Are you planning to build a custom home and unsure about modern home design trends? Designing a home is an exciting venture, full of endless possibilities. But with changing times, trends evolve, and staying updated can be quite a puzzle. As a discerning future homeowner, you may be concerned that your chosen design might not stand the test of time or reflect your unique style.

Enter modern home design trends, where the line between timeless appeal and contemporary flair becomes beautifully blurred. With an emphasis on blending utility with aesthetics, these trends ensure your home is visually appealing and a sanctuary that caters to your lifestyle needs.
At McNair Custom Homes, we seize these evolving trends, aligning them with your distinct preferences to create custom homes that truly resonate with your taste. We understand that your home is the epitome of your identity and serve to manifest this vision into a well-crafted reality.
Getting acquainted with the top trends will allow you to make informed decisions and help us implement those details efficiently in your new home. Here’s a quick snippet of the design trends we’re likely to see in modern homes:
- Embracing Nature-Inspired Elements
- Shift Towards Warm Neutrals
- Resurgence of Traditional Design with a Modern Twist
- The Rise of Smart Homes
- Popularity of Unique Tiles
- Importance of Home Offices
- The Appeal of Warm Minimalism
- The Rise of Dopamine Decor
- Timelessness of Mid-Century Modern Design
- Popularity of Blending Backsplashes

Join us as we explore these trends in detail, unraveling design inspirations that could make your custom home a true reflection of contemporary aesthetics intertwined with your personal style.
Trend 1: Embracing Nature-Inspired Elements
One of the most compelling modern home design trends is embracing nature-inspired elements, also known as biophilic design. This trend is all about bringing the outdoors in, creating a harmonious blend between our living spaces and the natural world.
At McNair Custom Homes, we’ve noticed an increasing inclination towards designs that incorporate elements such as natural light, plant life, natural materials, and colors inspired by nature. This trend is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating a healthier and more relaxing environment.
Incorporating Sustainable Materials in Home Design
Sustainable materials play a significant role in the current wave of nature-inspired design. As noted in our Role of Technology in Modern Custom Home Building article, there is a convergence of homeowners, manufacturers, and design professionals towards long-lasting materials and products sourced and made in environmentally friendly ways. These could be anything from reclaimed wood to recycled steel or glass.
In our custom luxury homes, we aim to incorporate these sustainable materials where possible, contributing to the overall eco-friendliness of the home without compromising on style or durability.

The Popularity of Living Walls and Indoor-Outdoor Connections
Living walls, or vertical gardens, are another popular feature in modern homes. They not only add a touch of greenery but also help to improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
Moreover, creating indoor-outdoor connections has become increasingly popular. This could be through large windows that offer panoramic views, sliding doors that open up to the garden, or even outdoor lounges that serve as an extension of the living space. As we’ve observed in our modern house designs, these features can significantly enhance the sense of space and light in a home.
Embracing nature-inspired elements is about creating a home that looks good and feels good to live in. At McNair Custom Homes, we strive to incorporate these modern home design trends in our custom luxury homes, creating spaces that are not just visually appealing but also promote wellness and sustainability.
Trend 2: The Shift Toward Warm Neutrals
In modern home design trends, we’re seeing a significant shift from cool grays toward warm neutrals such as beige, brown, and off-white. This move towards a more inviting palette is a trend we fully embrace here at McNair Custom Homes.
The Transition from Cool Grays to Warm Beiges, Browns, and Off-Whites
Cool grays have dominated the design scene for the past few years. However, as we move into 2023, there’s a noticeable trend towards warmer, earthier tones. Homeowners lean towards beiges, browns, and off-whites that exude an inviting, cozy feel. This shift reflects a desire for a more natural, grounded aesthetic inspired by the tranquil beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
How to Layer Different Tones, Textures, and Patterns for a Welcoming Environment
Layering different tones, textures, and patterns is critical to creating a welcoming environment. Consider a warm greige (a blend of gray and beige) such as Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams as your base, and then layer various shades of gray and brown in your furnishings to strengthen the palette. This approach adds depth and dimension and allows you to inject personality into your space. For example, our expert designer, Debra Garvin, skillfully uses this technique to create an inviting look in our custom homes.
The Role of Warm Neutrals in Texas Hill Country Style Homes
Warm neutrals play a significant role in the classic Texas Hill Country style homes that we specialize in at McNair Custom Homes. These hues provide a perfect backdrop for the rugged natural beauty of the Hill Country, creating a seamless blend between the indoor and outdoor environments. Whether it’s a rich beige that mirrors the local limestone or a deep brown that echoes the surrounding woodlands, warm neutrals imbue our homes with a timeless appeal that resonates with our clients.
As we continue to incorporate these modern home design trends into our custom homes, it’s clear that warm neutrals are more than just a passing trend. They’re a nod to our roots, a celebration of our surroundings, and a testament to our commitment to creating homes that our clients will love for a lifetime.

