Within our last newsletter we showcased architectural trends in Truckee-Tahoe mountain home design. Today, we share some insight about what is new and upcoming in mountain home interior designs throughout the High Sierra.
Whether you have plans to build a home or purchase an existing property and plan on an extensive remodel, we encourage you to take the time to speak with an interior designer long before the blueprints come to fruition. We learned this through our contact, Kelly Borelli, of Kelly Borelli Interiors, who we interviewed for this story.
At Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate, we work closely with several excellent builders who focus on a variety of price points and scope. Given tight inventory and long-term enjoyment of our Truckee-Tahoe community, building a custom home is at the forefront, particularly when existing homes prices and the cost to build a home are becoming much closer to one another.
If this all seems like an exciting concept that you would like to learn more about, contact Alison now to review the many options, factors, timing and locations that might be the perfect fit for your family. And, don’t miss our recap of the astounding Q1 2020 market statistics following this article!
So many styles. So many choices. Where does one begin? We asked Kelly Borelli for her advice.
Kelly Borelli Interiors has provided exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe mountain lifestyle to the most contemporary estate, Kelly works with each of her clients to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect, and every home deserves.
We learned quite a bit during our interview, yet one of the most important take-aways was to meet with a designer long before the final set of blueprints are approved.
Finalize Your Personal Preferences Before, Not After.
“Timing is everything. During the pandemic, people had the time to rethink their living environment. Many invested in extensive remodels or finally built their dream home here in the Truckee area and Tahoe Basin. With this demand, lead time for delivering specialty cabinets, appliances, window treatments, trending lighting concepts, and flooring may be one to two years out.
In addition to lead time, Kelly told us about the intricate details that come into play while a home is being designed and why it is so important to discuss the more personal preferences way ahead of time.
“Although most people do not expect an interior designer to know the bones of a building, our knowledge is critical when it comes to the home’s final design. Here is why: personal preferences like specialty sinks, showers, storage space (pantries in particular), how the stove relates to the workspace in the kitchen or what view one will see when preparing dinner or waking up in the morning … all come to play in the home’s final design. If changes need to be made, it gets awfully expensive to pay for significant changes in the interior plumbing or electrical work after it has all been installed and permanently enclosed.”
In addition to the pre-planning conversations about conventional design, Kelly also recommends that one makes the time to discuss ‘space planning’ to ensure the homes’ final environment fits the family’s lifestyle.
It’s All About the Bathroom
There are endless reasons why we love to live in the mountains, and the views are certainly a bonus. Especially when you can start or end your day with a view like this. When we asked Kelly to tell us the number one trend in mountain home design, she told us that it is all about the bathroom.
“We work with our clients to clearly define what features they need or want to complement its space. You would be amazed at the length of time it takes to review options and make decisions about shower-heads and toilets.”
Unlike the standard round shower heads, ‘waterfall features’ are very trendy – as are shower heads that are horizontally designed to cover the entire body and have a wand-like detachment. Within the shower ‘space,’ Kelly’s clients often ask for waterproof sound systems, aroma steam showers complete with a selection of essential oils, heated seating, and a grab bar or two.
The Bidet is Back!
For those involved in making decisions about their bathroom features today, it is highly likely the words ‘Toto Toilet’ will be a part of the conversation. Long gone are the standard toilets.
Say hello to the return of the Bidet, complete with a heated seat, REMIST function that sprays the bowl before each use to prevent waste buildup and keeps the bowl clean and smelling fresh (re: odor eliminator). Included are two ‘memory seating’ selections, a WASHLET heated water system with five spray settings and EWATER technology that keeps the toilet bowl clean and hygienic without extra harsh chemicals.
The biggest trend about this toilet system? Men, in particular, are requesting this feature, more than women. Really!
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Morning, noon, or night, the bathroom mirror is now all a part of the ambiance that one can have with a multi-faceted LED lighting unit that lives within the bathroom mirror. Need a close-up to shave or place on the perfect shade of pink? How about some bright light to get it right? Come night-time, these trendy mirrors turn into a soft and subtle night light to ensure a safe return in the middle of the night.
Natural Textures and Tones Set the Scene
According to Kelly Borelli, ‘mixing up the textures’ is totally acceptable in today’s interior design trends. Here in the High Sierra, most homeowners like the ‘natural tones’ which also include natural components that “mimic nature.” Quartzite countertops continue to be ‘timeless,’ as are options to select a few of the natural colors within the countertops and complement the design with ‘chunky tile accents.’
Artistic Cabinets and Cubbies
Gone are the pure white kitchen concepts. Today’s homeowner specifically sets aside some money in the budget to invest in high-end specialty cabinets for the kitchen and complementary storage cubbies throughout the house. From the artistically designed ‘works of art’ to hickory-stained plank flooring, Shaker doors, and creative tile back-splash elements, every element comes into play during the design process.
Less is More
Throughout the discussions about trends for interior home design, Kelly continued to mention the desire for her clients to ‘simplify life.’ Within this trend is the yearning for simpler settings and environmentally ‘easy to clean’ floors, countertops, and appliances. Trending today is the return of designer vinyl flooring, Induction Halogen cooktops, and single basin sinks.
Brace Yourself … for Brass and Black
Brass? Really? Yes. The biggest eye-opener was to hear that the forthcoming trend is “brass is back and black is big!” From the ceiling to the floor and everything in between, the hues of black can be found throughout the homes in the High Sierra. Balancing the trendiest black color schemes of today are tomorrow’s return of brass fixtures – from the bathroom to the kitchen, doors and more.
Enjoy Spring in the High Mountains
The Carmel Gallery, Truckee
Thanks to our friends at Carmel Gallery, you can enjoy some of the most scenic shots of nature through their Nature Stream TV. Transform your TV and mobile screens into an art display with a stunning collection of on demand fine art landscape photographs by Elizabeth and Olof Carmel. Sit back, relax, and savor the sights that are all a part of living the mountain life.
Q1 Truckee-Tahoe Market Statistics
The first quarter of 2020 was quite a record quarter in terms of real estate sales volume, limited inventory and an oversupply of buyers causing prices to move upward quickly. All neighborhoods demonstrated increased pricing and sales volume with Buyer’s still enjoying low interest rates and a robust economy. We anticipate this trend to continue throughout 2021.
Featured Property
Welcome home to this darling property in the heart of family friendly Glenshire! Enjoy easy, single level living plus a bright and cheery setting so close to Town and all of Truckee’s amenities! This flat and spacious .25 acre home site brings a fenced, rear yard and lots of future options! Great for full time or vacation living with plenty of room for a future expansion, enjoy the cozy living area with a pretty gas fireplace, galley style kitchen, en-suite primary bedroom, second bedroom and bath. Perfect as a remote work space, enjoy the unattached “artist’s studio” or media/family play area! The spacious garage has plenty of storage for your mountain toys. The property brings a flat and sunny driveway for easy, year ‘round living! Cute and clean, here is a wonderful starter property in a terrific neighborhood!
2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Artist’s Studio | Large Garage
912 s.f.
$515,000
If you are considering a purchase or sale of Truckee-Tahoe property, now is a great time! Contact our Elder Group Team of professionals for a real estate consultation and/or more information. We deliver concierge level services to all of our clientele and award winning results.
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