But Everyone’s Doing It!

By Nancy May 10th, 2010

We typically caution our clients to not get too caught up in the “latest trend”. No matter what the budget or project is, we just don’t think that basing decisions on what the magazines say is a smart way to remodel ones home. Of course, if that “trend” fits the predetermined goals of the project for those living there, then by all means, go for it!

This brings me to some of the trends that we’re seeing here and around the country. Many of these things are not new, but have been gaining in popularity over the last few years.

1. Bringing the outdoors in. Color palettes based on earthy grays or natural jewel tones are what we’re seeing. Turquoise especially seems to be everywhere right now! Perhaps not on the family room walls, but in accessories.

2. Finding the beauty in imperfections. Natural and distressed elements add character and visual interest. Lisa and I gave a talk on this almost ten years ago. Apparantly we were ahead of the game back then! (The Japanese call this Wabi Sabi – I’ll write more about that next week.)

3. Retro is taking over the bathroom. Comfortable, classic farmhouse style is being incorporated into the bathroom with freestanding clawfoot tubs and distressed furniture style cabinetry. We had a client earlier this year who asked for a clawfoot tub, and we’ve had several over the past year with freestanding tubs in a more contemporary setting.

4. Green. I think we’re at the point now where this isn’t a trend anymore but almost a standard practice. People are asking more and more about reusing, recycling, saving water, and energy efficiency.