Say yes to luxury, trends for 2017
With the new year in full swing, you may be itching to upgrade or remodel parts of your home, whether it’s replacing vanities in your bathroom or updating appliances in the kitchen. This year’s National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show revealed a multitude of new home technology, upgraded products and innovative ways to spice up home design.
Before you start making those remodeling decisions, consider incorporating some of these latest trends in home design. Smarter organization: Say goodbye to the 10 areas of your home where you charge your numerous tech devices and get organized with your own “tech cubby.” Your home remodeler can create an area of your house where you can dock or park all of your home devices, such as an Amazon Alexa, smartphones, smart watches, tablets, lighting control and even a Roomba vacuum.
• Goodbye, granite. Hello, quartz: If you haven’t already noticed, granite is out and quartz is in. In addition to its durability and resistance to scratches or stains, quartz is now more affordable than it was in the past. Upgrade your countertops in your kitchen or bathroom by replacing them with quartz. Quartz is now able to imitate the appearance of real stone because it is made from chunks of stone blended with resins and colorings, allowing you to choose from a variety of color selections.
• Don’t be afraid to be bold: Bold and bright colors are popular in new homes this year, so why not remodel your living spaces to feature this design trend? Brighter colors and funky designs used in corporate offices, such as Silicon Valley’s Google and Amazon, are making their way into our homes. Incorporate bold colors by simply adding an accent wall or textured tile in the living room, or installing a colored stove and vent hood. When remodeling, opt for bolder and brighter colors in paint and products.
• Mix and match materials: Don’t stick to one type of metal or material for your bathroom or kitchen finishes. These hardware pieces have transformed from being purely functional to being decorations. For example, the fixtures and faucets in your kitchen don’t have to match. Try blending black matte appliances with brass knobs, or graphite appliances with rose gold plumbing fixtures, in one space, or mix and match the color of your upper and lower cabinets; tuxedo cabinets elevate the interior design of any room. Mixing materials creates a gorgeous remodeled room with luxe finishes that pop.
• Luxurious bath- rooms: Freestanding bathtubs are back. In the last few years, freestanding tubs have become much more popular than built-in bathtubs as they create a beautiful focal point in the bathroom. Update your walk-in shower to feature one large rain head mounted on the ceiling, creating a sleeker and more functional design. For those seeking a “smart home,” opt for more amenities inside the shower, such as a sophisticated digital controller, television screens and mood lighting, making a “spalike” shower experience. With the controller, you can set the water to your preferred temperature, control speakers while you watch TV and even change the colors of the lights to create a more luxurious environment.
This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For information on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net.