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Julie LohmeierIn home building and remodeling, some trends are short-lived while others last a decade or longer. During recent home shows, the following new trends have emerged as others continue.
New TrendsPot filler Faucet. While this was not widespread, having a pot filler faucet at the cook top was seen frequently enough to qualify as a new trend. This is a hinged arm faucet so you can fill a pot right on the stove or cook top without carrying the water from the sink.
Painted Ceilings. A majority of ceilings are now being painted an accent color �" sometimes more than one and frequently the same color as the walls. This is nearly universally true of any tray or angled ceiling.
Backlit crown molding. Having crown molding attached just below the corner with the ceiling and then lighting it with rope was lighting is very popular for a soft glow around a room.
Very little wall paper. I see very little wall paper these days, and if I do, it usually looked like a faux painting technique.
Sitting Rooms. Nearly all the master bedrooms offer a separate sitting room, and those that don�(tm)t have a sitting area with a couch or upholstered chaise.
Soft, cotton-like carpet. If the carpet is a plush (as opposed to a sculptured or berber carpet), it is a soft cut loop that feels like cotton. I know Karastan makes a beautiful one in varying heights and densities. I can personally attest that this is the softest, most comfortable carpet around (I have it and love it!) It also cleans easily and stains are easy to remove.
Game rooms. These are popping up every where. Typically thought to be a ground floor or basement room, I have even seen these on second floors in place of a bedroom or office. Video game set ups, arcade style games, pinball games can all be found here.
Luxury mud and laundry rooms. Often these are combined toward the back of the house by the garage. But they are now decorated as nicely as the rest of the house with their own d�(c)cor and quality cabinetry.
Continued Trends
Painting techniques. From faux painting, paint effects, and murals, using paint to decorate a room continues as a hot trend. Even painting elements from wall paper to accent a wall, paint is big.
Bold colors. Deep, vibrant colors still rule. Neutrals are still darker than just light beige.
Iron and wood stairs. Wood stairs with wood railings but iron balusters continue as the choice of builders. This could turn out to be very dated in 10-20 years, but right now, it�(tm)s definitely the hot stairway look.
Granite counters. This is one trend that has last quite a long time now and shows no sign of ending.
Open foyers. While I tend to think this wastes space, open foyers and upstairs hallways are still nearly universal items in new homes.
Molding. Crown molding has become less of an upgrade and nearly a standard option in higher-end homes. It can be multiple or single piece. In addition, panels, wainscoting, chair rails, and fluted door casings still are popular.
Luxury master suites. Although the sitting room is a newer trend, the luxury master bedroom and bath maintains its must-have status. In addition, the required elements of the bath remain: whirlpool bath (unless you opt for a claw foot or slipper tub), large shower with glass doors, and separate water closet.
Mix of exterior materials. Most homes these days have a mix of siding, brick, stone, and shake. Some have all. Some homes may be overdone, but most styles today blend multiple textures nicely.
Synthetics. Synthetic materials keep popping up. From fiberglass doors (faux wood) to trim and siding, imitations are creeping into home construction, virtually on known by most people. Some geographic areas and upper-end, luxury markets, however, frown on the use of these materials.
Don�(tm)t think that all of these trends are mandatory for your home. But if you are building a new home, remodeling your current one, or getting ready to sell your house, it�(tm)s always helpful to know the trends to maximize the market value of your property.
About the Author:
Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. From working hands on and doing much of the work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com. Subscribe to her free newsletter at: http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html
@copyright 2006, Julie Lohmeier, www.myhomeredux.com Use this report in its entirety with proper acknowledgement and copyright.
