How Home Kitchens are Changing in 2020

Categories: DIY Luxury Real Estate

 

What does your dream kitchen look like? Colorful cabinets, farmhouse sink, island? Kitchen trends come and go, and we’re excited about what 2020 has in store for one of the most popular rooms in the house. Houzz recently released its 2020 Kitchen Trends Study; read on to learn more about what’s in and out for the coming year!

The Island Life

Islands continue to be popular fixtures in kitchen remodels. According to Houzz, half of all homeowners choose to add an island when renovating their kitchens, giving them added storage space, the opportunity for overhead lighting (both recessed and pendant), and a home for appliances like dishwashers and microwaves. L-shaped islands are most popular, coming in at 40 percent of all upgrades, followed by U-shaped at 30 percent.

Mixing Blues and Grays

Blue walls, hardwood floors and engineered quartz countertops are growing in popularity. But far more popular are white cabinets, which account for 45 percent of remodeled kitchens, Houzz reports. Two in five homeowners choose colorful island cabinets to complement the rest of the room, with gray and blue being the two most popular colors for island cabinetry.

Farmhouse Style Fades

Transitional and contemporary style kitchens account for 21 percent and 16 percent of upgrades, respectively. Farmhouse style has dropped to fourth place, with only 11 percent of remodelers opting for a rustic look. Neutral color palettes are still king, with many homeowners opting for gray, white and beige walls; hardwood and vinyl, wood-toned flooring; and stainless-steel appliances (why stop a good thing?). But risk-takers are adding a little personality to their kitchens with blue walls, beige floors and black appliances.

Upgraded Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets account for 94 percent of all kitchen upgrades, with Shaker-style reigning supreme. Though most people choose to completely replace old cabinetry, one in four homeowners opts for a partial upgrade, like refinishing or repainting existing cabinets. While they’re at it, many homeowners are putting in a full-wall backsplash from countertop to ceiling. Ceramic and porcelain continue to dominate for backsplash materials, with marble following in third.

Resources Drive Decisions

Spending on kitchen remodels continues to increase, with most homeowners reporting their primary reason for undertaking a remodel is that they finally have the means to do so. That said, remodels themselves are smaller in scope, with homeowners scaling back the breadth of their upgrades, according to Houzz, and opting against full gut-jobs. Instead, kitchens are being made more open with views to other rooms, with current layouts and sizes staying relatively the same.

Bestselling Kitchen Accents

Houzz reports that the top five categories for kitchen finishes are:


    • Kitchen faucets

    • Range hoods

    • Pendant lights

    • Kitchen sinks

    • Barstools

 

Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just sprucing up your space, we recommend keeping Houzz’s study in mind. The good news is that clean, classic looks with a touch of personality are in, which means your kitchen remodel is sure to stand the test of time.

Top 10 Design Trends for 2020

Categories: DIY Home Selling Tips Luxury Real Estate Real Estate Market

Whether you’re reimagining your current space or searching for a new home, it’s important to understand current design and decor trends. Here are our top 10 design trends for 2020.

In Trends


IN: Grandmillennial Style



Image Source: The Glam Pad


If you’ve been looking for a better way to say “traditional with a twist,” grandmillennial style is it. According to Elle Decor, grandmillennial involves incorporating classical design elements like chinoiserie, scalloped edges, natural-fiber rugs and topiaries (pieces your grandma loved) with contemporary elements, like modern art and clean-lined furniture (favorites of the millennial set). That leads us to…


IN: Layering Old and New



Image Source: Lauren Buxbaum Gordon on ElleDecor.com


Don’t worry about your space looking overly put-together or too precious. These days, it’s in style to mix and match your pieces. Don’t be afraid to incorporate antique furniture with travel souvenirs, contemporary art pieces and other accents.


IN: Bold Monochromatics



Image Source: Douglas Friedman on ElleDecor.com


Muted neutrals are out (more on that later) and monochromatically painted rooms in standout colors like kelly green, cobalt blue and aubergine are in. Add accent pieces like gold-and silver-framed mirrors, unique art and chandeliers for a colorful room that suits your personality.


