SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 .
• 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 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 . ■
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