These days, buildings are trendy, kitchens are seriously trendy, baths can be elevated to high fashion, and ceilings are certainly cutting edge.

New buyers are demanding that their properties meet high design standards. And it is surprising where the décor fashions are popping up.

The first buyer must have – Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings are now the pinnacle of bad ceiling style. Smooth is in and acoustic popcorn spray is seriously out. This is odd as the new ceiling height expectations make popcorn texture barely visible. 9 – 11 foot ceilings are now the desirable norm. In addition, architecturally accented ceilings are favorable. Add a tray design, raised panel for lighting, or barrel ceiling for maximum trendiness.

The second buyer must have – Lighting

Florescent lights are officially a bad idea. Preferred lighting includes pendant lights, track lighting, and recessed lighting. Additional accent lights are a big deal as well. Buyers like to see under the counter halogens, over the cabinet lighting, or even lit glass cabinets. To combine trends, include accent lighting in your raised tray ceiling design. Bathroom lighting has grown up, too. A row of round vanity bulbs on a mirrored fixture won't meet with buyer enthusiasm.  Look for stylized fixtures often flanking the mirror.

The third buyer must have – Bathrooms

A traditional vanity with faux marble top has been met with disdain in recent seasons. Tile top or granite has been better received. Bathroom sinks have changed, too. The pinnacle of trendiness are raised bowl sinks with faucets mounted in the wall above. They may be glass, porcelain, stone, or even wood. They are almost too pretty to spit toothpaste in. Fiberglass shower surrounds are out as well. Buyers prefer a tile or granite surround. Open showers without doors are a unique new trend. Of course, these must be cleverly designed to prevent flooding.

The fourth buyer must have – Flooring

On South Padre Island we don’t see a lot of carpet anymore. Living areas are definitely covered in a hard flooring. Tile, marble, travertine, bamboo, or hardwood are acceptable. Tile sizes have changed, too. Traditional 12 inch tiles are a thing of the past. Now 14 – 24 inch tiles have become the favorite. Colors are fairly neutral, but quality is a big consideration.

The fifth buyer must have – Architectural Elements

New builders have been getting creative. Otherwise vacant walls are now sporting elegant niches. Some may be deep enough for shelves, others are shallow lit spaces designed for displaying art. Door frames that used to be square are now soaring arches. Cathedral ceilings may make room for high sculpture storage, and accent windows are appearing everywhere.

Feeling less than trendy? These kind of specific changes may not be a remodel option for older, low ceiling properties with Hollywood baths and nicheless walls. But don’t be alarmed. Someday smooth ceilings will be sprayed with popcorn again, and owners of high ceilinged homes will be wondering why their electric bills are so high. These trends too shall pass.