Design Ideas & Trends
Remodeling Trends for 2012
01/30/2012 07:59 AM
With the holidays all tucked away for a while, many homeowners return their focus to sprucing up their house. Due to the effects of our economy’s depreciation, many remodelers have a modified goal of making clients’ homes more comfortable without overspending by incorporating practical trends that are not only cost-effective, but useful as well. When tackling remodeling projects, you’ll find some pay off more handsomely than others if you decide to sell.
Here’s our 2012 list of where and how to get the biggest bang for your home buck:
Kitchens are still a popular project and certainly one of the most scrutinized areas of the home during resale. Kitchen design is moving toward more simplistic styles. Heavy detailing such as corbels, carvings, etc. are out. Heavy glazed finishes are also becoming less popular as homeowners are requesting more simplistic paint and stain finishes. Clean lines and "Shaker" style doors and drawers will be a popular selection.
Bathroom Renovations continue to be popular with the goal of becoming spa-like retreats as opposed to utility-type rooms. Rain heads, body sprays, steam units, TVs and more are being incorporated to make the bathroom a true relaxation area. Tubs continue to see a decline as homeowners opt for larger showers. Freestanding tubs are popular but only where there is adequate space to accommodate both a tub and large shower. Curbless showers, accessibility, and other "Aging In Place" items will gain in popularity.
Open Floor Plans will increase in demand. People will continue to knock down walls to create larger spaces with more open floor plans. The focus on "gathering" and "entertaining" areas for family and friends will continue to be a popular theme.
Outdoor Living Areas will remain high on many homeowners’ wish lists. These once very elaborate outdoor areas have been scaled back to meet the needs and budgets of many. The trend will still be toward a covered area with some sort of fireplace or fire pit, sitting areas, dining table alongside a grill area. The true "outdoor kitchen" is still a wish-list item but often becomes a budget buster.
Flooring will still be one of the best "bang for your buck" projects a homeowner can undertake. Hardwood flooring still remains popular and wider plank flooring is still a big request. Take out old carpet and replace with hardwoods or other bare flooring materials. This will improve the look of your home and help curb allergies as dander and dust often become trapped in carpet.
Paint Colors are another safe investment with many experts agreeing calming colors will be among 2012’s top sellers. We can thank the economy for this because when times are tough people tend to use color conservatively; longevity colors in natural tones such as stone gray and driftwood taupe will be popular. Accent colors can balance out the neutral direction but also are trending toward conservative tones. Two predictions: Bright splashes of red feel iconic and patriotic, and navy blue feels stable and comfortable. On the other hand, paint is easy to change so if you crave color, you can reserve neutrals for sofas and other more expensive items. Popular choices will comprise nature colors such as blues, greens, and grays perhaps complemented by a medium-pink raspberry pop of color to perk up the senses. Finally, of course retro black and white these days delivers a contemporary flair giving a room a sophisticated, fresh, stylish makeover.
LCD Lighting is becoming a very popular request. Prices will continue to come down and the light quality is now on par or even better than that of traditional incandescent lighting. The energy savings and life expectancy of LED lighting are making it one of the best energy-efficient upgrades you can make.
Weatherization and other energy-saving projects will also remain popular. Insulation, air sealing, window replacement, improved indoor air quality, and energy efficiency are all very important features of any home and are becoming feature requests by prospective homebuyers. These projects will have an impact on your home -- both now and in the future. They may not be the sexiest changes to make but if done correctly can save you money in the coming years, plus they make your home a healthier place to live.
By going green, a homeowner can make a difference in the environmental footprint left on a daily basis. To do so, incorporate sustainable practices into the home such as installing energy-efficient appliances and double-paned windows and using eco-friendly materials such as flooring, cabinets, and paint.
Remember, updating your home by following remodeling trends is a great way to improve your space’s functionality and efficiency while working to increase your house’s market value.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Here’s our 2012 list of where and how to get the biggest bang for your home buck:
Kitchens are still a popular project and certainly one of the most scrutinized areas of the home during resale. Kitchen design is moving toward more simplistic styles. Heavy detailing such as corbels, carvings, etc. are out. Heavy glazed finishes are also becoming less popular as homeowners are requesting more simplistic paint and stain finishes. Clean lines and "Shaker" style doors and drawers will be a popular selection.
Bathroom Renovations continue to be popular with the goal of becoming spa-like retreats as opposed to utility-type rooms. Rain heads, body sprays, steam units, TVs and more are being incorporated to make the bathroom a true relaxation area. Tubs continue to see a decline as homeowners opt for larger showers. Freestanding tubs are popular but only where there is adequate space to accommodate both a tub and large shower. Curbless showers, accessibility, and other "Aging In Place" items will gain in popularity.