Trend 3: The Resurgence of Traditional Design with a Modern Twist
There’s something incredibly appealing about a home that blends the charm of traditional design with the sleek functionality of modern elements. Many of us find comfort in the familiar, and that’s what traditional design offers – a sense of nostalgia, stability, and timeless elegance. But we also yearn for the convenience, simplicity, and sleek aesthetics that modern design brings. The good news is that these two styles can beautifully coexist, and this is one of the modern home design trends we at McNair Custom Homes love incorporating into our designs.
The Blend of Classic Elements with Contemporary Functionality
One of the ways this trend is manifesting is through the strategic blending of classic architectural elements with contemporary functionality. Think about a kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, a classic farmhouse sink, and a beadboard backsplash, then add in state-of-the-art appliances, a smart home system, and energy-efficient features. This approach offers the best of both worlds, which we often implement in our custom luxury homes.
The Timeless Appeal of Traditional Details in Modern Homes
There’s a reason why traditional details never really go out of style. They have a timeless appeal that transcends trends and fads. Consider the romance of a claw-foot tub, the elegance of crown molding, the warmth of a brick fireplace, or the charm of built-in bookshelves. When these traditional details are incorporated into modern homes, they add character, depth, and a sense of history. Such elements can really make a house feel like a home, and they are a significant part of our design philosophy at McNair Custom Homes.
How McNair Custom Homes Integrates Traditional Design in Their Custom Homes
Here at McNair Custom Homes, our goal is to create homes that truly reflect the unique tastes and lifestyles of our clients. We know that many of our clients appreciate the beauty and charm of traditional design but also want the functionality and simplicity of modern amenities. That’s why we’re skilled at integrating traditional design elements into our custom homes in a fresh, modern, and seamless way.
For example, in our recent homes, you might find a traditional coffered ceiling in a living room that’s otherwise furnished with sleek modern furniture or a classic butler pantry equipped with modern appliances and lighting. We believe that this blend of old and new not only adds visual interest and depth to a home but also allows our clients to enjoy the conveniences of modern living without sacrificing the charm and character of traditional design.
The resurgence of traditional design with a modern twist is a trend that we believe will continue to grow in popularity. It’s a trend that speaks to our desire for comfort, nostalgia, and timeless elegance, but without foregoing the conveniences of modern living. And at McNair Custom Homes, we are more than ready to help our clients bring this trend to life in their own custom luxury homes.
Trend 4: The Rise of Smart Homes
As technology continues to advance, it’s no surprise that smart homes are one of the top modern home design trends. This trend sees the integration of cutting-edge technology into our living spaces for enhanced comfort and convenience.
The Integration of Technology for Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
Smart homes are all about creating a living environment that’s as comfortable, efficient, and convenient as possible. This includes everything from advanced security systems and automated lighting to programmable thermostats and voice-activated appliances. These technological innovations can make our homes more energy-efficient, safer, and overall more enjoyable to live in.

