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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.
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
icmags.com
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.
• Less is more: It’s impossible to have a clear
mind with a cluttered workspace. Keep
home offices simple to avoid the desire
to keep unnecessary papers and books
piled on top of a desk. Create a home
for everything on your desk. Set aside a
space for writing utensils, notebooks, and
hardware that is neat and tidy. A filing
cabinet is best to organize papers and store
supplies.
• Multipurpose surfaces and furniture:
Finding multipurpose furniture for small
office spaces is key for optimal use of space.
Mobile furniture makes packing up after a
long day of work a breeze. Use wall space as
storage, with desks that fold back into a wall
mount. Avoid purchasing furniture that
looks like it would be found in an office. If
you’re utilizing a room for several different
purposes, shop around for furniture that
complements the look of the entire room.
Home trends are shaping up to add comfort
and value to homes. Focus on accenting
natural features both inside and outside.
Smart homes look to be the future, but these
innovative technologies will bring a new
dynamic to homeownership, with challenges
of maintaining security being top of mind.
Find a balance in your home-decorating style
by adding features that bring out the very best
in you and your family. Whether it’s a pop of
color in your kitchen, or a fantastic feature in
your backyard, make your home your own
this year. ■