In the past, we introduced the advantages of mixed-use development, which offers a blend of business, retail, and residential use. We’ve been keeping a close eye on mixed-use development trends for quite some time. Here’s what our team of Central Coast builders is seeing in 2020.

It’s Growing

Mixed-use continues to grow in popularity. Once seen primarily in urban areas, mixed-use development is finding its way into more suburban regions as density increases and residents seek housing options that are less car-centric. Mixed-use is coming in all configurations: vertical, horizontal, and a combination that includes both, usually designed around a central core attraction, such as a park or plaza.

It’s Changing

Demand is driven by a generation that increasingly appreciates urbanization and is willing to pay for the conveniences it provides. This is an era of less mall, more small. Therefore, the commercial aspects of mixed-use projects, such as retail and dining, are being geared toward more boutique and lifestyle offerings.

It’s Vibrant

Single-use zones can feel like they’ve rolled up the streets when businesses close or residents leave for the day. Multi-use areas remain vibrant from early morning through late evening.

Public spaces included in mixed-use developments are being designed to accommodate everything from live music and small festivals to farmers’ markets and even town square style public meetings.

On the business front, many in the workforce enjoy working independently while being socially connected. Spaces that allow for coworking or “working alone together” are popular. Businesses offering essential services to those residing and working in the urban or suburban core are also finding favor.

Those who live or work in mixed-use areas appreciate gathering socially, which makes fitness studios, entertainment venues and cafes desirable.

Residents look for walkability and access to public transportation, with many more living car-free than in the past few decades. They live nimble, flexible lifestyles, so demand is high for smaller, low-maintenance rental units. They look for sustainability and appreciate repurposed buildings that have been reimagined into lively, livable spaces.

Buyers occupying residential units in mixed-use developments are often young retirees with the time and financial resources to take advantage of the cultural offerings found in more urban settings.

It’s Welcoming

Developers are paying close attention to the desires of the service, retail and residential markets they serve. Anticipating their needs, acknowledging their desires, and accommodating their changing lifestyles is imperative to design and development of successful mixed-use properties. Some of our favorite mixed-use projects include ICON Gardens UCSB and The Mix @Montery.

If you’re interested in mixed-use development as an investment or are seeking a mixed-use development for your next home or business, reach out to us. We’re always happy to hear your ideas and share our insider perspective.

Noveno is a collection of 23 single-family Avenue homes and 44 single-family Parkway homes in San Luis Obispo, California. In this contemporary place opportunities for connection are built-in, from colorful community spaces to convenient bike paths, and a play area for all ages.

We’ll be enjoying Noveno with new and future residents at a block party Saturday, March 7th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Can you join us? Follow this link for more info and let us know you’ll be there!

Commercial spaces don’t need to glare, echo, intimidate or bore. Our San Luis Obispo commercial contractors share 10 ways their favorite designers make interiors more inviting.

Welcome Nature

Add plants, the gentle burble of water in a fountain or fish tank, views or images of the outdoors, and colors and patterns found in nature. 

Warm Up the Lighting

The Kelvin (K) scale measures color temperature, which affects the look and feel of the light produced by a bulb. Stick with warm whites in the 2,000K-3,000K range to create a cozy, calm and inviting space. For task lighting, swap out blue-toned “daylight” bulbs (4,600K-6500K) for “cool white” (3,100K-4,500K) to get a bright, vibrant feel.

Combine Textures and Patterns

Everything doesn’t need to match, it just needs to go well together. Have fun with textures and patterns. Find something in common, such as a color tone or repeated shape, to keep things interesting without being irritating.

Embrace Color

White on the walls isn’t as safe as some people think. White can feel crisp and clean, or harsh and intimidating. Color is an easy way to set the tone in your space. Here’s a pro tip. When selecting a color, start with a rug, furniture piece or accessory that speaks to you, then find a compatible paint color. It’s much easier to find the right paint color than to find pieces to match a paint color you’ve already committed to.

Mix Materials

If function dictates cold, hard surfaces somewhere, counteract the effects with softer materials. Mix them to make the space feel welcoming. Fabrics, flooring, and plants will improve acoustics and comfort levels.

Vary Heights

Eyes like somewhere to go. A room full of single-height furniture feels awkward. Vary the level of things within a room. Indoor trees, wall decorations, and light from floor or table lamps, pendant lights or wall sconces can give eyes a nice tour of a room.

Increase Interest

Choose interesting accessories, pleasantly and invitingly displayed. It’s not a museum, so have fun tucking unusual things into unexpected places.

Make it Familiar 

People relax more easily around things that feel familiar. Today’s easy-to-clean, stain-resistant materials allow plush lounge chairs, comfortable sofas, fun area rugs, and interesting window treatments to make an appearance without busting the cleaning or furnishing budgets.

