Now that it’s officially spring, your thoughts may be turning towards creating the design for your custom home. Ashley Melton Homes offers custom home building for people wanting to set down roots in Emerald Isle, North Carolina or the surrounding communities. With more than 13 years of experience, he’s ready to make your design dreams come true. Wondering which trends are most popular this year? Here are just a few of the most popular home designs for 2024 that Ashley is showing his customers:

• Colored windows and trim: The trend among homeowners in recent years has been for black, brown, and other colors to be used on the home’s trim. Black seems to be the most popular choice right now with several companies offering all vinyl, composite, fiberglass and even wood interior options. The grids come inside the glass or upgrade to grids on the outside for an even better look. Doors, shelves, and walls are all good candidates for black trim as well. Homeowners love the aesthetically pleasing and unique contrast that black trim provides throughout the living space. While this trend continues to be popular 2024 sees a surge in biophilic design elements. This means incorporating natural materials not just as accents but as focal points—think large, panoramic windows that blend indoor and outdoor spaces, and natural wood or stone trims that highlight ecological aesthetics.
• Building with sustainability in mind: Sustainability remains a key trend, evolving with newer technologies. People are choosing cooling equipment with high a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER), mini-split systems for heating and cooling and geothermal systems, which are highly efficient over long periods. Advanced insulation materials that exceed current R-values, and smart home systems that optimize energy use. When it comes to building a custom home, some of the popular choices include selecting reclaimed wood as a building material and designing the home in such a way that it’s more efficient at natural heating and cooling.
• Home libraries: Reading on electronic devices may be all the rage, but people still love to collect and display printed books. That is evident in the number of people requesting the addition of a home library to their office or family room. Whether it’s just a few shelves or it takes up an entire wall, having a home library is a source of great pride for many. It also acts as a conversation starter when you invite guests into the room where you display your books.
• Home offices: As remote work becomes a norm rather than an exception, home offices in 2024 are more dynamic. They are designed to be convertible, often functioning as guest rooms, equipped with fold-away furniture and integrated technology for seamless connectivity. Of course, an office in your home may also qualify you for a tax break, which is always nice.
• Wallpaper: Wallpaper has transcended its typical application in conventional spaces such as living rooms and is now being introduced into every area of a home — including bathrooms, dining areas, and even mudrooms. It’s a simple approach to infuse a space with patterns and colors, transforming mundane areas into something spectacular.
• Bold appliances: Homeowners are elevating their love for vibrant hues, incorporating brightly colored appliances in their kitchens to customize their spaces effortlessly. It’s about homeowners expressing their individuality through their spaces, making each kitchen distinctly their own.
• Quartz: According to Melton, quartz is gaining popularity as a preferred choice over marble in upscale kitchen designs. This trend is driven by its durability and the variety of aesthetic options it offers, making it a practical and stylish alternative for modern homes.
• The Resurgence of Brass: A Contemporary Update: Brass fixtures are experiencing a revival, indicative of a wider movement that merges modern aesthetics with vintage details to craft spaces that are both timeless and modern.
• Open ceilings: An open ceiling gives a room more air, light, and a sense that the space is larger than its dimensions state. While it previously appeared in only two-story homes, the trend is now shifting to include spaces considered less vertically expansive. An open ceiling is an excellent choice for a dining room as it adds a sense of welcoming to all who visit.

Contact Ashley Melton to Discuss Your Plans for a Customized Home

When you call, text, or email Ashley Melton Homes, you won’t speak to an administrative assistant. You will talk to Ashley himself who is ready to answer your questions and get your project underway. Please contact Ashley or call or text 910-539-5600 for an immediate consultation.