What We’re Seeing: Architectural and Design Trends Clients Are Asking for Right Now
At Schaub Projects, we have the unique vantage point of seeing how design preferences evolve in real time through conversations with clients, collaborations with designers and builders, and the homes we’re actively bringing to life.
While every project is one-of-a-kind, certain ideas and elements tend to surface again and again. What we’re seeing right now isn’t about trends for the sake of trends; it’s about personal expression, craftsmanship, and meaningful details that make a home feel truly yours.
Here are a few things we’re seeing more of and why they’re resonating.
A Strong First Impression: Custom Door Knockers
We’re seeing more clients gravitate toward small, intentional details that make a big impact, and custom door knockers are a perfect example.
Whether sculptural, symbolic, or simply unexpected, a unique door knocker adds personality right at the front door. It’s a relatively simple investment, but it sets the tone immediately welcoming guests with a sense of character and individuality before they even step inside.
It’s a reminder that great design doesn’t always have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that leave the strongest impression.
Pivot Doors: Statement Meets Engineering
Pivot doors continue to gain popularity, and for good reason. They create a dramatic, architectural moment at the entry, often becoming a defining feature of the home’s exterior.
Unlike traditional hinged doors, pivot doors rotate on a central axis, allowing for larger, heavier, and more visually striking designs. They bring a sense of scale and sophistication that’s hard to replicate.
That said, they do require thoughtful planning and ongoing maintenance. When done well, they’re more than a door; they’re an experience, setting the stage for everything that follows inside.
“Grandma Chic”: Nostalgia, Reimagined
One of the more charming trends we’re seeing – often referred to in the design world as “grandma chic” – is a return to layered, nostalgic interiors.
Think patterned wallpapers, built-ins, collected objects, and spaces that feel lived-in and storied. Clients are increasingly drawn to incorporating personal treasures and curated displays, like vintage-inspired shelving or compartments reminiscent of a typesetter’s drawer.
The result is a home that feels warm, expressive, and deeply personal. It’s less about perfection and more about character, bringing together old and new in a way that feels intentional and meaningful.
People want homes that feel like them. Not just beautiful, but personal. Not just functional, but thoughtful.
At Schaub Projects, we see these ideas not as trends to follow, but as opportunities to create something lasting; designs that feel just as right years from now as they do today.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you’re thinking about building a home or planning a renovation and want to explore what’s possible we’d love to talk.
Whether you have a clear vision or are just starting to gather ideas, our team is here to help you shape something truly unique.
Reach out to Schaub Projects to start the conversation.