IN Keystone Oaks Spring 2020 | Page 25

builder can assist you with computer-aided design (CAD) to help you envision your dream. Some new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white subway tile can match virtually any décor, making it a popular choice for backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a look that’s great for your kitchen and great for the environment as well. Mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be laid in customized patterns for a uniquely personal look. Although cherry wood cabinets are popular, there’s a trend toward white cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel, while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean appearance. As for flooring, natural stone and travertine are extremely popular right now. After the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers a lot of longevity. It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen, it’s also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends feel when you’re there. ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS! Ever feel like your home would be perfect if only it had that one room that’s missing? Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom for when Mom comes to visit, or a bathroom downstairs for guests when you’re entertaining. Maybe you already have a family room, but it just needs to be a little larger for your needs. If this sounds familiar, a home addition may be the perfect solution for making life a little more comfortable. The great thing about a new room is that you can plan it exactly the way you want it. If you’re adding a family room or game room, why not build a fireplace as well? This will quickly make it the most visited room in your house. If you’re adding a bedroom either for visiting parents or a returning college student, why not include an ensuite bath, which will increase your home’s value as well as make for more enjoyable visits for your guests. As with any work done in your home, make sure that you do your homework before contacting any contractors. It’s a good idea to obtain estimates from three different contractors before deciding which one to use. It helps to be as specific as possible in your choices in order to get the most accurate estimates. Use a spec sheet to ensure that you are giving all three contractors the same exact information. Using local contractors is another great way to ensure that you’re getting someone with a good reputation in the community. Another good idea is to attend home shows where you can actually meet the contractors face to face. It’s easier working with someone with whom you have a good rapport. The most important thing to remember in any home design project is not to be too focused on the bottom line only. Many times the lowest price does not result in the best‑quality job. Do your research to find the best person for your particular project.   ■ 4 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2020 Don’t be caught with designs that were “so last decade.” Enter 2020 in style with some trends and tips that are leading the new decade, focused on comfort and sustainability with a touch of modern technologies. • TREND: Paint Colors of the Year – Each year, paint companies release their picks for colors of the year. Think pinks, greens, and blues for 2020, with rosy shades to update neutral walls and navy blues to create relaxing spaces. TIP: Before painting an entire room, paint a small part of the wall and watch how natural light falls during each part of the day. The sunlight will affect the colors you choose. • TREND: Sustainability in Design – Reusing materials in new designs isn’t a novel idea, but this year, designs are incorporating more materials that are perceived as humble, such as rattan, plywood, and jute. These types of materials can be recycled and are biodegradable, maximizing positive environmental impacts. TIP: Incorporate sustainable design trends like Wabi-Sabi, meaning perfectly imperfect, which encourages reimagining and loving the existing pieces you have in your home. Incorporating nature, something inherently imperfect, through wood, natural stones, and plants is an easy way to embrace Wabi-Sabi. • TREND: Wallpapered Walls – You may find yourself removing wallpaper, only to replace it with more wallpaper! Bold-patterned designs can create a statement wall, or busier patterns can be used to decorate a half bath. TIP: If you’re not sure you want to take the plunge into committing long term to wallpaper, try removable wallpaper. You can easily remove, reposition, and reuse it throughout your home. • TREND: Technology in the Home – Love it or hate it, technology will be ever-present in our homes; and with an increase in the opportunity for people to work from home, housing our technology has become a design opportunity. Large media consoles are becoming a thing of the past as technologies get smaller or completely digitized. Storage options are turning more display friendly (think open shelving) to act as another design element for your home. TIP: Personalize your spaces to your needs. Have a dining room but need a home office? Repurpose the space according to your needs. Add in a desk and a relaxed seating area, creating a comfortable, yet creative area for you to work. MARKET KEYSTONE NAME OAKS ❘ ❘ PRODUCTION SPRING 2020 DATE 23 23