While there are enough steps to qualify for a cardiac workout, four- and sometimes five-story homes are increasingly finding their way into today’s urban landscape. If that idea alone makes you want to catch your breath, elevators are almost included in the plans. Recently, we toured eight such homes during the HOMEARAMA® 2023 Urban Edition and we found our favorite spaces and noticeable trends on each of the floors.
NOTICEABLY NEUTRAL
We’re not sure if it was influenced by the “urban” angle, but a major color scheme seen throughout the homes was soft whites on the walls, cabinetry and furniture, matte blacks on the hardware, windows and accent walls. A burst of caramel in a leather sofa or a throw, added the occasional accent.
HEAVY-HITTING LIGHTING
This is a trend we see hanging around indefinitely. Dramatic lighting sets the stage almost more effectively than anything else in the room. Design choices often indicate the larger the better. And in the homes on tour during the show, lighting styles were complementary but not matchy-matchy.
GOT IT? FLAUNT IT.
If you are lucky enough to have a striking view, then floor-to-ceiling windows are most likely called for. Black frames are still quite popular—and not just for farmhouse style homes—but white frames also let the view speak for itself. Window treatments were minimal, or in most cases, avoided all together.
CARVED OUT NICHES
Even if the footprint and lot size of the home are small, it is important to create an outdoor space for dining, cooking, relaxing and entertaining. Rooftop decks with city views definitely stole the show this year, but backyard enclaves surrounded by solid stone walls and privacy fences were alluring for quieter moments.
HEARING ABOUT HERRINGBONE
Less noticeable at first, but once your eyes landed on the pattern, herringbone was prevalent throughout the homes. Seen in wooden wine racks, tiled backsplashes, bathroom floors and on the face of consoles, it’s a classic pattern that’s found its way into several facets of interior design.
RESOURCES
The Newport
Ashford Homes
Interior design: Designs on Madison
The Monterey
Ashford Homes
Interior design: Designs on Madison
The Monroe
Homes by Gerbus, Inc.
Interior design: Designs on Madison
The Christopher
Thomas J Ackerman Company, Inc.
Interior design: Design to Market
The Clifton
Meierjohan Building Group
Interior design: Design to Market
The Acadia
Ashford Homes
Interior design: Designs on Madison
Article by Karen Bradner
Article originally appeared in July 2023