Before I was old enough to realize where the deep passion for all things interior design had come from I had graduated from college, married and had become a mother while pursuing a corporate career. My ‘ah-ha’ moment came through a friend whose family room furniture was being re-arranged by yours truly.

“You’re really good at this Loretta, you should start your own interior design business,” she spoke with such ease when compared with the explosion going on in my heart. Her words led to the birthing of my destiny and the possibility of becoming an interior designer. I went to college with the dream of becoming a fashion designer which evolved into fashion merchandising which at the time included coursework in interior design. And I almost missed my place in the world by taking the corporate route.

That was over 20 years ago and I haven’t looked back.

In 2011 I was a guest speaker at the annual  Southern Lady Magazine conference and I spoke on the topic of decorating and home trends (which would become the cornerstone of my blog). Not wanting to leave the audience with how a home’s interior is affected by great design only but that it was the heart behind the decorating that mattered more I had prepared ‘a light reflection’ to share in closing. It was a short poem inspired by what drives a woman’s heart to love and serve her family through great design. This poem or reflection was the first post published on my blog in 2011, entitled A Woman is Her Home. Thus the name of my blog site.

I love sharing insights on decorating trends to the DIYers out there who may not have access to a professional interior designer. When I bought my first home I had a shoestring budget and decorating was not even on the list. I had to learn how to do some things for myself in order to save money. Today we can have the information we lack with a simple search which makes completing our projects with the assurance that our decorating decisions are based on the latest subject information.

I have also loved becoming a source for design inspiration. When I run across a project that is so great and layered with creativity I am inspired to share it with my viewers while featuring the designer, like sharing the good news as it pertains to interior design.

I must also give credit to others who have inspired this post. The Design Blogger’s Conference is coming to Atlanta on March 6-8th and I am so excited to attend. I was one of five scholarship recipients. I would also like to thank Duralee Fabrics for sponsoring the scholarships and of course DBC for making it happen. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and be exposed to great talent and fellow designers who do what I do to inspire great design around the world!

This is the inspiration behind my blog.

The signs of early spring bring excitement and wonder to the soul of our hearts and the design potential within our homes. The spring naturally drives our focus from the heaviness of winter to the brightness of spring. The following spring design trends will get you started with inspiration, transforming your home one room at a time with a few key design elements in mind.

Infusing color might be the easiest way to transform your home but does not always have to begin with your walls. Color can be brought in through art and accessories, fabrics, window treatments or flooring.

Color

Soft and tranquil neutrals such as Pantone’s 2016 Color(s) of the Year: Serenity and Rose Quartz have dominated color trends this year. They invite relaxation and a breath of fresh air to our stress-filled lives, a way of living that we all desire. Recognizing that these palettes may not represent every style Pantone has also complemented this palette with color groupings that expand the range for a broader appeal with the introduction of their 2017 Pantone View Home + Interiors palettes. In other words, personalization of your home is what really matters so choose your colors!

Art & Accessories

“Rescue is the new buzzword that is replacing recycling and handcrafted and raw materials are seeing a resurgence,” according to Color Expert Lee Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Also, updating your accessories can brighten up a space in seconds. New art, accessories and floral’s bring a fresh and inviting look to your room instantly.

Fabrics & Wallpaper

Replacing outdated furniture styles with new or updating outdated fabric with new upholstery can work wonders in creating a fresh look. New window treatments that honor and shape the exterior view while allowing a good dose of natural light are also winners in my opinion.

Kitchen Appliances

Color in kitchen appliances is trending in ranges, cook tops and ranges.

Flooring

Hardwood flooring continues to lead flooring trends in new home trends and kitchens according to NKBA.

Most importantly, start with a design plan to ensure that each decorating project builds towards the outcome you desire. This approach will keep the ‘happy’ in your spring design  endeavors!

Nearly two-thirds of homeowners spend more than three hours a day in their kitchens, nearly 60 percent of more than 2400 surveyed recently according to Houzz. The kitchen as we know it is becoming the most utilized space in the home, serving multiple purposes, incorporating numerous features and high-tech appliances that serve this ‘living space’ well.

No longer a purely task oriented functional place for food prep and storage the new super kitchen is being designed and renovated to accommodate dining, entertaining, work space, reading and television viewing. A true social interior space that openly flows into the other living spaces within the house and flowing seamlessly to the exterior space.

