SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
an illusion of space with large tile sizes on
the floor and practical storage solutions to
make room for your calming sanctuary.
• Brass is back: Have brass hardware
from the ‘90s in your bathroom? Don’t
get rid of it just yet! With rose gold
and copper making their way into the
hardware scene last year, 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.
• 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
Continued on next page >
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.
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR
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SPRING 2018
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