Designers have a way of spotting an object of beauty and its application for a design project and natural stone is no exception. The qualities alone command consideration such as was the case with a recent project of mine that involved updating a client’s newly purchased home. When the time came to make a decision on surfaces, partnering with a stone professional created an exciting opportunity to showcase the benefits of choosing a natural stone that not only reflects their personality but also complements their style.

A great local natural stone provider has been able to enhance my design services through mutual collaboration and planning ahead for a client tour that is catered to their needs based on the information I provide. Upon arrival, my clients are treated to a brief tour, or “show and tell” for enlightenment purposes on how natural stone is quarried, finished and graded. This approach places us in a position to narrow our choices based upon coloring, style, budget and availability.

This product of nature known to us as granite, marble, limestone, slate, travertine or sandstone is unique to every slab and purchase regardless of the application (interior or exterior) and this uniqueness and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So fitting for today’s trend of personalizing your homes it will bring personality to your interior space with each slab chosen. For instance, we are seeing more color coming back into the design elements used in kitchens according to KBDN’s third annual Kitchen and Bath Design Awards and natural stone is an easy way to make this happen.

Through its natural look and rhythmic motion in the veining, coloring and texture you can have an instant statement maker in your choice of stone. And due to its durability and sustainability, natural stone continues to be a popular choice for new home construction and renovation projects. Its enduring life cycle makes the investment a great design element for both the home and nature by supporting the world’s Green efforts of using recyclable and sustainable materials that don’t omit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and is considered a clean product.

Natural stone is an easy choice for designers, its beauty and durability are limitless when it comes to personalizing and designing your home. As for my clients project, a beautiful granite stone won out for the kitchen and we were able to utilize granite remnants for the bathrooms and the results were amazing!

To learn more about the benefits of using natural stone for your next project please visit The Natural Stone Institute.

From modern to mid-century style this years Kitchen of the Year winners make a strong case for the popular transitional style kitchens we’ve seen dominate over the last few years. A truly integrated living space for lifestyle living, the kitchen is clearly the premier space of the home and when designed with the homeowner in mind it accommodates a multitude of activities ranging from task zones loaded with smart appliances and fixtures to work and entertaining.

With more than just the kitchen space in mind the Kitchen of the Year 2019 winners also put in place design options that created a natural flow and connection to adjacent rooms in open floorplans.

Backsplash trends represented in these kitchens range from stacked and classic brick pattern subway tile to Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo quartz while countertops feature Quartzite, Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold, charcoal Soapstone for perimeters.

Luxury appliances from leading brands seal the look of pro-chef kitchens loaded with options for the novice and experienced home chef. Stainless steel finishes dominated the winners choice alongside custom hoods that brought an elegant touch to the space.

Kitchen cabinet color trends showcased clean transitional styles in warm and cool white cabinetry with pops of bold color that reflect the personality of the homeowner. One kitchen features wire-brushed white oak cabinets in a soft blue-gray stain that includes a custom hood. The islands showcase uniqueness in the kitchens with a balance of simplicity and the use of refined mixed materials, lending a great personal touch.

With so many design elements at play in this years Kitchen of the Year 2019 winners its worth taking a closer look and I promise you’ll leave the gallery of images with inspiration for your own kitchen project!

Influenced by a lifetime of world travels resulting in a vast collection of vintage collectibles after raising a family in a home-built in 1925 the homeowners were ready to lighten up the look and feel of their dated home.

With a love for color and pattern Chicago based designer, Summer Thornton, shades of blue would be incorporated throughout the home from Indian block prints and Turkish florals ranging from aqua to teal.

A mix of papered and painted walls from gingham checks to stripes bring life and charm to the home.

The quest for lighthearted living influenced every design element in this project. It’s hard to believe that it all began with a home that was dressed in its original decor of dark and heavy furnishings in a color scheme of burgundy and jade.

Enjoy the entire gallery of images and sourcing by visiting Happy Ours at Traditional Home!

KBIS, the premier kitchen and bath trade show, showcases and celebrates the best of the industry when it comes to the most innovative new kitchen and bath products every year. For all my prochef kitchen and bath enthusiasts I’m passing along vital product trend information that you can expect to see in future new home and renovation projects. Take a look at the Best of KBIS 2019 award winners!

Best of Show Blade 3D Printed Faucet, DXV by American Standard. This hand finished stainless steel faucet promises to provide a unique water experience by sensing the user’s presence and automatically turns on as the hands approach. Truly brings a touch of luxury to the kitchen.