The new super kitchen is being equipped with design elements that once only graced more formal spaces in the home. From chandeliers, upscaled furnishings, custom-made cabinetry, wood flooring, built-in stations for coffee and tea, refrigerator drawers and components that allow you to customize the placement that suit your lifestyle and season of life.

Many of those surveyed (21 percent) also took the opportunity to choose a new transitional style for their kitchen with contemporary style a close third.

The most popular layout for those updating their kitchens is the U-shaped followed by the L-shaped, both of which lend themselves to open floor plans that can incorporate accessible design.

Understandably, neutral colors remain popular for kitchens. Houzz found that shades of beige, gray and white were top choices for updated walls, white and medium-light wood are still trending for cabinets. Multiple colors for counter tops or single color white or black are still popular choices for updating counters.

Super kitchens are equipped with high-tech features such as color touchscreen displays, appliances with built-in apps and wireless controls.

There are so many kitchen options available today, more homeowners hired professionals in 2015 and I expect to see an increase in this trend for 2016. It’s been found in previous surveys that we live with our kitchens for 15 – 20 years and until we get to the point that we can no longer stand the old one, we are not motivated to renovate, according to Houzz. So, hiring a professional could end up being the wisest choice of your kitchen update!

Please visit Houzz to view the full Emergence of the Super Kitchen survey or the Classic Kitchen update tailored for entertaining.

If you have reached the breaking point and can no longer live with your outdated kitchen (and have the means) you are among the 43% of homeowners surveyed by Houzz who will renovate your kitchen this year. Your new kitchen cabinets will be a major design element in determining the style, function and look of your new kitchen.

Kitchen cabinet trends reflect an upgrade in cabinet type, style and color. The trend is going custom with your cabinet choice with 81% of kitchen renovations upgrading cabinets and almost half adding cabinet pantry built-ins. Your new open layout will dictate the placement of your new cabinetry perfectly fitted to your new floor plan.

The most valued decisions regarding your renovated kitchen and driver in choosing your design elements are style and beauty, driven by function and ease of use and flow that integrates well with your home.

Three-quarters of homeowners surveyed changed the style of their kitchen with the highest percentage favoring a transitional style (21%) followed by contemporary (19%) and traditional (15%). Overall kitchen styles are reflecting a personalization trend that speaks to individual preferences that make room for modern, farmhouse, craftsman, eclectic and industrial style kitchens.

Custom-made or semi-custom kitchen cabinets ranked highest among kitchen renovators according to the survey. The Shaker style continues to lead in updating kitchen cabinets with raised-panel coming in second. Flat-panel, recessed-panel rounded out the survey.

Kitchen cabinet color trends are driven by homeowners who desire a finish that is timeless. It keeps at bay an outdated look since the majority of kitchens are updated every 16 years or more, according to Houzz. Therefore, white, beige, gray and natural wood finishes are preferred. Dark and gray wood finishes round out the color trends chosen by seven percent of those surveyed.

Another facinating trend for kitchen cabinets is interior LED lighting. This design element eliminates the dark recesses of drawers and cabinets built for deep and hard to see storage. A true winner in cabinet design.

Other kitchen cabinet trends include:

• pull-out waste or recycling cabinet
• cookie sheet/tray organizer
• revolving corner tray
• pull-out/swing-out tray/shelf
• spice organizer
• deep drawer organizer
• cutlery/utensil organizer
• pot and pan organizer
• small appliance garage/drawer
• wine and/or bar cabinet
• pull-out corner drawer/dish organizer
• pet feeding station/drawer

Kitchen cabinet trends are a reflection of our lifestyles, personal style and design preferences. The kitchen space has evolved to not only function as the main food prep and storage space but the control center of the home, a living space that supports the entire home.

Source: Houzz, Inc.

Whether large or small, old or new, your home has the potential to look as fabulous as the decorator showhouse homes featured in this post. A 1912 Tudor House located in North Carolina was redecorated to host the 2015 Junior League of High Point Designer Showhouse. In Atlanta the Chateau Soleil, a Georgia estate built in 1998 (named for its golden exterior) was the proud host for the 2015 Atlanta Symphony Showhouse.

One of the standout showhouse decorating trends is color and more color! Bold and extravagant and at times contrasted with soft pastels.

Also take note of the pendant lighting in each space, dramatic and statement making, perfectly adorning the room with grace and ease.

More design inspiration is found in the master bedroom suites. Understated glamour, rich layers of luxurious textiles, color and accessories.