The Importance of Smart Homes in Modern Living
In our fast-paced, digital world, the importance of smart homes cannot be overstated. Smart technology makes our lives easier and allows us to control and monitor our homes remotely. This means we can adjust the temperature, turn off lights, or check on our home’s security, all from our smartphones or other digital devices – a feature that brings a new level of convenience and peace of mind.
How McNair Custom Homes Incorporates Smart Technology In Their Designs
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the importance of smart technology in modern living. That’s why we incorporate smart technology into our custom luxury home designs. We work closely with our homeowners to understand their needs and preferences and then integrate the latest smart home technologies that best meet those requirements.
For instance, we can include features like smart thermostats for energy efficiency, advanced security systems for safety, and integrated home automation systems for convenience. Our goal is always to create homes that are beautiful, uniquely personalized, and technologically advanced, and future-ready.
As John McNair, founder of McNair Custom Homes, always says, “A smart home is not just about the gadgets – it’s about creating a living environment that enhances your lifestyle and comfort. And that’s what we strive to deliver with every home we build.”
In conclusion, the rise of smart homes is a trend that’s here to stay. It’s all about leveraging technology to make our homes more comfortable, convenient, and secure. And at McNair Custom Homes, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of this trend, integrating the latest smart home technologies into our custom luxury homes for an elevated living experience.
Trend 5: The Popularity of Unique Tiles
One of the most compelling modern home design trends is the growing popularity of unique tiles. Tiles have always been a staple in home design, but today’s tiles are far from ordinary. They’re making a bold statement in modern homes, and they’re not just for the bathroom or kitchen anymore.
The Statement Made by Oversized and Handmade Tile Designs
Homeowners and designers are trading traditional small, uniform tiles for oversized, handmade designs that add character and visual interest. The go-to pattern gaining a lot of attention is the herringbone layout, known for its angular shape that creates a visual texture and adds sophistication to any space. According to Mitchell Parker, a home design expert at Houzz, this classic design element is experiencing a renaissance and is becoming the go-to pattern for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. The herringbone pattern is not just limited to horizontal layouts. It’s beginning to zag in new directions — diagonally or vertically — to create an updated look with visual interest, movement, and texture.
The Use of Unique Tiles in Walls and Floors for a Modern Look
These unique tiles are used for floors and walls, offering a modern and sophisticated look to any room. The versatility of tiles allows for a wide range of design possibilities. From blending backsplashes with a slab of stone or quartz behind the range or cooktop to using a splash of the accent tile in wine bars, dry bars, and even the back of glass door cabinets, tiles are getting a fresh and modern makeover.
The Role of Unique Tiles in McNair Custom Homes’ Designs
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the transformative power of unique tiles. Our designers are experts at incorporating these modern design elements into our custom luxury homes. We strive to create spaces that are not only functional but also reflect the personal style of our homeowners. Whether it’s a striking herringbone backsplash in the kitchen or a bold tile accent wall in the living room, we’re committed to using unique tiles to enhance the character and beauty of our homes.
With our Mexican influences and their Spanish roots here in San Antonio, the accent tile is not uncommon, and you will often see colorful handpainted tiles in homes, outdoor spaces, flooring, kitchens, and baths.