Kitchen Gold Signature Kitchen Suite 48-Inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range with Built-in Sous Vide. The first pro range on the market with built-in sous vide (the technique of cooking ingredients in a vacuum-sealed plastic pouch), induction and gas all on the cook-top.

Kitchen Silver HydroTap by Zip Water, Culligan International Co. This amazing faucet provides instant “pure-tasting” boiled, chilled or sparkling water and is available in six designs and 12 color finishes.

Bath Gold Flotation Tub with Zero Dimension, TOTO. A tub that simulates zero gravity by “offering bathers a weightless experience that eliminates the mechanical energy/load of their joints.” Constructed of Galaline, TOTO’s luxurious man-made marble.

Bath Silver PowderRain, Hansgrohe. Using thousands of micro-droplets that provide a sensual shower experience split up in the shower head is refreshingly quiet according to Hansgrohe.

Smart Home Technology Flo by Moen, Moen Inc. Detects and stops leaks by monitoring toilets, showers, faucets and the pipes in the foundation and behind walls.

Outdoor Living Kalamazoo Arcadia Series Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Characterized by its horizontal lines and contrasting materials with choice of oiled ipe wood or powder coated stainless steel.

Impact Award FOTILE Sink Dishwasher, Ningbo Fotile Overseas Kitchen Appliance Co., Ltd. DBA Fotile. This space-saving and easy access mini-dishwasher that fits into a counter can do loads in less than 30 minutes as well as chill seafood.

Kitchen and bath innovation is definitely heading in the right direction!

To view specific product details please visit Best of KBIS.

Fresh and inviting make this home a perfect reflection of spring. Designed by Lauren DeLoach Interiors in partnership with the homeowner’s vast collection of inherited blue-and-white porcelain along with a touch of modern accents, we were instantly smitten with this calm, yet invigorating expression of a classic color scheme.

Built-in bookcases, limestone fireplace by Francois & Co., abstract art all continue the flow with the kitchen and breakfast room dressed in “soft neutral shades of blue and taupe,” according to Lauren.

The kitchen provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the homeowner’s cherished collection of blue-and-white porcelain.

The full drapery panels, variations in wood finishes and upholstery fabric bring a personalized look to this breakfast room.

Variations in blue-and-white along with gold accents bring a touch of luxury to this master bedroom.

This inspired design project represents a perfect collaboration between designer and client. To view the full gallery of this project please visit True to Tradition at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

“People are not concerned about their living rooms, they just want a room to live in that centers around the kitchen.” This quote from Liz Dickson, owner and principal designer of Millbrook Circle Interior Design in Baltimore captures the essence of future kitchen trends. Although style of kitchen is very important as it reflects our personality, the desire is to build a kitchen that truly performs for its users.

Based on a recent survey by the NKBA, homeowners are opting for clean, minimalist and modern looks with a touch of glamour. With transitional, farmhouse and contemporary styling leading the way in both remodeling projects and new construction its more about how well the kitchen with its new technologies, re-imagined layouts, materials and appliances contribute to a healthy home and sustainable world according to Jessica Goldbogen Harlan, an author of eight cookbooks and recent article entitled The Future Kitchen.

Personalizing your kitchen complements kitchen trends as well with statement maker countertops, appliances and finishes or open floor plans that flow between several interior spaces, concealing the task zones of the kitchen.

Hundreds of designers around the country were recently surveyed by NKBA regarding the emerging styles, features and materials that are not only popular today but are predicted to have staying power in the kitchen space.

Color Kitchen color choices are broadening into deep, bold and vibrant hues that capture nature, such as emerald-green and navy blue are “on the rise possibly as an island counter color or appliance.”

Column Refrigerators We have options now in how and where we place our refrigerator and freezer. No longer bound to the traditional “fridge/freezer housed in the same rectangular box, Column refrigerators and freezers make it possible to separate the food storage units.” With a growing trend on healthy eating this trend complements a healthy lifestyle.

Appliances that Know How to Cook Smart appliances are making our kitchens more intelligent as implied in the phrase “assisted cooking technology” featured in many ovens and ranges. It’s a thrilling experience to have sensors, cameras and advanced technology determine the cooking times and temperatures for you.

Mixed Metals Called the “new industrial” influenced by urban lifestyle continues to gain popularity.

Emphasis on Accessibility With a focus on aging-in-place and universal design, “creating kitchens that are accessible for people of all ages and abilities” is helping to drive the open-kitchen concept. This could include easy-access cabinets to touch-free faucets and voice-controlled lighting and appliances.

The kitchen has truly evolved into the living space that all other rooms flow into!