Open Floor Plans will increase in demand. People will continue to knock down walls to create larger spaces with more open floor plans. The focus on "gathering" and "entertaining" areas for family and friends will continue to be a popular theme.
Outdoor Living Areas will remain high on many homeowners’ wish lists. These once very elaborate outdoor areas have been scaled back to meet the needs and budgets of many. The trend will still be toward a covered area with some sort of fireplace or fire pit, sitting areas, dining table alongside a grill area. The true "outdoor kitchen" is still a wish-list item but often becomes a budget buster.
Flooring will still be one of the best "bang for your buck" projects a homeowner can undertake. Hardwood flooring still remains popular and wider plank flooring is still a big request. Take out old carpet and replace with hardwoods or other bare flooring materials. This will improve the look of your home and help curb allergies as dander and dust often become trapped in carpet.
Paint Colors are another safe investment with many experts agreeing calming colors will be among 2012’s top sellers. We can thank the economy for this because when times are tough people tend to use color conservatively; longevity colors in natural tones such as stone gray and driftwood taupe will be popular. Accent colors can balance out the neutral direction but also are trending toward conservative tones. Two predictions: Bright splashes of red feel iconic and patriotic, and navy blue feels stable and comfortable. On the other hand, paint is easy to change so if you crave color, you can reserve neutrals for sofas and other more expensive items. Popular choices will comprise nature colors such as blues, greens, and grays perhaps complemented by a medium-pink raspberry pop of color to perk up the senses. Finally, of course retro black and white these days delivers a contemporary flair giving a room a sophisticated, fresh, stylish makeover.
LCD Lighting is becoming a very popular request. Prices will continue to come down and the light quality is now on par or even better than that of traditional incandescent lighting. The energy savings and life expectancy of LED lighting are making it one of the best energy-efficient upgrades you can make.
Weatherization and other energy-saving projects will also remain popular. Insulation, air sealing, window replacement, improved indoor air quality, and energy efficiency are all very important features of any home and are becoming feature requests by prospective homebuyers. These projects will have an impact on your home -- both now and in the future. They may not be the sexiest changes to make but if done correctly can save you money in the coming years, plus they make your home a healthier place to live.
By going green, a homeowner can make a difference in the environmental footprint left on a daily basis. To do so, incorporate sustainable practices into the home such as installing energy-efficient appliances and double-paned windows and using eco-friendly materials such as flooring, cabinets, and paint.
Remember, updating your home by following remodeling trends is a great way to improve your space’s functionality and efficiency while working to increase your house’s market value.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
The Wine Cellar
09/26/2011 08:22 AM
There are many spaces that can be converted to "Specialty" rooms in the house. Popular ones are Home Theaters, Media Rooms, Libraries, and Home Offices. Today I will focus on one - the Wine Cellar
Wine Cellars can be very simplistic or incredibly extravagant. Some people have a very small collection of wine to store and can get by with a refrigerator style unit that can be placed under a counter or in a small closet. Others may have very extensive collections that require quite a large space. This is what truly makes the difference between simple wine storage and a dedicated wine cellar. Wine cellars are generally large enough to walk in and require some special considerations before constructing.
A true wine cellar should be capable of controlling the following:
A stable floor and well framed/insulated walls with a sturdy rack system will solve most of the vibration issues.
A wine refrigeration unit that is specifically designed for the space, based on room size and volume of wine stored, will be able to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels.
A vapor barrier is a must and is the most commonly overlooked item in the construction of wine cellars. It is crucial that a proper vapor barrier be installed to keep the required humidity in the wine cellar from migrating to other parts of the home.
Lastly, the rack systems. These are generally wood systems that are made of redwood, cedar, mahogany, pine and others. Racks can be custom designed to accommodate any amount of wine and various bottle sizes. There are many custom wine rack companies that will take the dimensions of your space along with the amount of wine you plan to store and design a system that will maximize your storage capability while minting an attractive look and feel to the racking system.
…courtesy The Wine Enthusiast
If you are a wine enthusiast a Wine Cellar is a must have. If properly design and constructed the space will operate trouble free for many years. Although this is something that could be considered a do-it-yourself project I highly suggest that you consult a professional first. At the very least you need to have the wine cooling unit sized properly for your space.
Cheers,
Writing by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.)
Wine Cellars can be very simplistic or incredibly extravagant. Some people have a very small collection of wine to store and can get by with a refrigerator style unit that can be placed under a counter or in a small closet. Others may have very extensive collections that require quite a large space. This is what truly makes the difference between simple wine storage and a dedicated wine cellar. Wine cellars are generally large enough to walk in and require some special considerations before constructing.