So, whether you’re planning a complete home remodel or just looking to refresh a room, consider incorporating unique tiles into your design. It’s a trend that’s popular and timeless, adding a layer of sophistication and modern elegance to any space. With McNair Custom Homes, you can rest assured that we’ll help you navigate these modern home design trends to create a custom home that’s uniquely yours.
Trend 6: The Importance of Home Offices
As we continue to adapt to changing work patterns, the incorporation of dedicated workspaces in homes has become an essential aspect of modern home design trends.
The Emergence of Home Offices as a Permanent Fixture in Homes
With remote work being a significant part of the new normal, home offices are no longer a luxury but a necessity. They have emerged as a permanent fixture in homes, providing a dedicated space for productivity and focus. According to Decorilla, this trend is here to stay, with more and more people investing in creating functional and inspiring workspaces in their homes.
The Focus on Ergonomic Furniture and Stylish Design in Home Offices
Ergonomic furniture that offers comfort during long working hours and stylish design that inspires creativity are the key elements of modern home offices. Think stunning office chairs, bespoke lighting, soundproofing, and decor that speaks to your personal style. Your workspace doesn’t have to be sterile or purely functional – it can also be a reflection of your taste and style.
How McNair Custom Homes Designs Functional and Stylish Home Offices
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the importance of a home office that caters to your professional needs and your personal style and comfort. Our expert team works closely with you to design functional and stylish home offices, seamlessly blending with the rest of your home’s design.
We consider various factors such as natural lighting, space utilization, and ergonomics to ensure your workspace is conducive to productivity. Whether it’s incorporating large windows for ample daylight, selecting ergonomic furniture that reduces strain, or using soundproofing techniques for noise reduction, we ensure your home office is a space where you can work efficiently and comfortably.
As we continue to navigate these modern home design trends, we are committed to creating spaces that meet your needs and tell your unique story. Explore more about our custom built home designs and see how we can help you create your dream workspace in your own home.
Trend 7: The Appeal of Warm Minimalism
Minimalism has long been a staple of modern home design trends. However, the recent shift leans towards a warmer, more inviting take on this style – warm minimalism. This approach embraces the simplicity and functionality of the minimalist ethos while adding a layer of warmth and coziness.
The Promotion of Simplicity, Functionality, Comfort, and Style in Warm Minimalism
Warm minimalism is all about stripping back to what’s essential without losing the inviting and homely feel. A home designed with this trend in mind prioritizes functional spaces without unnecessary clutter, creating an airy, open, and tranquil environment.
Colin King, a stylist based in New York, perfectly encapsulates this trend in his apartment. He left his windows unadorned, deliberately avoiding making the space look overly “decorated.” This approach highlights the appeal of warm minimalism – a space that exudes simplicity yet still feels like a place you’d want to curl up in with your most cherished objects.
How Warm Minimalism Complements Modern Home Design
In modern home design, there’s a noticeable shift towards cooler tones, moving away from the previously dominant warmer neutral tones. However, warm minimalism breaks this norm. It brings back the warmth, creating spaces that are not only chic and well-designed but also evoke feelings of comfort and serenity.
This trend is not about being stark or cold but about creating a balance that’s welcoming and relaxed. It’s about using textures, materials, and colors in a fresh, innovative way to create a home that’s aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant.
The Incorporation of Warm Minimalism in McNair Custom Homes’ Designs
At McNair Custom Homes, we’re not just building houses; we’re creating homes. We understand that our clients want a space that reflects their style and preferences, and warm minimalism provides just that.
We incorporate this trend into our designs by focusing on clean lines, simple forms, and functional spaces, all while ensuring that the home feels warm, inviting, and, most importantly, like you. Our custom luxury homes are designed with careful attention to detail, using high-quality materials that add a touch of warmth to the overall minimalist design.
To create your dream home, we embrace warm minimalism, making your home a place of comfort, functionality, and style. The result? A timeless, one-of-a-kind home that’s not only stunning but also truly yours.
Trend 8: The Rise of Dopamine Decor
Modern home design trends are seeing an exciting shift toward interiors that evoke joy and positivity. This emerging trend is known as dopamine decor, which is all about creating spaces that trigger happiness and delight.
The Creation of Spaces That Trigger Happiness and Delight
Dopamine decor focuses on designing spaces that make you feel good. The human brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, when we experience pleasure. By incorporating bold, vibrant colors, whimsical patterns, and playful elements, dopamine decor aims to create an environment that sparks joy and positivity every day.
This trend is immensely appealing as it taps into the human desire for joy and positivity, making every day feel like a celebration. It’s about designing spaces that look good and make you feel good.

