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SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2023 - NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE 15 2023 PARADE OF HOMES - WWW.NWAPARADEOFHOMES.COM ese days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics — they're about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family's lifestyle. Whether you're shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration. Sustainable design: is one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it's all about making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and mini - mizes any impact on the environment. To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative – install solar panels on your roof, choose building materi- als that don't require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new. Disaster resiliency: Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes. Switching to disaster-resilient ma - terials is an important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energy-efficient materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of more traditional materials like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can with- stand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours. Outdoor living: Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the ex - perience in our own backyards. is trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months. You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor tele- vision and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining. Consider adding a fireplace or firepit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you're brave. Home automation: is is another longstanding trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and conve - nient. From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to inte- grate smart home technology into your living space. You can start small with voice assis- tant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, tem- perature controls and all your electronic devices. Customization: You don't have to settle for what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that's as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personal- ized architectural features to make your space stand out. You can even go as far as building a custom home that's suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is be- coming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build. Find more information about the benefits of building a home with ICFs at nudura.com. Top 5 hottest home building trends 877-888-8550 Ready for a New Home? We'd love to be your lender. As a local bank, you can count on competitive rates and quick decisions. We're fast, friendly, and loyal - like man's best friend. Call us for your home loan or refinance! W W W . S I G N A T U R E . B A N K | 8 7 7 . 8 8 8 . 8 5 5 0 290298-1 https://www.signature.bank/ • Licensed in AR, MO and OK • Bonded and Insured for your protection • Locally owned and operated Commercial – Residential Member of National Pest Management Association, inc Arkansas Pest Management Association Protecting you, your family and your home since 1974. oce: 479.549.3078 • toll free: 1.800.495.2220 fax: 479.273.3401 Serfco Dogwood 0417 pr.pdf 1 4/13/17 3:23 PM office: 479-273-2220 • toll free: 1-800-479-2220 fax: 479-273-3401 Member of National Pest Management Association, Inc. Arkansas Pest Management Association