To tour the full gallery of rooms please visit the 2015 Atlanta Symphony Showhouse or the 2015 Junior League of High Point Designer Showhouse.

Enjoy the inspiration!

Smart home technology has become one of the most important aspects of new home construction. According to Scott Branscom, project manager for this years HGTV’s Smart Home 2016, a smart home is “an integration of a wireless system that controls many aspects of the home.”

This home boasts smart technology that enables the homeowner to control the heating, air conditioning, window blinds and drapes, audio and visual components, lighting and more.

The smart thermostat is a must have, it senses what you’re doing in the house, warming up the house before you get chilly or cooling it down before you get hot. Manual changes actually teach smart thermostats your personal preferences. Some models use information from local weather stations to create ideal heating and cooling schedules via Wi-Fi.

It also automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away to avoid the house getting too hot or too cold. And of course it can be controlled from a distance via your smart phone.

The 2016 HGTV Smart Home is filled with design inspiration that complements its high-tech features. This homeowner will be able to control the heating and air conditioning, window blinds and drapes, audio and visual components, lighting and more through smart home design.

In particular the front door is equipped with a smart dead bolt. Other high-tech highlights include the garage door, light control, security system, sensors that detect plumbing problems, automatic window shades and drapes, ceiling fans that have sensing gauges.

Kitchen charging stations that are hidden in drawers, motion sensor faucets enhance efficiency while creating a germ-free environment.

The master bath is equipped with a TV hidden behind the vanity mirror while the nursery has a smart humidifier that helps regulate the air and a nightlight for illumination.

With wireless access points (WAP) on every floor and a media room equipped with an integrated audio system that runs throughout the house, the 2016 HGTV Smart Home truly meets the criteria for design innovation and inspiration!

To view the entire project please visit HGTV Smart Home designed by Tiffany Brooks.

Using color to create bold interiors is good medicine for lifting the soul while simultaneously bringing revival to an interior space like nothing else. Done well, these interiors display an incredible blend of color, finishes, texture and furnishings that embrace everyday living and the joy of life in its many dimensions.

On the emotional value of color on the places we call home I agree with architect Suzane Reatig who believes “It (color) makes people happy, like listening to music. It makes them feel good.”

What I love about this 1940’s ranch beach house on Nantucket Island designed by Gary McBournie is the well thought out layering of details that pull these spaces together. Each layer of color (presented in many forms) complements the end result which is a home that reflects the personality and style of its owners.

The guest bedroom showcases a harmony of soft oranges, blues and greens.

The master bedroom draws you in boldly beginning with the wall treatment, topped with drapery panels that showcase the tufted headboard, furnishings and accessories.

This outdoor living and dining space provides the perfect extension of enjoying this home.

Architect Bill Hutchins could not have expressed it better recently when asked about the exterior and interior color trend phenomenon, “I just like the vitality and life force of color.” This home certainly adds vitality and the life force of color!

To view the full gallery of images for this project please visit House Beautiful.

My best kitchen trends have taken their cue from the dynamic of daily life in the kitchen. They spring from relationships and the activities that take place in this living space.

When I reflect on my relationship with my mother the kitchen always come to mind. I have fond memories of hanging out with her while preparing and cooking meals for our large family. It was the place in the home where many life lessons were learned through observation and conversation amidst chopping, stirring, sauteing, frying, baking and cleaning.

The kitchen space has come a long way, from a small, badly lit basic utility room to one of the grandest rooms in the home. Filled with high-end appliances, costly surfaces and elegant flooring to pendant and LED lighting with high-tech gadgets programmed to our liking the kitchen is the heart of the home. Here’s my take on the best kitchen trends.

Kitchen Work Zones have replaced the kitchen triangle. Today’s kitchens reflect our lifestyle and entertainment needs. It has become a space that is personalized to accommodate our style, function and desires.

Transitional Style Kitchens remains the top trend when it comes to kitchen design (National Kitchen & Bath Association) and continues to climb in popularity for new home construction and remodeling or updating your kitchen. Transitional style cabinets offer cleaner lines that meet the traditional and contemporary homeowner in the middle.

Kitchen Flooring choices are driven by style, function and easy maintenance. Hardwood flooring makes sense for the new all-purpose kitchen.

Kitchen Countertops today is a combination of 2-3 different surfaces that address function and aesthetic needs. From non-porous to natural stone and wood, Quartz and granite countertops remain at the top.

Kitchen Cabinet Color finishes embrace three top trend color choices; gray, white and off-white.