The use of Bold Colors and Playful Elements in Dopamine Decor
Colors play a crucial role in dopamine decor, with bold and vibrant hues taking center stage. These colors can be incorporated through wall paint, furniture, or accessories to infuse energy and optimism into the space.
Playful elements like whimsical patterns and unique, joy-inspiring artwork also significantly contribute to dopamine decor. The goal is to create an interior that feels personalized meaningful, and brings a smile to your face every time you enter the space.
How McNair Custom Homes Incorporates Dopamine Decor in Their Designs
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the impact a home’s interior has on the homeowner’s mood and overall well-being. That’s why when we design your custom luxury home, we focus not only on aesthetics but also on creating spaces that contribute to your happiness and well-being.
We incorporate dopamine decor in our designs by using bold color palettes that reflect your personality and bring joy to your everyday living. We also add playful elements that resonate with your personal taste, making your home a true reflection of you.
Dopamine decor is about designing homes that look beautiful and make you feel happy. At McNair Custom Homes, we strive to create one-of-a-kind homes that do just that. We believe that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with joy, and we’re here to help you create a home that brings you happiness every single day.
Trend 9: The Timelessness of Mid-Century Modern Design
Few styles have stood the test of time, quite like Mid-Century Modern. This style, which peaked from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s, continues to influence modern home design trends with its minimalist lines, organic shapes, and functional aesthetic.
The Enduring Elegance of Mid-Century Modern Design
Mid-Century Modern design is celebrated for its clean lines, gentle curves, and balance of form and function. It’s a stylish and timeless look, often featuring sleek, streamlined furniture and a robust use of natural materials. This design style values simplicity and natural beauty, making it a perfect fit for today’s home design trends. It’s not just about retro throwbacks – it’s about incorporating the best elements from the past to create a fresh, modern look.
The Role of Mid-Century Modern Design in Modern Homes
Mid-century modern design isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a design philosophy that has influenced homes for decades. The trend’s focus on simplicity, functionality, and organic shapes fits perfectly with today’s emphasis on comfort and sustainability. This style also complements other modern trends, such as the use of natural light and open floor plans. For example, the large windows and open spaces common in mid-century modern homes enhance the effects of natural light, a key feature in today’s design trends.
How McNair Custom Homes Integrates Mid-Century Modern Design in Their Homes
At McNair Custom Homes, we respect the timeless appeal of mid-century modern design and understand its continued influence on modern home design trends. We integrate this style into our homes by focusing on clean lines, organic shapes, and functional design. We select materials that are aesthetically pleasing and tell a story of an era that valued nature, simplicity, and innovation. Whether it’s incorporating large windows to maximize natural light or using natural materials that promote sustainability, we ensure our custom built homes reflect the best elements of mid-century modern design combined with modern amenities and technology.
As we continue to build homes that defy the ordinary, we’re dedicated to preserving the elegance of mid-century modern design while adapting it to suit the needs of today’s homeowners. So, whether you’re drawn to the charm of the past or the comforts of the future, we’re here to help you create a home that perfectly balances the two.
Trend 10: The Popularity of Blending Backsplashes
The beauty of modern home design trends lies in their ability to merge aesthetics and functionality effortlessly. One such trend gaining popularity is the blending of backsplashes in the kitchen.
The Trend of Installing Slabs of Stone or Quartz Behind the Range or Cooktop
In the past, tile backsplashes have been the go-to choice for many homeowners. However, designers are now shaking things up by visually breaking up these expanses of tile. A slab of stone or quartz, often the same material as the countertops, is now being installed behind the range or cooktop while keeping the surrounding backsplash areas tiled. This design shift creates a striking focal point that’s visually appealing and easy to clean.

The Creation of a Striking Focal Point with Blended Backsplashes
A blended backsplash doesn’t just serve functional purposes; it also adds a unique visual touch to your kitchen. The slab behind the range or cooktop displays graphic veining or other interesting details, creating a captivating focal point in the kitchen. To further enhance the design, this accent material can also be used in other parts of the kitchen, such as wine bars, dry bars, and the back of glass door cabinets.
How McNair Custom Homes Incorporates Blended Backsplashes in Their Kitchen Designs
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the importance of creating a kitchen that’s both stylish and practical. As such, we’re excited to incorporate this trend into our custom home designs. We understand that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we aim to create a space that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs. By incorporating blended backsplashes, we not only create a striking focal point in your kitchen but also ensure it’s easy to maintain.
The trend of blending backsplashes is a testament to the innovative and exciting nature of modern home design trends. It combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a kitchen space that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, consider incorporating this trend into your kitchen design. Trust us when we say it’s a design decision you’ll be glad you made.
Conclusion
Looking back, we’ve walked through a vibrant array of top 10 modern home design trends. From the resurgence of traditional design elements with a modern twist to the rise of smart homes and dopamine decor, these trends all have one thing in common: they bring together functionality, comfort, and style.
Embracing these trends can transform your home into a modern, stylish, and comfortable haven. Biophilic designs and sustainable materials reconnect us with nature, while warm neutrals create inviting and calming environments. Smart homes enhance convenience and efficiency, while unique tiles, blended backsplashes, and warm minimalism add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
At McNair Custom Homes, we understand the importance of staying updated with the latest home design trends. But more than that, we know how to incorporate these trends into our custom luxury homes without compromising functionality and personal style preferences.
Whether you dream of a home office that enhances your productivity or a kitchen adorned with unique tiles and a blended backsplash, we can help turn your vision into reality. We design not just homes but spaces that reflect who you are and how you live.
Trends might come and go, but the value of a well-designed home is timeless. If you’re ready to build a home that’s truly yours, get in touch with us. We can’t wait to help you create a home you’ll love for years.
For more design inspiration, check out our recent projects and explore our custom home exterior designs. If you’re curious about how we integrate smart technology into our designs, read more about it here.
We hope this exploration of modern home design trends has sparked your imagination and inspired your next home design project. The ultimate trend is creating a home that feels uniquely yours.

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