A true wine cellar should be capable of controlling the following:
- Light: A dark space such as a basement is an ideal location since light can be controlled by the user and light infiltration can be kept to a minimum
- Humidity: 55% to 75% is the range that most wine cellars need to operate in. The type of wine you store may require more specific numbers
- Temperature: 55 to 58 degrees F is considered acceptable for wine storage
- Vibration - Wine stored for long periods of time can be susceptible to vibration. A firm floor and rack system is a must
A stable floor and well framed/insulated walls with a sturdy rack system will solve most of the vibration issues.
A wine refrigeration unit that is specifically designed for the space, based on room size and volume of wine stored, will be able to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels.
A vapor barrier is a must and is the most commonly overlooked item in the construction of wine cellars. It is crucial that a proper vapor barrier be installed to keep the required humidity in the wine cellar from migrating to other parts of the home.
Lastly, the rack systems. These are generally wood systems that are made of redwood, cedar, mahogany, pine and others. Racks can be custom designed to accommodate any amount of wine and various bottle sizes. There are many custom wine rack companies that will take the dimensions of your space along with the amount of wine you plan to store and design a system that will maximize your storage capability while minting an attractive look and feel to the racking system.
…courtesy The Wine Enthusiast
If you are a wine enthusiast a Wine Cellar is a must have. If properly design and constructed the space will operate trouble free for many years. Although this is something that could be considered a do-it-yourself project I highly suggest that you consult a professional first. At the very least you need to have the wine cooling unit sized properly for your space.
Cheers,
Writing by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.)
Back to the Future -- In Your Bath
09/12/2011 07:47 AM
Bathroom accessibility is becoming increasingly popular for today’s designs and remodels. In this economy, more homeowners intend to remain in their current house for the long term -- including the Golden Years -- so many have begun thinking ahead and planning for their future bath needs.
Universal Design is the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone -- regardless of age, ability, or status in life. A bathroom remodel styled in this manner will not only add value to your home in case of a resale, but will help ensure your age-less bathroom is ready if and when it may be needed. Of course, Universal Design features aren’t only for the elderly but are also for those who’ve been in an accident or perhaps suffer from arthritis or a disability.
Recently we have been installing quite a few "curb-less" showers and also are steering clients toward "Aging In Place" and "Barrier Free" bathroom designs. Houses in the past have not been designed with these issues in mind. As the population ages and the Baby Boomers reach retirement age there is a growing demand for bathrooms that are easily accessible.
Design possibilities include:
1. Pulling out a cumbersome tub and replacing it with a curb-less shower, as mentioned above; another viable option is to install a walk-in tub. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot negotiate the high curb of a traditional shower.
2. Consider widening the doorway to the bath, keeping accessibility in mind throughout the design. Keep in mind there may be the need for such things as a walker or wheelchair in the future.
3. Installing curbless shower pans is a great safety option. This means essentially the floor of the bathroom becomes waterproofed and a gentle slope directs all water into the shower drain, if installed properly. Some shower pans make it possible to place tile over them, delivering more decorative flair.
4. Designing a bathroom for accessibility doesn't mean it has to look institutionalized. Grab bars, shower doors, and seating now come in a wide range of styles and colors.
Then There’s the Wet Room…
Of course, you can always go Euro ahead of the curve in the US and install a wet room, which may very well meet all your needs. The entire bathroom floor can be converted to a shower floor, with everything removed from the room and either eliminated or later reinstalled on top of the new floor. Typically you’ll end up with a wall-mounted sink, a toilet, and the shower. The walls are covered with tile at least halfway up in areas outside the shower, which can be used with or without a curtain since everything in the room is impervious to water. Wet rooms are perfect for both large and small spaces such as a windowless box room, a downstairs bath, or as part of a master suite bath. Water drains through a small channel in the non-slip floor so you don't need a shower tray or enclosure. Naturally the room must be watertight with suitable drainage and must have enough structural support to accommodate the materials’ weight.
All we’ve discussed pertains to remodeling, thus everything has to be adapted and retrofitted. In new construction, accessible showers or wet rooms can be planned and constructed with relative ease. Concrete and wood subfloors can be depressed in the areas where showers are to be built. Additionally, doorways can be wide enough to easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Efficient and Lovely
Building barrier-free bathrooms and showers is a good idea whether they are needed or not. Properly designed, they don’t take anything away from the appearance of the bathroom and are certainly convenient. For those of you who value independence in life, both today and in the future, now you can have the best of both worlds in your home -- beautifully designed bathware that makes living life easier.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Universal Design is the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone -- regardless of age, ability, or status in life. A bathroom remodel styled in this manner will not only add value to your home in case of a resale, but will help ensure your age-less bathroom is ready if and when it may be needed. Of course, Universal Design features aren’t only for the elderly but are also for those who’ve been in an accident or perhaps suffer from arthritis or a disability.
