Features and tRends

(Jan. 12, 2007)

TRENDS IN HOME DESIGN: WHAT WILL 2007 BRING?

By Steve Kleber

 

With 2007 upon us, home redecorating, redesign and remodeling are a high priority. The holidays have now passed - is a larger or additional bath needed for next year’s holiday guests and those pesky out-of-town relatives? Did the kitchen allow the appropriate space to prepare that perfect holiday meal? 

Below is a brief review of 2006’s most demanded trends in home design and remodeling, and a forecast of what the 2007 trends will encompass. 

Kitchen

Making use of all available kitchen space was essential to homeowners throughout 2006 and will continue to be popular throughout 2007. When remodeling, homeowners chose to change out cabinetry and countertops for space versatility, making sure the style chosen complements the room’s design and layout. When working with a small kitchen, installing cabinetry with a multi-pantry closet or a lazy susan for the corner cabinet was the most prominent trend. 

Another style to look out for in 2007 is the use of specialty accessories in the kitchen. Look for homeowners to organize their spices, silverware, knives, pots and pans, and even trash with additional cabinet shelving, pull-down overhead cabinets, trash containers and multiple storage drawers. This frees up unused space and is key to making space look and feel as if all available storage room is being utilized, enhancing the size of the kitchen.  

Master Bathrooms

Showers will continue to shine as the focal point of the bath. Throughout 2007 we will see large showers that showcase multiple showerheads, thick glass and designer finishes. Showers with dual controls and showerheads will continue to gain popularity through the year due to working couples trying to get to work in a timely fashion. 

Bathroom sizes themselves are also increasing at an accelerated pace, taking over as the largest and most important room of the home. We’re also noticing an increase of homeowners remodeling to incorporate additional bathrooms to accommodate guests and out-of-town relatives.

Flooring

Ceramic tiles and wood flooring were the most popular choices among 2006 flooring; however, cork, bamboo and marmoleum will be strong forces to be reckoned with in 2007. Homeowners are looking for flooring that is outside what is considered traditional. They want materials that better reflect their likes, personalities and individual design preferences, thereby becoming more sophisticated in their choices. 

Cork is becoming a prevalent flooring option because of its unique beauty, durability and due to the fact that it’s ecologically friendly. It’s also warm, soft and comfortable under your feet - ideal for the baby boomer generation. Bamboo is uniquely attractive, strong and resilient. It’s also moisture resistant and environmentally friendly, while marmoleum is 100 percent biodegradable, recycled rubber flooring. All of these flooring alternatives offer homeowners the ability to add an anomalous look to their homes, simultaneously adding materials that benefit the environment.  

2006 brought an increased awareness of multi- functional spaces, large master bathrooms featuring shower enclosures and traditional materials used throughout the home. However, in 2007, expect to see homeowners continuing to desire the latest products and materials in their homes, especially those considered “green.” Whether it’s a new floor, a bathroom addition, or a kitchen redesigned for maximum space, homeowners will be seeking changes that make their homes the envy of next year’s holiday guests!


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