Reflecting on Inspiration: Takeaways from the 2024 Southern Living Home Summit

Matt Birdwell, President of Riverside Homes Custom, recently attended the prestigious Southern Living Home Summit in Sandestin, FL, underscoring our commitment to leading-edge trends and innovations in custom home construction. As a member of the esteemed Southern Living Custom Builder Program and the builder of the Southern Living Idea House in Crane Island, Riverside Homes Custom remains steadfast in delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

At this year’s summit, the Southern Living Custom Builder Program celebrated a significant milestone—its 30th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the program’s enduring dedication to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and design. The invitation-only program carefully selects custom builders acclaimed for their detailed craftsmanship, excellence in customer service, financial stability, and use of quality building materials in their homes. Riverside Homes Custom is honored to be a part of this elite network of the South’s top custom home builders brought together by Southern Living magazine.

Throughout the event, attendees gained valuable insights into emerging design trends and innovative products shaping the future of home construction. One notable trend discussed was the evolution of interior color palettes. While white-ish tones have long dominated interior spaces, there’s a growing shift towards incorporating more colors. This departure from the white palette reflects a desire for greater warmth and personality in home interiors.

Additionally, discussions centered around the evolving popularity of modern farmhouse aesthetics. While still beloved by many, the trend is showing signs of slowing down, making way for new design directions and influences. Formal dining rooms were also a topic of conversation, with a shift towards more client-specific designs tailored to individual preferences. Open-concept floor plans remain highly desirable among homeowners, but there’s a growing interest in exploring alternative layouts that offer a balance between openness and defined spaces. Back kitchens and large pantries continue to be sought after, providing functional storage solutions and allowing main kitchens to maintain a clean, uncluttered appearance.

Product spotlights were a highlight of the summit, with leading brands showcasing their latest innovations.

• Sherwin Williams unveiled their color of the year, “Upward,” a refreshing, muted blue hue that embodies optimism and tranquility.
• GE showcased their innovative One and Done washer dryer combo, offering space-saving benefits and simplified installation with no venting required.
• James Hardie delighted attendees with the return of their “Artisan” series siding, which is back in production after a hiatus during the pandemic.
• Pella teased attendees with the upcoming launch of a new installation method, promising enhanced convenience and efficiency.

As our Riverside Homes Custom team continues to embrace industry trends and innovations, we remain committed to delivering exceptional custom homes in Northeast Florida that exceed our clients’ expectations. We look forward to incorporating these trends and innovations into our upcoming projects, ensuring that each home we build is a testament to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.