Kitchen Open Shelves provide extra storage, decorative elements and everyday functional space for cooking. (Refer to image at the top of post)

Kitchen Islands connect all the components and zones of the kitchen, provide additional storage, work space, entertainment center, casual seating and meal space. The bigger the better as much as your kitchen design can handle according to scale.

Kitchen Built-Ins Coffee Stations, Refrigerator Drawers and Wet Bars

Kitchen Lighting has become a planned event and includes pendants, task and mood lighting. The options are endless with LEDs with kitchen cabinet and drawer lighting providing greater function to once dark unused space in the kitchen.

These are a few of my best kitchen trends. Its been a long time coming and yet its right on time. I find myself using my time in the kitchen with my two girls passing along wisdom through conversation amidst chopping, stirring, sauteing, frying, baking and cleaning!

Please visit Traditional Home to view the 1920’s Georgian Style Kitchen renovation project.

Written in honor of my mother-Lillian

Bathroom remodeling projects topped the list for home remodeling projects for the fifth time since 2010 according to NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) with kitchens following close behind. As for the design of choice for these new bathrooms, homeowners have established their desire for clean, modern styles finished in neutral colors based on a recent survey conducted by NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association).

Transitional style bathrooms have taken the lead over contemporary, neutral color schemes (white, warm whites and grays) are the most popular. Specifically, top trends overall include the following:

Universal Design Features that keep aging gracefully in mind and everyone else at some point in their lives. These bathrooms are accessible and barrier-free.

Open Shelving, Floating Vanities and Wall-Hung Toilets provide additional transitional aesthetics, ease of use and maintenance.

Built-in Storage supports the function and efficiency of the bathroom. Under-mount Sinks, Freestanding Tubs, and Shower Amenities like hand showers, steam showers and lighting also made the most popular bathroom trends.

Polished Chrome Faucet finish lends itself to the transitional bathroom style.

Other popular bathroom amenities include electric radiant floor heating, one-piece toilets, electric towel-warmer, humidity-sensing fans, smart toilet seats with integrated bidet features and WaterSense listed toilets and faucets.

Bathroom trends are definitely moving in the right direction. Keep this list handy for your next remodel!

Please visit NKBA to view the full survey.

When it comes to decorating your vacation home it is critical to give thought to the emotional feel you desire to create and not aesthetic appeal only. The word vacation itself implies getting away, vacating your normal environment in order to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing experience.

This home away from home should be designed with these goals in mind and is achievable with a well thought out plan. A great design will include an open floor plan that showcases ease of interior and exterior movement, an abundance of natural light and a central gathering space for eating and entertaining.

The kitchen design should include multiple task stations that make it easy for family and friends to prepare meals and snacks. Personalizing your kitchen appliances is done by placing refrigeration drawers, dishwashers, microwaves and even coffee and charging stations in separate locations within the kitchen to manage needs comfortably.

Outdoor kitchens for vacation homes are being designed fully equipped for storing, prepping, grilling and enjoying a meal without relying on your interior kitchen.

Color themes also impact the emotional feel of your vacation home by inviting relaxation, fun and spontaneity. This is achievable by taking your cues from nature. The colors of your surroundings can be brought into your home, placed on the walls, in the fabric, flooring, furnishings and accessories.

If your vacation home is coastal outdoor showers are a must and some are designed with access to the home. Bathrooms should provide ease of use for multi-generational users and designed with aging in mind.

Enjoy creating your perfect get-a-way!

Please visit Traditional Home to view this elegant family vacation home.

Architect: Tim Adams

When it comes to inspired design trends this summer home had me at hello, I mean ‘at the foyer’ where it showcases a distressed green chest that instantly captivated my heart. How lovely a designed space that brings instant warmth to a grand home that was intentionally decorated with the style and furnishings similar to the owners primary residence.

This South Carolina summer home project was entrusted to designer Tammy Connors who achieved exactly what the homeowners desired, a relaxed elegant home that incorporated the use of rich and detailed architectural mill work by Christopher Rose, rustic and refined materials. Painted floors, soothing color hues and a mix of styles and textures make this home a true design inspiration!

Every space is layered with design details. From paneled walls to wallpapered walls anchored by old and new furnishings the inspiration is endless. Take a look for yourself.

The kitchen back splash boasts a hand glazed ceramic tile, the Iron light fixture is from Urban Electric Company.