Old world with a modern feel perfectly describes HGTV Smart Home 2019 with its charcoal gray walls, a sofa dressed in luxurious emerald-green velvet that connects with the kitchen and its emerald-green back splash ceramic tiles.

An open floor plan with plenty of natural light, this smart home, designed by Tiffany Brooks,  takes full advantage of its 3,455 square feet with plenty of smart features, designated storage and connected spaces in this chic retreat.

The kitchen, open to the breakfast nook, family room and with access to the study, media room and master bedroom allows easy movement throughout this Dallas home. Designed with plenty of hidden storage, it makes for easy living with beauty and function accounted for beginning with a trash chute, walk-in pantry, hands-free auto-fill refrigerator and stainless touchless pull-down faucet.

Traditional meets contemporary in the interior design with the deep-seated velvet sofa matched with modern metal accent chairs, tables and lamps.

Personalized smart lighting can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet which includes an interesting lighting fixture in the great room that was replicated from an old cathedral lighting fixture which adds another design layer of mixing old with new, traditional with modern.

Natural light was also a priority as seen in the expansive picture window wall view to the outdoor living room. Softened with sheer panels it visually enlarges the great room experience which is great for entertaining.

The arched walls and beamed ceilings certainly add architectural interest while the library offers a cozy and intimate space for personal time or quiet conversation. The large modular library bookcase adds richness to the room and skylights help to bring the outside in with abundant natural light. No ordinary skylights, they are designed to monitor weather forecasts online, indoor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels to automatically open to bring in fresh air or adjust the blinds for energy efficiency.

The dramatic charcoal colored focal-point wood-paneled wall in the master bedroom brings all the design elements to life. Not to be outdone, the master bath with its dramatic black walls equipped with the latest smart technology (including a coffee center) is worth a detailed observation.

Every square foot of HGTV Smart Home 2019 design is worthy of providing inspiration for your next home renovation project or new build!

To view the entire gallery of photos, please visit HGTV Smart Home 2019.

Designed by: Tiffany Brooks

Photography: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Her Heart is Her Home

She shaped her daughters, influenced her sons, a labor of love, a life fully worn. She is a mother, her heart is her home.

As days move on, now years long gone, reflections of laughter, hide and seek foregone, hugs and kisses still going on.

My mother shaped me not knowing at first, the type of mother to be from the moment of birth. When therefore new life conceived in me, I knew her capacity of love meant to be.

Thanks to the one whose heart for home, shaped her daughters, influenced her sons. She is a mother, her heart is her home, love eternal to all she has born!

Captivated from the time he was a teen with the winding streets of Paris and its lovely scenery, David Jimenez jumped at the opportunity to make it his home in a leading creative role with a French based company.

A 19th century apartment captured the heart of this designer with its high ceilings, exquisite architectural moldings, hand-carved marble fireplace and a tremendously scaled wall of windows filling the living room with natural light all work together in creating a grand scale of luxury design.

Classic neutrals such as warm grays with pops of camel and black accents create a timeless and intimate design showcasing the homeowners love for art and antiques.

Decorating with over scale mirrors and art work hand-in-hand with the grand scale of this apartment as well as the gorgeous hardwood flooring displayed in a herringbone pattern.

Loaded with design details, this 19th century apartment is truly a work of art and inspiration!

To view the full gallery of photos please visit An American Design Visionary Shapes a Collector’s Apartment in Paris at Traditional Home.

Photography: Xavier Bejot

In my world of design transitional bathroom styles are the most popular, they offer the homeowner clean fresh look and classic lines that result in a spa-like retreat against the demands of daily life and the following contest winners of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle annual Bath of the Year contest proves my point.

Personalization of this space drives the design process as the bathroom is being treated like any other room in the house. Specific finishes and design elements are chosen to reflect the style and needs of the homeowner such as a concealed morning bar, focal walls being finished in a striking stone and in one case a Phillip Jeffries horsehair wallcovering that offers “warmth, texture and sound absorption for the homeowners, who are physicians with varying sleep schedules,” according to Joel Kelly Designs.

Soaking tubs and undermount sinks, which also lends itself to the transitional and contemporary style trends are becoming the standard statement design details while other elements include customized cabinetry, inset vanities that offer a custom furniture look or frameless cabinets. The cabinet colors range from Walnut, Chelsea Gray (BM) and Shaded White.

The winning baths boast a variety of plumbing finishes from satin gold (to brighten the space), white acrylic horn pulls with polished-nickel cuffs (Matthew Quinn Collection) to dark urban finishes.