Diversify Seating Options

Seating in reception or gathering areas doesn’t need to be limited to chairs lined up against a wall or around a table. Pieces in flexible informal groupings will invite and inspire conversation.

Add Art

 Art doesn’t just add interest to a space, it adds soul. Use artwork to enliven spaces, provoke emotion, and inspire curiosity. Paintings, sculpture, photography, and ceramics can be a launch-pad for conversation. Bonus points for supporting local artists or selecting pieces with regional influence.

 Our experienced San Luis Obispo commercial developers specialize in creating people-friendly buildings and communities. To get your next project started, give us a call at (805) 543-7277.

As 2019 comes to a close, our Central Coast builders are here to break down 5 trends that shaped commercial construction this year. While the use of drones and focus on green practices are fresh in the commercial construction realm, the longstanding skilled labor shortage is nothing new. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.

Rising Modular Projects 

Modular buildings are going up and for good reason. This trend is growing every year because of the time and materials it saves San Luis Obispo construction companies. From office buildings, stores, and hotels, more and more companies are opting for modular and prefabricated designs that minimize wasted materials and quickly develop a zone with less environmental impact.

Increased Green Construction

Green spaces aren’t just for hippies. More and more commercial design projects are incorporating environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in all phases. From planning, designing, construction and material maintenance, you can expect green commercial construction to expand into 2020.

Drones and Technological Assistants

The use of drones in commercial construction is a game-changer. From video planning footage to surveying, data collecting, and safety inspections, every year these aerial devices become more and more applicable. Although an investment upfront, drones allow San Luis Obispo construction companies to gather information in more cost-effective ways. The prices of these devices are set to drop as the demand increases.

Improved Safety Equipment

One of the most important improvements in commercial construction this year has been in safety tools and equipment. The construction industry has the highest number of preventable fatalities, so the demand for improved hardware is a direct response. Some of the greatest advancements have come in the form of better-fitting personal protective equipment, such as harnesses and vests.

Decreasing Labor Force

Unfortunately, not all trends are positive. There are nearly 250,000 open construction jobs in the United States, and the availability is crippling for some construction companies. Almost 95% of contractors reported difficulty in finding qualified workers. San Luis Obispo construction companies will have to be resourceful and find ways to retain the next wave of workers.

Our Central Coast builders believe in the importance of reflection. We take stock annually to ensure that our building practices are top-of-the-line and take cues from long-standing trends to prepare for the future. In all facets of our San Luis Obispo construction company, we strive to innovate daily. Our vision is simple: to build better.

When it comes time to launch your next commercial project, let our Central Coast builders make it a reality. Reach out to us today at 805-543-7277.

Here at Abbott | Reed, we aren’t into templates or one-size-fits-all solutions. We pride ourselves on crafting modern spaces while also pushing the boundaries of creative execution.

Whether you’re launching a local brewery or revving up a new restaurant and bar, our San Luis Obispo construction company is on top of one of the strongest trends in commercial design: industrial features. Today our Abbott | Reed Builders are sharing 5 principles of industrial design, and the way they’re influencing commercial spaces in 2019.

Rough Brick or Concrete Walls

Getting the perfect industrial warehouse look is all about proudly displaying building materials, especially brick or concrete walls. Our builders are stoked to have brought out the best in our latest industrial design project, SLO Brew, by uncovering the gorgeous brick layouts and accenting them with colorful lights and warm wood flooring.

Exposed Pipes and Ducts

Another key feature of industrial spaces is exposed pipes and ducts. Leaving raw elements eliminates the need for further construction, and creates an edgy look. If your commercial space lacks these exposed features, another way to get this style is through exposed pipe furniture with metal tubes and polished brackets.

Wood and Metal Surfaces

Industrial-style interiors call for extra wood and metal, everywhere. Whatever can be exposed is ideal, but this look can also be accomplished through wood paneling, metal bar tables, and through the use of colors such as weathered grey and dark brown.

Vintage Furniture 

Industrial design enthusiasts are all about raw materials, but these edgy features need to be balanced through softer furniture touches. Velvet vintage pieces give a pop of color to a rough space, and other chairs and couches with fur add a stylish flair.

Statement Lighting

Let’s talk lighting. The lighting in industrial spaces should be warm white (especially if it’s a restaurant or bar) to create a more intimate atmosphere. From iron statement pendants to matte metallic chandeliers, go bold with industrial lighting.

Although industrial features are growing more and more popular, our builders are all about making it your own. Our work with SLO Brew and Central Coast Brewing are great examples of ways our builders have crafted unique spaces that our community loves. When you’re ready to make your commercial design dreams a reality, count on our San Luis Obispo construction company to be there every step of the way. Our friendly team is available at (805) 543-7277.