Recently we have been installing quite a few "curb-less" showers and also are steering clients toward "Aging In Place" and "Barrier Free" bathroom designs. Houses in the past have not been designed with these issues in mind. As the population ages and the Baby Boomers reach retirement age there is a growing demand for bathrooms that are easily accessible.
Design possibilities include:
1. Pulling out a cumbersome tub and replacing it with a curb-less shower, as mentioned above; another viable option is to install a walk-in tub. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot negotiate the high curb of a traditional shower.
2. Consider widening the doorway to the bath, keeping accessibility in mind throughout the design. Keep in mind there may be the need for such things as a walker or wheelchair in the future.
3. Installing curbless shower pans is a great safety option. This means essentially the floor of the bathroom becomes waterproofed and a gentle slope directs all water into the shower drain, if installed properly. Some shower pans make it possible to place tile over them, delivering more decorative flair.
4. Designing a bathroom for accessibility doesn't mean it has to look institutionalized. Grab bars, shower doors, and seating now come in a wide range of styles and colors.
Then There’s the Wet Room…
Of course, you can always go Euro ahead of the curve in the US and install a wet room, which may very well meet all your needs. The entire bathroom floor can be converted to a shower floor, with everything removed from the room and either eliminated or later reinstalled on top of the new floor. Typically you’ll end up with a wall-mounted sink, a toilet, and the shower. The walls are covered with tile at least halfway up in areas outside the shower, which can be used with or without a curtain since everything in the room is impervious to water. Wet rooms are perfect for both large and small spaces such as a windowless box room, a downstairs bath, or as part of a master suite bath. Water drains through a small channel in the non-slip floor so you don't need a shower tray or enclosure. Naturally the room must be watertight with suitable drainage and must have enough structural support to accommodate the materials’ weight.
All we’ve discussed pertains to remodeling, thus everything has to be adapted and retrofitted. In new construction, accessible showers or wet rooms can be planned and constructed with relative ease. Concrete and wood subfloors can be depressed in the areas where showers are to be built. Additionally, doorways can be wide enough to easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Efficient and Lovely
Building barrier-free bathrooms and showers is a good idea whether they are needed or not. Properly designed, they don’t take anything away from the appearance of the bathroom and are certainly convenient. For those of you who value independence in life, both today and in the future, now you can have the best of both worlds in your home -- beautifully designed bathware that makes living life easier.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
A Master Bath Any Way You Like It
05/23/2011 07:53 AM
Why not make your home’s master bath an amenity instead of solely a necessity? It’s much simpler than you might think to turn a run-of-the-mill area into a private, home-spa getaway. The new look, especially in master baths, continues to move toward that of a sanctuary or personal haven.
Expect to see his-and-her areas with dual vanities; perhaps his is done in a darker wood tone while hers is a lighter, more feminine palette. In addition to this design, here are a few more notable forerunners emerging this year:
As far as actual design trends and elements in 2011, here are a few to consider:
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Read More...
Expect to see his-and-her areas with dual vanities; perhaps his is done in a darker wood tone while hers is a lighter, more feminine palette. In addition to this design, here are a few more notable forerunners emerging this year:
- Many new and remodeled master baths include fully tiled walls and floors, often outfitted with in-floor radiant heat. This additional amenity can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times of the day, thus minimizing the amount of energy required.
- Some homeowners prefer showers, and the new power assemblies feature multiple showerheads. These can be grouped in a tower or arranged on the walls and ceiling. Some require upgraded plumbing.
- Soaking tubs, some with water-overflow features, create the ultimate indulgence. Today's soakers are better-designed and have more features including air jets, aromatherapy, and chromatherapy. In most cases, people are actually using them.
- Little changes can make a big difference. Use more ambient lighting, or add towel warmers. Both create a spa-like atmosphere and add a pampering touch.
- Three-dimensionality is making waves. Flat, monotone walls are boring. Contrasting color tones between wall and tile is a good start. Now you might consider adding some strategically placed shelves, nooks, and niches, which can be cleverly used for soaps and toiletries, rolled-up bath towels, or candles and scents – every last detail you could ever need for pampering yourself.
- A few over-the-top options might comprise low-profile audio systems like Phantom Sound that return to a cleverly placed iPod or MP3 docking station, flat-screen TV monitors integrated into your bathroom mirror, and toilet seats that have integrated bidet functions.