IN: Classic Interiors



Image Source: Old House Online


“Classic” doesn’t have to mean your grandmother’s style circa 1952. These days, it means comfortable furniture with clean lines; elegant materials like crystal, acrylics and interesting woods; and reinterpretations of traditional patterns.


IN: Real Plants and Greenery


Image Source: HGTV


In addition to being visually pleasing, plants are also good for your health. In fact, NBC News reports that studies have proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. Whether you opt for an easy pothos plant in a terra cotta pot or an elaborate biomontage wall full of greenery, plants are an easy way to spruce up your space.

Out Trends


OUT: Decorating in Pale Monochromatics




Rooms with all taupe, all gray or all white interiors—from walls and flooring to furniture and textiles—are both too safe and too dull. Add some visual interest, personality and excitement with colorful walls, patterned furniture and accent pieces like art, vases and mirrors.









OUT: White Doors



Image Source: Tria Giovan on ElleDecor.com


Not long ago, designers recommended that you paint your interior doors and trim white. Research suggests white doors, in particular, are out. Instead, consider dark wood doors, either painted or stained.


OUT: All-White Kitchens




Kitchens should be full of sweet and savory tastes and smells, but sterile, all-white kitchens don't exactly lend themselves to that aesthetic. Southern Living reports that though white cabinets are still popular with remodelers, colorful kitchens are becoming more commonplace. But don’t worry—we think the avocado-green appliances are permanently a thing of the past.


OUT: Open Shelving





Image Source: HGTV


It’s a great idea in theory—glass cabinets or open shelves that show off your beautiful dishes and vases. But the reality is that open shelving means having to keep everything perfectly organized and spotlessly clean. Practicality is back.


OUT: Subway Tile



Image Source: Real Simple

 

Though it’s been a favorite on many home renovation shows, subway tile is overused and, on its way out. In 2020, embrace tiling and backsplash in new patterns, textures and colors.

Plan For These Seven Fall Renovations Now

Categories: DIY Seasonal Preparations




With the start of a new season, fall brings the opportunity to reinvent your home! There are plenty of fall renovation projects that will make your home feel fresh and get you ready for winter. Not sure where to start? No problem! We picked out a few seasonal projects that will leave your home feeling renewed before winter arrives.


1. Seal Your Windows


An easy way to prepare your house for winter is by putting caulk around the edges of your windows. Small gaps between windows and window panes allow heat to escape and let the cold in, lowering your home’s energy efficiency and raising your heating costs. Caulk is very low in cost, and it’s a simple project that you can knock out in a weekend.



2. Update Your Outdoor Pool


Whether you’re looking for some serious repairs or just standard maintenance, fall is the best time to work on your pool. Summer is the busiest season for pool repairs, and costs are often at their highest, so waiting until fall to get repairs done ensures that you’ll face a lower price. Plus, companies will have more time in the off-season, which means your repairs will likely get done quickly.



3. Protect Your Garden


As temperatures cool down, it’s time to start getting your garden ready for winter. You’ll want to cover your flower beds to protect them from snow and cold. One of the easiest ways to do this is with dried, fallen leaves. Collect the leaves that fall in autumn and place them in a layer over your garden, which will insulate your plants for the cold months ahead.



4. Paint Your Exterior


A fresh coat of paint does wonders! Remember to add sealant over the paint to protect against snow and ice damage. While you’re at it, apply sealant to outdoor stairs, doors, and wood on porches, too.


5. Repair the Roof


If your roof has any small holes or leaks, winter will only make them worse. Heat will escape and snow will get in. Fall is a perfect time to have a roofing crew come in, take care of any small repairs, and make sure you’re ready to handle snow and ice.



6. Clean the Carpets


Summer can get carpets pretty dirty. Between mud, sand, and other pieces of the outdoors tracked in, your floors are begging for a cleaning. Fall is a great time to clean carpets because dirt from summer sports and activities won’t be coming in. It’s also generally still warm enough so that you can open the windows for ventilation while carpet soaps do their work. That means a fall day outside for you and a full cleaning for your carpets!



