Thinking about building a house? Here are the interior design trends to know first.

Hands up if you’ve ever created a Pinterest board entitled ‘Dream Home’? Same. 

Okay, now hands up if you’ve become a little overwhelmed by the four trillion decisions you know you would be forced to make if you were to, say, make this Pinterest board exist in the real world? 

Also, same.  

As the paradox goes, building your own home can be amazing for the same reason it can be a punish – every choice, from the actual style you’re going for to the location and number of power points you have in your home is, well, up to you.

Decision overwhelm and subsequent fatigue can really kill the buzz of building your own home. 

But it doesn’t have to. 

Building companies, like Summit Homes, have incredible display homes that are built and styled by professionals who not only know what the current trends are but also exactly how to bring them to life. 

If you’ve never done the "display home" thing – you’re truly missing out. Why? 

Well first, it takes the guesswork out of what you think you might like. Think of visiting a display home, as the difference between looking at a picture of a meal compared to eating said meal. I feel this analogy requires no further explanation.

Secondly, you can pretend you’re a host/judge/contestant on any home show of your choosing, which is an objectively fun way to spend a Saturday morning.

Sold! Brilliant. Let me take you through some aforementioned current trends so you can start thinking about which one to hit up first. 

Coastal.

Image: Summit Homes.

Do you want your home to feel like a breath of fresh (sea) air? Do you like light, airy, expansive spaces? A home that flows seamlessly from inside to out? 

If yes, coastal is your gal. To nail this style, think soft and natural colours. 

We’re talking whites and greys with pale blue accents. Materials used for flooring, feature walls and cabinets should subtly mirror colours and textures you’d find at the beach (except sand, of course – nobody wants that texture in their house).

The "expansive space" feeling is created by combining high, raked ceilings and large sliding doors. The ceilings literally create more space while the glass sliding doors bring the outside, in. 

Modern country farmhouse.

Image: Summit Homes.

So, you like the idea of a brand-new modern house, but you still want it to feel homely and warm? You want to be surrounded by natural materials often found in traditional houses, but you’d quite like to bypass the upkeep that often accompanies an older house?  

Meet modern country farmhouse. 

This trend has the kind of vibe you'll find Kevin McCloud gushing over on Grand Designs. 

Think exposed beams, feature stonework and wood cladding. These clever features work together to tick the traditional country farm details, while the double skylight, open living areas, theatre space and wine bar give it that modern edge. 

Contemporary mid-century.

Image: Summit Homes.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve pretended to understand what this style is when talking to your arty/architecture mates, but in reality, you’ve got no clue. 

You think maybe it’s like the houses in Mad Men and you’ve heard, apparently, there’s some "glorious" abodes in Byron Bay that fit the brief, but that pretty much sums up your knowledge. 

All good. I’ve got you. 

Contemporary mid-century = modern retro. 

It’s all clean lines, enormous windows and ceilings so high you’ll feel dizzy looking up at them. It’s flooded with natural light in living areas but has these touches of dark stained cladding which exudes that warm and intimate vibe as well. 

It’s sophisticated, arty, interesting and homely. A tricky trifecta to nail.

Contemporary minimalist.

Image: Summit Homes. 

Finally, this style is for the people whose idea of paradise, is practical. In this house, lines are sleek, the colour palette is warm white, and the finishes are tastefully textured.   

Contemporary minimalists don’t need art works comprised of stone adorning their walls (unsafe); exposed beams (unsightly) or a wine bar (unnecessary). And don’t even get them started on making your house resemble an actual beach when it is clearly NOT a beach. It is a house. Two very different things. 

Houses sporting this style are thoughtfully designed, with functionality front of mind. Rest and play areas are separated because this, obviously, makes the most amount of sense. 

You know what else makes sense? Two walk-in wardrobes, two-bathroom sinks and two shower heads. Why? 

Because the only thing better than being with your significant other is being near them, and not being forced to share.  

Finally, let’s talk about the kitchen. A contemporary minimalist considers this particular space the heart of the home. Therefore, features of this style include a massive island bench with loads of bench space, storage coming out the wazoo and… the peace de la resistance; a "shopper’s entrance". 

From what I can gather, this is a door that goes directly from your garage to your kitchen which means you don’t have to slog your groceries from your car to your kitchen like an underappreciated/overworked pack mule a few times a week. 

Sounds ideal. 

For display homes that bring your style vision to life, visit Summit Homes' display homes. 

Feature Image: Summit Homes/Mamamia.