Every year, new design trends make the rounds, often packaged as must-haves or quick ways to modernize a home. While it’s easy to find lists of what’s “in” right now, that’s not how we approach design at Schulte Design Build.
As our Design Developer puts it:
“I don’t really prioritize trends; they’re easy enough for anyone to look up. What matters more to me is design that feels intentional, well done and genuinely reflective of the client.”
— Melinda Shaw, Design Developer at Schulte Design Build
When we look across recent projects, the selections our clients are making reflect that mindset. Rather than chasing what’s popular, clients are choosing finishes and fixtures that feel cohesive, durable and appropriate for how they actually live.
Intentional Plumbing & Hardware Selections
Plumbing fixtures tend to be modern, simple and consistent within a space. Brushed brass and brushed gold are frequently selected in bathrooms, with satin nickel serving as a neutral option. Chrome appears less often and is typically used when continuity or accessibility is required. These finishes are chosen not for novelty, but for their ability to age gracefully and integrate seamlessly with future updates or accessibility needs.
Coordinated Cabinet Hardware Choices
Cabinet hardware selections are intentionally restrained. Bar pulls and tab pulls are most common, typically matched to plumbing finishes and selected as a coordinated set rather than mixed for contrast. This approach minimizes visual noise and supports a cohesive look that remains adaptable as cabinetry, paint or lighting evolves over time.
Durable Countertops & Surface Materials
Clients favor subtle quartz surfaces inspired by Carrara marble, limestone or cement. Veining is soft and low-contrast, with matte or low-sheen finishes supporting longevity and flexibility. These surfaces balance durability with timeless aesthetics, performing well in high-use spaces without visually dominating the room.
Timeless Tile Selections
Tile choices emphasize scale and simplicity. Large-format tiles and elongated field tiles are common, with grout colors kept close to the tile color. Accent tiles are used selectively and sparingly. This restraint reduces visual fragmentation and creates surfaces that are easier to maintain while remaining visually calm over the long term.
Adaptable Interior Paint Colors
Paint selections are calm and adaptable. Soft whites dominate, with warm neutrals used in living spaces. Darker tones are typically reserved for cabinetry or small focal areas rather than entire rooms. These palettes act as a flexible backdrop, allowing furnishings, art and natural light to shift over time without requiring frequent repainting.
Warm Wood & Natural Material Use
Natural materials such as walnut, oak and beech are used to add warmth. White oak flooring is common, with cedar and teak appearing in transitional or outdoor spaces. These materials are selected for their durability and natural aging characteristics, developing patina and character rather than showing wear.
Architectural & Functional Lighting Design
Lighting choices are practical and architectural. Recessed or regressed LED fixtures provide most ambient light, with warm color temperatures preferred. Decorative fixtures are used selectively to define specific areas. This layered approach supports both everyday functionality and flexibility as room uses change.
Intentional Design Over Trend-Driven Choices
While these selections may align with what is currently popular, they are not trend-driven decisions. They are intentional choices based on function, livability and longevity. Our goal isn’t to build a home for the current season, but a home for the next twenty years.
If you’re ready to move past trend lists and start making intentional choices for your space, let’s talk. Reach out to Schulte Design Build today.