As far as actual design trends and elements in 2011, here are a few to consider:
- Quartz continues to take away market share from the granite leader for bathroom vanity tops.
- Green bathrooms are in, and we don’t mean environmentally speaking, although that holds true, too. Green color palettes are growing in market share as designers’ choices; whites, off-whites, beiges, and browns are typically the most commonly used bathroom tones but greens are coming on strong. Other common color tones include blues, grays, bronzes and terracottas.
- Under-mount sinks continue to dominate newly remodeled bathrooms, however, vessel sinks have become the clear second choice among designers.
- Satin-nickel faucet finishes are on the rise in both bathrooms and kitchens. Other popular faucet finishes for both areas are brushed nickel, bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, and polished nickel.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Read More...
Home Kitchen is Where the Heart is
05/16/2011 08:21 AM
The focus on making a home’s kitchen the central hub remains strong with the core concept of incorporating kitchens and family rooms continuing to gain momentum. There’s always the goal of designing the spaces around how each family uses these areas. What’s new is a trend toward simpler styles such as shaker panels and lighter colors; eco-friendly and organic materials are very popular as well. “Universal design” and “aging in place” -- new buzzwords -- are showing up in today’s requests, as well
Universal design is an approach to the design of all products and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation. Aging in place is defined as the ability to live in one's own home -- wherever that might be -- for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal-design principles, telecare, and other assistive technologies.
The idea of lifestyle design is propelled by aging baby boomers, the oldest of whom are now in their early 60s. They are more open to growing older and discovering the beautiful and functional design options available, thus will spend money building or retrofitting if it delivers the ability to live in their homes longer.
Lifestyle concepts also appeal to younger generation who are seeking specific products and ideas that offer solutions to everyday activities. They view the one-size-fits-all approach as impractical, especially when they know the individuals in each home are as diverse as each unique structure.
Read More...
Universal design is an approach to the design of all products and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation. Aging in place is defined as the ability to live in one's own home -- wherever that might be -- for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal-design principles, telecare, and other assistive technologies.
The idea of lifestyle design is propelled by aging baby boomers, the oldest of whom are now in their early 60s. They are more open to growing older and discovering the beautiful and functional design options available, thus will spend money building or retrofitting if it delivers the ability to live in their homes longer.
Lifestyle concepts also appeal to younger generation who are seeking specific products and ideas that offer solutions to everyday activities. They view the one-size-fits-all approach as impractical, especially when they know the individuals in each home are as diverse as each unique structure.
Read More...
The Kitchen is the new Family Room
07/13/2010 04:42 PM
By DAWN KLINGENSMITH
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Anyone who has hosted a cocktail party or tried to bake cookies with a toddler underfoot knows that guests and family members tend to gather in the kitchen.
"The kitchen is the new family room. It's been said so often that it's a cliché, but it's a trend that just keeps gaining strength," says Chris Gleason, author of "Kitchen Makeovers for Any Budget" (Betterway Home, 2010). Those clichés-turned-trends are often the best guides when it comes to renovating/creating any living space, though. Consider man caves and spa-like master bathrooms. Those rooms snowballed in popularity because they were direct responses to homeowners' desires for their homes to reflect the direction of their everyday lives. Read More...
Anyone who has hosted a cocktail party or tried to bake cookies with a toddler underfoot knows that guests and family members tend to gather in the kitchen.
"The kitchen is the new family room. It's been said so often that it's a cliché, but it's a trend that just keeps gaining strength," says Chris Gleason, author of "Kitchen Makeovers for Any Budget" (Betterway Home, 2010). Those clichés-turned-trends are often the best guides when it comes to renovating/creating any living space, though. Consider man caves and spa-like master bathrooms. Those rooms snowballed in popularity because they were direct responses to homeowners' desires for their homes to reflect the direction of their everyday lives. Read More...
The Outdoor Living Trend - Still A Hot Item
05/17/2010 08:59 AM
Without a doubt Outdoor Living Areas are still a popular item. In the past 18 months the bulk of our new projects and inquiries have been for custom outdoor living spaces.
What are the motivating factors? Read More...
What are the motivating factors? Read More...
2010 Color Trends
02/15/2010 11:00 AM
Pantone Unveils 2010 Color Direction for the Home Furnishings and Interior Design Industries Read More...
The Modern Kitchen
11/06/2009 10:53 AM
Modern Kitchen - Dilworth:
When Bob and Mindy Jones (past clients from a 1999 renovation) were ready to remodel their Kitchen they called on Beth Merrell from Donlon and Merrell Design to come up with the perfect plan. Read More...