7. Install a Programmable Thermostat


Save money this winter with a programmable thermostat. You can set your heat to go down while you’re at work or asleep, which conserves both energy and money. Then your heat can come right back up when you get home, keeping you nice and comfortable!



Fall is a great time to do home renovations, and it’s the perfect bridge between summer and winter to refresh your house and get it ready for the cold. What home renovations are you looking forward to this fall?

Updating Your Home: 10 Projects You Can Complete This Weekend

Categories: DIY


Keeping your home in tip top shape doesn’t have to break the bank or your back! Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or just want to keep your home updated for yourself and your family, there are simple DIY options that will have your home feeling fresh. Plenty of home improvement projects are perfectly easy to do yourself, and can be done inexpensively. Here are a few fun projects that are so quick, they can be completed in a single weekend.


1. Paint Your Front Door


A splash of color on your front door can give your whole home exterior a fresh look! Painting an exterior door may sound challenging, but is actually pretty easy with the right materials. And the stylish look is a gift that keeps on giving! Learn how to paint your own outside door here.



2. Organize Your Junk Drawer


A few simple wooden dividers installed in a junk drawer can turn it into a marvel of organization! Create separate sections for chargers and cables--even add customized colors! The possibilities are endless with this project, and it’s so simple that it only takes an afternoon. Get step-by-step instructions here.



3. Install a New Kitchen Faucet


A new faucet can add elegance and freshness to your kitchen! It’s a simple way to make your space feel completely updated, while in reality you’re only making one simple change. Learn to change your faucet easily here, and enjoy your new modern-feeling kitchen!



4. Re-Paper An Accent Wall



Self-adhesive wallpaper will save you hours of work! Painting or papering an accent wall in the traditional way can take days, but adhesive wall paper makes it a snap! It can seem tricky at first, but with simple tips and tricks, it’s an incredibly easy way to freshen up any room in your house. Plus it can be removed easily, so reversal is as simple as installation!



5. Install a Dimmer Switch


Installing a dimmer switch is a simple project any homemaker can complete. Being able to dim your lights gives you control over the atmosphere in your home. If you want to give yourself lighting options, simply switch to a dimmer. Find step by step installation instructions here.


6. Spice Up Cabinet Doors


Your kitchen cabinets don’t have to be made of boring wood. Try updating your kitchen’s look with cabinet doors made of alternative materials like frosted glass or pounded metal. This simple change can make your space feel modern and fresh. Learn how to replace cabinet doors here.



7. Strip and Stain Wood Cabinets


If updating cabinets to glass or metal isn’t your style, try making them classic by stripping off paint and showing off hardwood. Stripping paint is easy, and after the wood underneath is revealed, a simple stain from any hardware store can make it look amazing. Learn to strip and stain here.



8. Paint Vinyl Floors


Is your bathroom, laundry room or kitchen decorated with outdated vinyl flooring? Bring your floors into the 21st century with a simple paint job! Painting vinyl floors is quick and easy, and will instantly make your home feel more modern. Learn how here.



9. Make Your Own Curtain Tie Backs


Curtain tie backs are small details that can make a world of difference. Customize them according to your personal taste to add a splash of personality to your space. Curtain ties can be made from cloth, or from wood or metal pieces bought at a hardware store. Find tips and tricks on how to make curtain ties here.



10. Make Yourself a Canopy Bed



Simple curtain rods and drapes are all you need for a DIY canopy bed. This canopy feels luxurious, but is simple to make, and doesn’t take longer than a weekend. Experiment with drape colors and patterns, and curtain rod styles, until you find a canopy that’s right for your space. Learn how to build a luxurious diy canopy here.





Just a few simple updates can totally revamp your home--and they’re so easy, you can do them yourself! These projects are quick, easy, and can be done by anyone. What DIY projects have you used to improve your home?