especially if your pet tends to get into messy situations on the regular.”

Heated Floors

Says Jones: “A luxury feature that comes recommended to homeowners is heated flooring in the bathroom or other tiled spaces in the home. Tile can be cold under the feet, so adding the heating feature can make your life that much better,especially if you live in a cold climate.”

Minimal Kitchen And Storage Areas

In kitchens, the design is once again clean and minimal, with everything hidden behind storage shelves and closets, and floating shelves in the kitchen, purely for display. “If you aren’t building new but want to redo a home and get the most return on your investment whenever you eventually sell, redo the kitchen,” explains Sapp. “People don’t get away from the kitchen; it’s the entertainment space and the place everyone congregates when they gather inside your house.”

Wellness Amenities

“Waking up and going to bed enjoying a mountain view is the number one most uplifting thing you can do,” says Sapp. “Beyond that we’re building mediation spaces or cold plunge pools … in one house the entire lower level is a spa with massage treatments, an infrared sauna and pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy beds.”

Health Considerations

Today, it’s about being healthy in mind, body and home. Sleeping areas can have a “kill switch” that instantly shuts off Wi-Fi and power for a truly deep, restful sleep. Lighting can be adjusted to circadian rhythms, and healthy materials can be used throughout the home that won’t give off harmful emissions to its inhabitants.

Spools

It’s not a spa, it’s not a pool … it’s a spool! “We build a lot of ‘spa baths’ that are larger than a hot tub but smaller than a pool,” says Gasparik. “Usually these spools will have access to a sauna or steam room and probably a small powder room plus an outdoor shower, towel storage, and a room to hang up robes and slippers – homeowners very much want that spa-like vibe right now.”