From chrome-covered coffee tables to cozy, layered kitchens, today’s homes tell a story. It’s one that reflects the people who live there and where they are in life.
Design trends don’t exist in a vacuum. They develop alongside changing lifestyles, family dynamics, and personal priorities. What feels exciting and modern to a first-time homeowner might feel cold and impractical to someone who’s been living in their space for decades. Age and gender can influence everything from finishes to materials to overall style.
What This Means for You: Understanding how age and gender often influence design preferences can help homeowners, builders, and remodelers to create spaces that feel personal, functional, and fresh, especially when paired with versatile, high-quality products from Acme Brick.
What is it about chrome that the young bros dig so much? Recent reporting from Architectural Digest highlights a growing trend among men aged roughly 28 to 45. They have a strong preference for chrome, steel, and other metallic finishes. Pinterest data shows a noticeable increase in searches for terms like “metal furniture design” and “chrome aesthetic,” signaling a broader fascination with sleek, reflective materials.
Photo credit: Dimitrius / Adobe Stock
Chrome and metal appeal to this group for several reasons. These finishes feel modern, precise, and durable. Although reminiscent of the clean lines of midcentury modernism, these metallic accents continue to feel current and deliberate. Whether it’s polished lighting fixtures, metal furniture, or glossy hardware, chrome creates a bold, streamlined look that suggests confidence and control.
This trend suggests other product preferences for this group.
For homeowners who favor this aesthetic, there are other materials that reflect (pun intended) that same sensibility. Fusion™ is a premier glazed thin brick that is suitable for interior and exterior applications. They are easy to clean and are still real brick and meet ASTM C126 specifications for ceramic glazed facing brick. This is a style many younger homeowners want.
Acme’s Fusion glazed thin brick in Basalt – both matte and glossy.
Meanwhile, young women tend to gravitate toward finishes and materials that feel warmer and more layered. In other words, they gravitate to a look that is more expressive. This often includes softer metallics, textured surfaces, and thoughtful design details that blend function with personality.
In 2026, design experts are predicting a broader shift toward this kind of approach as well. The annual Acme Brick “What’s Hot” notes that both men and women are moving away from stark minimalism and toward warmer, more expressive spaces. Homes defined by layered textures, rich finishes, and personal touches make rooms feel cozy and character rich.
Young women, especially those remodeling kitchens and baths, often seek choices that provide clean lines plus a personal touch. This can be:
Rather than stark minimalism, these spaces often aim for a sense of comfort and individuality. Acme Brick’s range of kitchen and bath products, including the very popular Zellige tile and brick accents, makes it easy to strike that balance by pairing modern style with timeless materials.
One of the Zellige-style tile options available from Acme Brick Tile & Stone – Marrakesh.
For older generations and long-time homeowners, design priorities often shift toward comfort, durability, and classic appeal. Instead of chasing trends, they tend to favor materials that age gracefully and never feel out of place.
Brick, for both exterior and interior use, remains favored for its warmth, strength, and lasting beauty. A classic brick exterior and thin brick accent walls offer a sense of permanence and familiarity. Brick resonates with homeowners who value long-term comfort over short-term trends.
This kitchen backsplash features Acme’s English Cottage thin brick in Ellesmere.
Acme Brick has built its reputation on providing these enduring materials. Whether used for a full exterior, a fireplace surround, or a garden wall, brick delivers both visual appeal and long-lasting performance.
Multigenerational living, where several generations share a home, isn’t just a nostalgic idea. It is one of the major design trends shaping the future of housing. According to a 2026 home design trend report from Thumbtack and Redfin, homeowners are increasingly planning spaces that accommodate multiple generations under one roof, reflecting shifting family dynamics, economic realities, and lifestyle needs.
Designing for multigenerational living means finding a balance between individual privacy and shared family spaces. The challenge of this new arrangement is to create spaces that feel modern for younger residents while remaining comfortable and practical for older family members.
Photo credit: Geber86 / Adobe Stock
Functional layout features like dual primary suites, flexible living areas, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) we’re talking about help people at different life stages feel comfortable and independent yet connected.
Beyond floor plans, choosing materials that perform well for high-traffic areas – like durable brick, stone, and metal siding – ensures that shared spaces are built to last. Acme Brick’s range of brick, stone, and tile products makes it easy to design homes that blend personalized aesthetics with practical solutions for families living together through every stage of life.
The most successful homes don’t belong to just one trend or generation. They are meant to evolve.
Quality Edge Vesta steel siding, shown here in Aged Walnut, pairs beautifully with brick.
A modern exterior might pair Quality Edge Vesta Steel siding with traditional Acme Brick for a look that feels fresh, yet is grounded in tradition. Inside, a kitchen could combine sleek fixtures with warm tile or brick accents. Bathrooms can feel spa-like and contemporary without sacrificing comfort.
This kind of design flexibility allows homeowners to reflect their own personal style while guaranteeing their space remains functional and appealing for years to come. In the end, design is personal.
Trends come and go. Sadly, hairlines do, too. While knees start creaking, reading glasses multiply, and suddenly “low maintenance” sounds a lot more appealing than “high drama!”
With Acme Brick’s wide selection of brick, stone, metal siding, and kitchen and bath products, homeowners of any generation can blend timeless craftsmanship with today’s design trends. Durable materials, classic style, and flexible design options mean your home will evolve right along with you.
The best homes aren’t just designed for a moment in time. They are made to age gracefully.
Need some inspiration for making your home design work for every generation? Take a quick look at the home improvement products from Acme Brick.