Please visit Traditional Home to view this perfectly inspired project in full!

Is your bathroom future ready?

Sixteen interior designers (myself included) representing four countries were asked to share their views on futuristic bathrooms by answering one question: “What is the Future of Bathrooms?” The responses reflect current lifestyle needs and the future of bath design. The feedback also includes a range of information from smart technology, eco-friendly  fixtures and energy-efficient features. The responses address the trend toward larger square footage designated to the bathroom as home builders and remodelers face increasing demand for appealing to those who desire a universal design that accommodates aging in place.

Futuristic bathroom topics featured in 16 Top Interior Designers Share Their Views on Futuristic Bathrooms sponsored by QSSupplies.co.uk include expert and practical knowledge that promises to leave you informed for your next bathroom project. From a designers point of view prepare to hear from the front line of design!

New home builders, renovators and remodelers all know how important flooring decisions for your home are and the future economic impact this decision will have on your home’s value. Recent flooring trends back this dynamic in every way from the flooring experts and interior designers who participated in a recent survey.

Wood floors and the many species to choose from, engineered floors, plank widths and finishes are just a few of the choices consumers are faced with today. Your design style, season of life and budget also play a role in your flooring choice. Ultimately your aim should be to make the most informed decision and best investment for the lifetime of your home.

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) understands this consumer dilemma and provides valuable information in its recently published Wood Floor Styles and Trends to consider before making your flooring investment. Wood floors have come a long way and “…will adapt to your changing lifestyle and decorating style…easy to maintain and help improve indoor air quality” according to Michael Martin, CEO of NWFA.

Engineered flooring has also come a long way and continue to gain in popularity. Underneath the beautiful top layer of engineered floors are multiple layers of a composite material made of wood veneers that run in perpendicular directions that create strength and stability against expanding and contracting when exposed to humidity and fluctuations in temperature. They can also be used below ground (basements) for this reason whereas hardwood floors cannot.

Interior designers (205 to be specific) have also spoken through a survey I referenced earlier. Sponsored by MacDonald Hardwoods, based in Denver, Colorado the 2016 Hardwood Flooring Customer Preference Survey specifies top flooring trends that highlight style, hardwoods or engineered, finishes, plank widths and where consumers find their inspiration.

A few of the highlights from this survey have wide plank flooring winning top preference (155) with over half (117) choosing floors finished in a modern style.  Darker stains were preferred by (111) designers while (98) chose engineered flooring.

The competitive gap seems to be tightening between hardwood and engineered flooring. Ultimately you must choose what best fits your lifestyle needs, budget and what most reflects your personal style. Either way you are adding beauty and function to your home and years of enjoyment!

“A sense of restlessness” defines the 2017 Colormix Sherwin Williams Color Forecast. The four color palettes reflect a subdued energy and ever-changing societal and cultural landscape according to Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing for Sherwin Williams. Her team of professionals took their cues from global trends and the stories they tell about what we are searching for in ways of spiritual renewal, body and soul nourishment alongside a determination to honor a sense of self.

The four palettes that make up this year’s forecast explore current lifestyle trends and cultural influences that drive design with the effect of renewing us in spirit, body and soul. You will learn more about your sense of self depending upon which palette you find yourself drawn to. I reveal at the end of the post the palette that draws me in the most. As featured below, each palette consist of 10 colors (not all shown).

Noir: Nordic Blues, moody neutrals and golden yellow. Baroque and romanticism trends, faith and spirit that inspires celebration of the night. Reflects a modern style in residences or commercial properties.

Holistic: Arctic neutrals, blush rose, wild browns and forest floor green. Soothing, warm and cool tones create environments that promote harmony, balance and restive spaces that invite healing and refreshment.

Intrepid: Fiery oranges, vibrant kimono colors as well as the simplicity of black, white and gray. A retro palette that offers versatility in modern and commercial applications. Great for blending tech with bold design in contemporary settings.

Unbounded: Earthy mustard’s, browns, ocean blues and corals. As cultures mingle and merge a sharing of colors are combining to create a confluence of foreign patterns and exotic textures. A look that is entirely new and striking.

My favorites include Noir’s Poised Taupe (SW6039), Holistic’s Acier (SW9170, Intrepid’s Citronella (SW6915) and Unbounded’s Adriatic Sea (SW6790).

What are you most drawn to? Your inspiration for your next decorating project begins with color!

Please view the entire Colormix 2017 color forecast palette by visiting Sherwin Williams. 

