Professional architects are experts at designing unique and custom homes for their clients. But even with all the personalities and preferences involved, there are certain trends that tend to emerge, items and features that significant numbers of homeowners seem to want. In this article, we will take a look at some of the national home design trends in 2023 and add our “Florida spin” to these amazing ideas. Which of these trends speaks to you and your vision?

7 Popular Home Design Features

  1. Lavish Pool Areas: Although not solely a Sarasota area trend, beautiful poolscapes certainly lend themselves well to our area. Homeowners are designing pools with rock waterfalls, in-pool seating areas, hidden speakers, and even waterslides. These pools are often lushly landscaped, surrounded by tropical trees and native plants that make the pool seem more like a hidden lagoon than a backyard pool.
  2. Courtyards: We’ve actually spoken about the popularity of the courtyard concept here in Florida, but these areas are becoming a must-have feature all over the country. The courtyard allows for very private outdoor spaces with a Spanish or Mediterranean flair – which just so happens to blend exceptionally well with many of the most desirable Florida architecture models.
  3. Guest Accommodations: More and more homeowners are designing spaces that put a high value on guest spaces and entertaining capabilities. From larger tables to open spaces – and trending up to guest cottages and mother-in-law suites – these homes are designed to provide a five-star guest experience to our friends and family.
  4. Fireplaces in Unexpected Places: A fireplace in Florida is rare enough, although many people do choose to add a fireplace or firepit outdoors. However, the indoor fireplace is making a comeback, showing up in kitchens, living rooms, and reading nooks. Florida homeowners may choose an electric version that doesn’t give off heat if they just love the ambiance of the piece.
  5. Game Rooms and Entertainment: The kids have a playroom; why shouldn’t the adults have some fun? Game rooms with pinball machines, dart boards, or pool tables are all the rage. Consider adding a table for board games or some friendly games of blackjack, and don’t forget to add your high-def TV, stereo system, refrigerator, full bar…whatever makes your game room complete for you. Home theaters, complete with blackout curtains, recliners, and personal mini-fridges, are also gaining popularity with luxury homeowners who love to screen the latest cinematic blockbusters – or to revisit the classics with friends.
  6. Spa Experience Bathrooms: Twenty years ago, architects and home builders began to create bathrooms that were as luxurious as they were utile, and that home design trend is still going strong. Even more “spa features” have been added to these opulent self-care havens, from dual rain shower heads to negative-edge bathtubs. Touches such as floor warmers and ambient lighting make the master bathroom the most truly private sanctuary in the home. For an incredible Florida twist, consider a door that leads to a private, tropical outdoor shower.
  7. Technology-Free Rooms: Whether used for meditation or simply for taking a sensory vacation, these rooms are designed to leave all technology outside. There is no wifi, no electronics, and plenty of candles, water elements, yoga mats, bamboo walls – whatever inspires “zen” to the homeowners. In a world of busy connectedness, these rooms are designed to allow peace and serenity in the midst of it all.

At JTL Studios, we believe that the most beautiful home is the one you helped to design. Bring us your ideas and your dreams- and our team of experts will create the home you’ve envisioned. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter home that looks like everyone else – come to JTL Studios of Sarasota.