SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
once were, bringing in more
room for added features such
as soaker tubs and extended
shower stalls. No room to
expand the bathroom walls?
Opt for 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.
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.
Continued on next page >
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SPRING 2018
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