IN Shaler Spring 2018 | Page 27

SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
brass is also making a comeback. Chrome and satin are still the frontrunners, but
switch up the classics for a trendier look.
• Natural stone sinks: Granite is so 2016. Countertops are now boasting durable
quartz and hand-carved stone sinks. Porcelain will always be a classic crowd
favorite, but the trend is moving toward the natural look and feel of stone.
• Patterned tiles: Ceramics are enhancing bathroom floors, accent walls, and
shower stalls with geometric designs and wood-like patterns. These tiles are
adding a decorative touch to a room that doesn’t often get much decorating love.
Kitchen
Although homes are trending smaller, kitchens are getting bigger and becoming
the preferred gathering point for families. Formal dining room walls are being blown
out to create an extension to the kitchen. These larger areas allow for more creative
freedom when choosing dining sets, appliances, and countertops. Customization
in this room of the house is key. Love to cook? Add specific features that enhance
your cooking experience, such as pot-filler faucets above the stove or double ovens
for twice the cooking power. Not quite a chef? Create an inviting space for guests to
gather around with decorative pops of color added by useful appliances that make
cooking a breeze.
• Mix and match: Gone are the days of matching appliances. A variety of
companies are now offering new color lines of large appliances to mix and match
for a trendy look. Matte finishes are an alternative to stainless steel, boasting a
fingerprint-free surface that provides a sleek look. Two-toned cabinets are also
sticking, bringing in similar hues while adding interest to the space.
• Quartz and high-end laminate: Granite is making an exit as the most popular
countertop with a durable, fresh-looking competitor taking its place in the
ranking: quartz. Quartz is harder than granite and not porous, making it nearly
indestructible and easy to maintain. Don’t have the budget for quartz? What used
to get a bad rap is now stealing the show. High-end laminate is now imitating the
look of a natural stone countertop. Don’t rule it out until you’ve seen it.
• Golden fixtures: This year is all about customization, allowing for more freedom
when choosing kitchen fixtures. Brass and copper finishes are paired with slate
appliances to add a modern feel to the entertainment hub of the home.
Decorating Trends
Decorating has never been so customizable. Focus on your inner self and what
makes you feel calm, relaxed and comfortable in your home. This year is all about
self-care and bringing happiness into the home.
• Bring in the green: Plants not only add a pop of color to any room, they also
improve air quality and purify the air. Choose plants that are easy to grow and
maintain for a foolproof way to freshen up a room.
• Geometric patterns: Farther down on the trends list for 2017, geometric
patterns crept up to #1 on the list of trends in home decor this year. Add these
unique patterns with tiled floors, backsplashes, or shower stalls. Too permanent?
Try adding a funky wallpaper or piece of art to the walls. Fabrics are also a simple
way to add interest to a room and can quickly be changed out when a new trend
comes along.
• Wood treatments: Aligning with the need for connecting back to nature, earthen
treatments, like wood and stone, are allowing homeowners to reconnect with
their roots. Organic materials are also making their way into home decor.
• Metallics: Brass is the “new and now” metallic. Gone are the days of rose gold
and slowly fading out of the spotlight is copper. Silver metallics remain a favorite
to many, both for accent pieces and hardware.
• Intense paint colors: Deep hues are trending in 2018, bringing pops of color to
all rooms of the house. While too much of a good thing can make it feel like it’s
midnight in the middle of the day, use deeper colors for a dramatic accent wall or
as a modern backsplash.
Continued on next page >
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