IN Sewickley Spring 2018 | Page 30

• 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. • Geometric patterns: Farther down on the trends list for 2017, geometric patterns crept up to #1 on the list of trends 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com