What are some notable real estate trends of the new year?

After reading a few different articles on what’s in or out for 2018, the following trends came to light:

According to HGTV, open shelves are no longer desirable and are better replaced with glass doored cabinets. Glass doors allow for the same light feeling, but eliminate the need for constant dusting or removal of grease from cooking.

The Wall Street Journal surprised me by citing “RIP the white kitchen.” An increase in color is predicted and even Viking appliances now come in apple red and cobalt blue.

Another shocking prediction is that the gray palette will no longer grace homes as the go-to look. Johanna Uurasjarvi, West Elm’s creative director, advises that gray “without any contrast can feel tired and uninspiring.” The newest paint color recommendation is a pastel mixed with an earth tone, which results in less of a “nursery room” feel.

Sliding barn doors are getting the ax, as reported by Molly Miller of Apple News. Miller was quoted as saying she’s “totally over the rustic/farmhouse/ upcycled look all together.”

Fire pits are the first outdoor amenity to be crossed off the list for 2018.

HGTV deems them to be useless and describes it as people gathering “begrudgingly around a constantly-dying fire until everyone gets too cold.”

“Boho overload” is a phrase coined by HGTV’s Keri Sanders. Perhaps this is similar to the farewell that “shabby chic” received a while back?

The takeaway from these ideas is to find the inspiration to create a design you love. The people make the home, and the home should reflect the love and interest found there.

How boring would it be if we all took these ideas to heart and created the same cookie cutter design?

Just select a few ideas that speak to you and mix it with the look that makes you smile when you walk in the door.