Current Top Remodeling Trends 2014

There are a lot of new trends coming about that will make your everyday life more comfortable, functional and healthy.  I did include some items listed are repeats from past years that people just aren’t ready to give up.

Common Trend that just wont go away it that the white kitchens just keep hanging on.  People feel safe with what they see every day.  The white cabinets with white carrara marble and chrome / stainless steel accents are still the most popular choice.

Kitchen renovations are the most popular and valuable change to many homes.  This is the space that is used most in the home and it’s very important that it be functional.  The new trend will be clean line styles and elimination of fussy details.  The countertop choice will lean toward quartz composite.  This is a nearly indestructible very low maintenance countertop and perfect for a low maintenance space.  Additionally, the backsplash is headed for a change as well.  Glass mosaics are on their way out and stone and mixed media mosaic backsplashes are on their way in.  Also, full height backsplashes are becoming more popular and are easy to maintain.

DESIGN TIP:  My favorite combination is to use a quartz countertop with a full height granite backsplash.  I look at the granite as an art piece.  Why not pick out a granite that truly speaks to you and use it as accents instead of an entire kitchen.  That idea is better for the environment too.  While doing this, I implore you to consider another cabinet color other than white.

Beyond the kitchen the master bath is the next best investment.  The subtle grays and gold veining in Calacutta Marble is making a grand appearance and is showing a greater popularity than Carrara.  I say, “Finally!”  As a designer we have clients that ask us for the same design that their neighbor down the street has.  I’m so happy to see another stone making an appearance to hopefully open up their eyes to other possibilities.

People want their master bath to be an elegant retreat.                                       

Along with Calacutta Marbles increasing use, pairing it with accent tiles of white, cream, bone gray and beige are growing in popularity.  Additionally, the use of radiant heated floors is a luxury as well as adding an efficient heating possibility.  Again in this space, people want clean lines and products that are easy to take care of.

Paint and finish colors are leaning toward hues or gray with pops of color accents throughout a home.

Radiant Orchid is Pantones color of the year for 2014.  Last year it was emerald.  I have to say, however, that I was at market this past spring and viewed shades of NAVY BLUE throughout.  I did see bits of the other colors listed but Navy was definitely most popular.  Adding pattern and texture have all making a huge appearances over the last couple seasons and will continue a bit longer.  Away with boring solids and in with vibrant pops of pattern, texture and color.  Additionally, mixing metals is becoming increasing common.  This technique adds interest to any space.

DESIGN TIP:  Don’t be afraid of color.  Colors make us happy and feel alive.  If you’re “scared” of making a wrong decision, paint a section of wall the color that you’re thinking and look at it for a few days.  If you decide that you cant handle it all you need to do is paint over it.  The world wont end and you can move onto another color that might better suite you.

Outdoor living spaces a becoming more popular than ever before.  As the summer months approach people fee the need to get outside.  The best way to do that is to create and outdoor space that can function as a family gathering space as well.  We are seeing an increase of large bi-fold / pocket doors that can increase that lead to a developed outdoor space and increase the size of the home by letting the outside in.  Additionally, a trend that is just starting to make an appearance is a kitchen that is adjacent to this outdoor space that can be used as a standard kitchen and yet be opened up to function as an outdoor kitchen as well.  Very cool concept.

A trend that I continually see is gaining momentum is GOING GREEN.  This exceedingly popular practice that more and more people are trying to employ is a great addition to any home.  You can only add health benefits and energy efficiency to your list of positive home additions.  Healthy living is at the forefront of our minds in todays high stress daily life.  Healthier eating and better indoor air quality are a large concern.  Energy efficient appliances and purchasing certified or green materials when renovation or building are important considerations when modifying your lifestyle – for the better.

Using energy star rated appliances and finish materials, such as bamboo, that are green certified are great additions to any home.

Finally, aging in place is high priority.  We have a staggering amount of baby boomers that are at retirement age and moving into safe, efficient and downsized homes.  Elements of these homes are smaller in size construction, one level living and materials that are easy to take care of.  There is often a lot of built-ins and hidden storage to help make the transition to a smaller footprint easy and effective.  They often encompass a flexible floor plans so the as a person ages the house can change with them.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg in trending ideas.  I’m headed to market in a month.  I’ll have more ideas to share.