Marble is applied to both walls and countertops in a way that reflects individuality and elegance of the bath retreat. “Each client has their own story to write when it comes to what their home is supposed to look like,” Kelly says. This is true. Therefore we see marble and travertine applied to walls and flooring in unique designs that serve the overall space in a grand, luxurious way.

This team of professional designers truly honored this personal space in each of their projects with each space displaying a quiet elegance perfectly designed for the homeowner!

To view the entire gallery of spaces please visit Bath of the Year Winner at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Drawn to the spacious and elegant European farmhouse kitchen with over-sized island and vaulted ceiling with beams represents the luxury scale of the most recent Serenbe Designer Showhouse.

Kitchen | Ship-lak walls set the tone of uniqueness in this earth tone kitchen personalized with collectibles and reclaimed wood and high-end appliances.

Breakfast Room-Butler’s Pantry | Skirted table with china embraces the traditional farmhouse theme topped off with monogrammed napkins.

Foyer | Original contemporary artwork with black accents complement a Phillips Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper.

Upstairs Office | A peaceful inspirational space filled with art and accessories of Italian influences anchored by a herringbone wallpaper pattern by Thibaut.

Master Bedroom | Framed by Casamance’s Nuee fabric on windows dressed in luxurious custom panels create a true retreat in this serene and personal space.

Master Bath | A natural extension of the master bedroom, this all-white spa-like space with contemporary art.

Guest Suite | A collected space that “serves as a French salon getaway for the creative woman” according to Rebecca Cartwright and Alicia Held-Morris. A successful collaboration at making this space into a room filled with favorite collectibles and art with antique and modern furnishings is truly a stylish suite.

Side Porch | Integrated into the surrounding nature with custom leaf-patterned steel screens that provide privacy from the neighbors is the perfect hangout year-round.

Livable luxury with the right balance of classic and rustic design makes this into a wonderful escape and retreat from daily life!

To view the entire gallery of designed spaces please visit Country Idyll at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Color and nesting share equal value when it comes to describing home according to Laurie Pressman, vice president of Pantone Color Institute. Bright colors are associated with positivity, they make us happy, she goes on to say. This explains why colorful, bold interiors stop us in our tracks, refreshes our souls while silencing our speech. Color is here to stay and when applied with skill it transcends interiors into spaces to die for.

Color trends forecasts also predict that pairing bold and subtle shades will be a significant driver in color plans for your home, according to Ms. Pressman of Pantone Color Institute. Fueled by social media, nature and the need for safety, the walls and ceilings of our homes will be graced with hues of blues, green and off-white. Pantone’s Evening Blue (the sky at dusk), Biking Red (berry) and Dark Cheddar (sharp yellow) are predicted to lead the way in popular color trends.

The milky white lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller soften the deep wall color while connecting with the sunny green wall art and creamy finish on the seating and floor.

This striking blue entry doors connect beautifully with the wallpaper in a fresh, vibrant way.

This living room is a beautiful illustration of pairing bold and subtle shades of color.

Hopefully you are inspired to add a touch of boldness to your home decor!

Kitchens remain at the top for the most popular room to renovate, jumping 27 percent in the past year according to the eight annual Houzz & Home survey. Homeowners are driven by two main considerations when contemplating a renovation: location and the ability to personalize their kitchen by adapting it to their particular needs and lifestyle which often places their return on investment a secondary concern.

Improving design and function will continue to drive demand for renovations especially for those who love their present location and the lifestyle and amenities that come with it.

Based on my experience as a designer, an open kitchen that encourages community in this social space in the home is a key driver for renovation. It not only encourages conversation but allows for planned task zones for multiple activities and entertainment.

This study also found that most renovators were “wanting to do it all along” but were simply waiting for the best time to start the project and the financial means to complete it. Natural disasters also played a role in driving 6 percent of renovation activity according to this survey.

Once the decision is made to renovate, smart technology and improving energy efficiency are important factors when choosing new appliances. With a growing health and eco-friendly conscious lifestyle 35 percent of renovators intend to address health concerns in their new kitchen design.

Kitchen appliance finishes and countertops have become a significant way to personalize the look of your kitchen by showcasing your style and uniqueness. Stainless steel remains the most popular appliance finish while quartz and granite remain heavy competitors for countertop choices.

Kitchen cabinet color trends and style choices heavily support the transitional look with warm whites, gray and blue tones claiming the popular choice with a pop of color accent displayed on the island or base cabinets. This is just another way to personalize the look of your kitchen.