With each new home remodeling project homeowners are paying more attention to quality and design aesthetics with a bent towards luxury. The master bath is no exception. With that said, this article gives me an opportunity to feature Atlanta Home & Lifestyle’s 2016 Bath of the Year that showcases bath trends in an eloquent, sophisticated and serene way.

According to Houzz, the average spend on master bathroom remodels grew 12% with homeowners spending on average $25,600 for a larger room and $12,000 for a smaller room. Expect to pay more when a professional remodeler is involved.

Not surprisingly, outdated design, style, finishes, small showers, storage and flooring in the bath are key issues and motivators for tackling the renovation.

The desire to replace bathroom faucets and fixtures top the list of priorities aesthetically while wall color and texture round out the desired finished look of your bath.

Showers are being enlarged by removing tubs or opting for a smaller soaking tub to accommodate a larger walk-in shower.

Overall, the desire to personalize your home to reflect your style and vision lies beneath every remodeling project. Whether its your kitchen, bath or family room that needs updating your dollars spent will provide years of enjoyment and return on your investment.

Stay inspired and informed!

For more trend information please visit 2016 Houzz & Home Survey.

To view entire project information please visit Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle’s 2016 Bath of the Year Contest.

In case you missed the unveiling of the True 42 refrigerator at the Dwell on Design Home Show in Los Angeles prepare to be inspired regarding luxury kitchen appliance trends.

Known for its commercial appliances built for restaurant use, True Residential’s new luxury home refrigeration product line is intended to appeal to the savvy home chef, those in training and those who love the look of a professional kitchen.

Restaurant or industrial grade kitchen appliances have appealed to homeowners for some time and is a solid trend in new home and renovation kitchen projects. True Refrigeration is seriously wetting the appetite. The True 42, finished in stainless steel or its new slate pearl  finish with an automotive-grade paint application raises the bar on traditional kitchen appliance offerings.

Following the popular black stainless finish introduced by KitchenAid, LG and Samsung, True Residential has stepped into the high-end luxury kitchen appliance market with a bang. This premium finish brings with it a price tag north of $10,000 and you can expect more finish options to follow.

The True 48 side-by-side refrigerator-freezer complements the True 42 features while providing increased storage space, an all-stainless-steel interior and exterior with dramatic ramp-up interior lighting.

Exceptional features begin with stainless steel inside and out, ample storage and impeccable build quality. The French door design is equipped with soft-close drawers, 120-degree stay-open doors and interior lighting that gradually illuminates as you open the fridge. Even the glass shelving is steel-enclosed for extra rigidity and durability.

The new True 42 designed for residential use would add luxury and function at the highest level to your kitchen making chefs of all levels shine!

To view the full True 42, True 48 features please visit True-Residential and product highlights at Dwell on Design.

An elegant and spacious barn-style house built by Christopher Tufo Design & Build was transformed by 26 designers who created a luxurious summer retreat that invites rest and relaxation from a hectic lifestyle. This 2015 Hampton Designer Showhouse project, now in its 16th year benefits the Southhampton Hospital.

Filled with design inspiration and current decorating trends such as wallpapered walls, glamorous pendant and chandelier lighting, metallic painted ceilings, vintage furnishings, custom window treatments and a combination of vivid and soothing color schemes and so much more. Take note of the details and what design elements you can apply to your home and future decorating projects.

There is so much more!

To view the entire 2015 Hampton Designer Showhouse please visit Traditional Home.

Replacing outdated kitchen countertop tops the list of features for homeowners desiring to remodel their kitchen according to the current Houzz & Home survey. With the average spend for kitchen remodeling increasing by 12% over last year ($56,900 for larger kitchens, $31,600 for smaller kitchens) the percentage you allocate towards new countertops on average will account for a significant percentage of your total budget. So choosing the right countertop is crucial and should take into consideration the following trends.

Durability is the top priority in choosing countertop materials which drives the attractiveness of natural stone materials. Although granite is still a popular choice, engineered quartz and quartzite are close behind in rounding out the top three countertop materials for kitchens.

Quartz countertops are fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials blended with a binder and pigment (color) and formed into countertops. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, polished and sealed for beauty and durability.

As for appearance, quartzite is generally found in white to gray color hues while quartz is available in a much wider range of colors because pigment can be added.

As for durability and hardness quartzite is harder than granite and withstands heat very well. Quartz is not as hard as quartzite but is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible.

