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,
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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.
Home Office Space Ideas
An uptick in self-employment and
flexible workplace settings are allowing
home offices to become one of the most-
used areas in the house. But dedicating an
entire room to an office may not always
be doable. Be creative when designing a
home office and look for underutilized
spaces. Clear out space in a finished attic
for a desk, chair and some added lighting.
Better yet, shut the door for some real
quiet time. No attic space? Dedicate a
wall in the basement as a workspace by
adding a small area rug under a desk to
warm up the room. Be sure to schedule
laundry at a different time to avoid
distractions. If all else fails, a niche in the
family room can be a dedicated space to
get work done. With the right accents and
furniture, any area can make the perfect
home office.