Defining Your Home Style: Tips from Sierra Homes
What’s the difference between Craftsman and Contemporary? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. In this article we’ll help you understand different architectural styles and how we personalize them to fit your vision, whether you’re starting a custom build or a remodel. We’re experts at guiding clients through the design process, whether you know exactly what you want or you’re not quite sure!
Popular Home Styles in the Pacific Northwest
The Greater Seattle Area offers several popular home styles, but some have stood the test of time and never seem to go out of style.
One of those is the Craftsman home, which has been built around the Pacific Northwest since the early 1900’s.
Contemporary homes are always trending in the area, too. This ever-evolving style is particularly popular near the city centers and waterfronts.
Mid-Century Modern is another popular trend at the moment, especially for those who have the desire to take on a home renovation or update any split-level or 1960s home.
Defining Characteristics
Craftsman homes are known for their large inviting porches, gabled roofs, and tapered columns. Made to feel cozy, these homes have smaller distinct living areas, an extensive amount of woodwork, and use nature-inspired colors throughout.
Contemporary homes in the Pacific Northwest embrace natural elements such as wood, stone, and organic materials. The minimalist design exemplifies simplicity by using clean lines, open floor plans, and muted colors.
Midcentury Modern is defined by a low profile footprint, flat roof, and natural elements. These homes show a connection to nature by blending indoor and outdoor spaces and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.
Personalizing Your Home’s Design
Every home is created by combining all of the design elements that will make up the style of that home. Elements such as paint color, cabinets, millwork, door styles, hardware and fixtures all come together to create an overall aesthetic that defines a particular home. There are certain design elements that are commonly seen in each style, and those elements should communicate a vibe for that style and be recognizable in the overall design.
While budget plays an important role in the design selection process, there are usually several options at various price points available. For example, if a client loves the look of genuine marble but cannot afford to have real marble, there are always porcelain tiles that are made to mimic the look and feel of genuine marble at a fraction of the price.
Making Design Decisions
For our projects, Kelly expertly develops the design direction and guides clients through the detailed process of making selections. We asked her a few questions.
Q. How does Sierra Homes take a basic style direction and make it unique to the client?
A. I try to spend time getting to know the clients by visiting their current home to see how they live in their space and ask questions about what they like and don’t like about their current home. Once I know the basic core design style, I will personalize it by coming up with an overall theme that appeals to them, while guiding them to stay close to the core design aesthetic.
Q. How do you guide clients who aren’t sure which style they prefer?
A. I like to use a client’s Pinterest board or magazine cutouts to help understand what they like. While visiting showrooms, I take note when the client reacts to a product they love. When observing a home, I walk through the space taking inventory of the areas that homeowners wish to update, such as millwork and flooring. I identify updates that will enhance the property and perhaps bring traditional styles forward if that is desired. It’s common for the scope of the project to expand as they consider additional improvements they would like to make.
Q. Can you give an example of a project where the style evolved during the process?
A. We are currently building a custom home for a couple who originally told me their style was ‘ultra-modern.’ As we were making selections, it became clear that their style is really much more ‘Northwest Contemporary.’ They were choosing a simple design of natural elements, stone, wood, and neutral colors that will make the home feel warm and inviting. Helping the client get to know their design style was an enjoyable experience, and it will be rewarding to see the finished product when the home is completed.
Q. How do you ensure the exterior and interior designs feel cohesive?
A. To be sure the design feels cohesive throughout, I make all the selections and then display them together and step back to look. A mood board or design board is a great way to visualize the overall look of a home.
Q. What are some signature design details that set Sierra Homes apart in each of these styles?
A. Sierra Homes takes great pride in creating warm and inviting living areas. With all of the rain we get in the PNW, it’s important to have cozy spaces to snuggle up and settle into. For that reason, we spend a lot of time thinking about and creating the outdoor living area as well as the fireplace design. We want people to feel comfortable in their new or remodeled homes!
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