Quartz is low maintenance which is its main advantage over quartzite which requires a proper seal twice a year to avoid stains penetrating into the stone. All natural stone, including granite and marble require the same maintenance as quartzite.

Caesarstone quartz surfaces and countertops are the only manufacturer who offers a Lifetime Warranty. They also promote environment first practices as the first to receive ISO 14001 certification for environment protection. Their 2016 nine new color offerings have been inspired by nature and well worth taking a look at for your next kitchen project.

Other popular countertop materials include butcher block or wood slab, laminate, ceramic or porcelain tile, marble, soapstone, stainless steel and solid surface that round out the top ten.

In my opinion, there is a countertop surface for every kitchen when you consider function, beauty, materials and lifestyle needs. Quartz countertops should certainly be a top contender!

Source: Countertop Guides

New home builder trends are relevant not only for Boomers but for all home buyers searching with a long-term view or “aging in place” mindset. Many of the features highlighted in this home trend update are legitimate considerations for new home buyers of any age. Taylor Morrison Home Builders and Hanley Wood have partnered in driving the design and development of the NEXTAdventure model home that will debut at the International Builders Show in January 2017 according to Builder Magazine.

Taylor Morrison homes serve a wide variety of consumers with a focus on first-time, move-up, luxury, active lifestyle and 55+ buyers. This NEXTAdventure home will highlight current lifestyle and living preferences among the Boomer demographic by incorporating the features and factors that will influence the purchase of a new home.

On a broad scale, the top three factors that influence a purchase are area/location, price/affordability and the layout of the home according to the research findings conducted by The Farnsworth Group.

Once these qualifiers are met Boomers reveal a priority of lifestyle and design features that keep the door open towards making a purchase in a community as follows:

 first impressions when entering a new community | feeling welcome in the community | amenities | location | space | more openness and flow in the home | large common spaces with open floor plans | high ceilings | natural light | integrated indoor/outdoor space | sustainable and energy-efficient technology and materials | sufficient storage space

As for the actual floor plan and the importance of the rooms in the home, Boomers place the kitchen as the most important room in the house with the master bedroom and great room rounding out the top three rooms in the house.

Smart home integrated technology plays an important role as well with this 55+ group preferring wireless security systems, lighting that senses and adapts to you, smart thermostats and lighting controlled by a smart phone.

Home builders are listening to home buyers at every demographic level and Taylor Morrison Home is leading the way. I can’t wait to view the NEXTAdventure model home, hoping for a sneak peek. Be on the lookout for a follow-up to report my findings!

Additional Source: Hanley Wood, The Farnsworth Group

In the old days the Florida Room or Sun Room (for those who live outside the state of Florida) was referred to as the Sun Porch or Sun Parlor. It was a room that set out to the back of the house, designed to admit a large amount of sunlight through a glass-enclosed wall of windows with the purpose of displaying beautiful views. Built to admit and retain the sun’s heat in cool countries and reflect it away in warm countries, it was a space for relaxing as if you were outdoors but without having to deal with outdoor elements.

Today, modern technology affords us the luxury of enjoying this space year round with smart home technology and energy star certified windows, doors and skylights. With indoor climate control at our fingertips and we don’t have to live in Florida to enjoy our own version of a Florida Room. But you should consider following a few design tips to achieve it.

Wall of Windows A Florida Room or Sun Room begins with creating a feeling of openness to the outdoors and the view beyond. Large scale windows are an invitation to nature to embrace your room with gladness and beckons your soul to take pleasure in the view beyond.

Interior Color The choice of color should be dictated by your surroundings and the year round range of color and nature in your area. From bright to bold, neutrals to white the point is to complement nature and climate around you.

Furnishings Comfortable, stylish and a conversational layout are the three design elements to strive for when selecting your furnishings for your Sun Room. One fabric trend that is particularly applicable to Sun Room furniture are the new offerings of indoor/outdoor fabrics that are made to stand up under heavy usage. Stain resistant and offered in many colors, pattern and textures, these fabrics are a wonderful option to consider.

Adapt a Space New home builders are offering floor plans that allow more natural light into the home which allows us to create a sun room that serves double duty. The most common combinations are breakfast nooks or informal dining areas open to the kitchen. For more design inspiration please visit Florida Homes to view a full range of sun rooms to suite every style!

Today’s sun room is a multi-functional space that serves us well, in respite, in entertainment, relaxation and dining. Most of all it offers us a view of possibilities.