Kitchen design today offers a full menu of options to suit your lifestyle needs that make it easy to pull the renovation trigger!

From warm terracotta Cavern Clay (SW7701-2019 Color of the Year) to the new 2020 Color of the Year Naval (SW6244), a bold navy hue that promises to provide a sense of stability that previous generations enjoyed to emotional well-being for the present day chaotic and busy lifestyles. This familiar yet dynamic version of navy is reminiscent of the night sky, which people have looked to for centuries for guidance, as a muse and as a reminder to live more mindfully, according to Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin Williams

Naval is a beautiful, warm navy blue that complements popular neutrals of today. A color of confidence that brings out your best self into the new decade, Sherwin Williams believes Naval gives a nod to Art Deco influences that embodies a timeless and classic appeal for all generations.

In our modern world of design where freedom to express your personal style is in vogue, Naval fits right in with this trend as a focal wall to an entire room it brings subtle drama and confidence to an interior space. It also works well paired with other color hues, especially with Tarnished Trumpet, Midday and Kale Green (below).

Sherwin Williams describes it best; A serene shade with a hint of opulence, it works well with polished marble, gleaming metals, soft leather and sophisticated patterns. And I love their recommendation for complementary colors for Naval.

Not just for walls, Naval can be incorporated into accessories in such a way that reflects your personality!

A touch of glam in the kitchen has become a sign of luxury and a way to exhibit the individuals signature personality for the most treasured space in the house. Reflected in so many ways, glam has the potential of creating a dynamic focal point while catering to our appeal for a higher standard of living that lends itself to a lifestyle of genteel living. When executed well, this added dimension of glam sets the kitchen space apart with a wonderful sense of open invitation to those who frequent it.

As a designer and student of kitchen design I’ve seen glam applied in many different ways in the kitchen space. Accented like fine jewelry, custom built-ins tailored to suit a lifestyle, high-end appliances, one-of-a-kind surfaces and finishes, lighting, and unique product choices all play a role in bringing personality to the kitchen space.

Lacquered in a custom Aegean Blue from Fine Paints of Europe the cabinets set this kitchen apart as one-of-a-kind with the polished bronze hardware closing the deal.

Marble accents also seem at home in glam kitchens as seen in this showpiece island and custom backsplash with fan-shaped marble mosaic tile.

Over-sized or double islands have become a life-style driven design element in kitchen renovations. They not only create additional task zones but can double for family meals and entertaining.

Custom built-in kitchen cabinetry and open shelves works great at adding personality to your kitchen space while bring function to your lifestyle demands.

What glam features speak to you?

Looking to start the new year with a fresh color palette full of optimism and a modern light spirit? Look no further than Benjamin Moore’s new Color of the Year 2020, First Flight (BM 2102-70). The soft, rosy hue offers a beautiful backdrop for both masculine and feminine contemporary decor styles that results in a timeless appeal to the senses.

First Flight complements clean transitional design styles that are popular today while also accommodating traditional interiors that are anchored in classically designed spaces.

First Flight’s neutral base perfectly complements a range of color hues that provides a fresh palette for modern interiors.

Color applications in the home are endless as seen here in this London based study and below in kitchen cabinets.

Inspired, modern and timeless accurately describe First Flight, “a soft rosy hue blooming with potential,” Benjamin Moore.

Contest winners for Atlanta’s Kitchens of the Year 2020 showcases some of the hottest trends in kitchen design. Attention to artistic details that showcase homeowners personalities range from custom hoods, distinct materials, lacquered surfaces and antique inspired pendant lighting are just a few of the personal touches that make these spaces truly inspired design.

Expect to find large central islands, bold colors in lacquered finishes, paneled walls, painted cabinets and sleek metal finishes adding a touch of glam to this multifaceted space.

This now established command center of the home supports numerous daily tasks from early morning to evening events and the contest winners validate this trend. Buckhead homeowners vision of their kitchen renovation said it best by instructing their architect to serve up “a fresh kitchen renovation that transitions from pancakes to parties with ease.”

Classic kitchen cabinet characteristics continue to trend but with sleek transitional doors that marry traditional and contemporary styles. Exquisite countertops and backsplashes dressed in honed Italian marble, some in the growing waterfall application.

A striking, custom 7-foot walnut hood with brass detailing is anchored with furniture-like custom island and built-in cabinetry is huge on style and rich design elements.

A historic kitchen renovation seamlessly blended old with new by using white cabinets, trim work and molding that mimicked the old, resulting in a “highly functional layout” that serves the family needs.

All in all, each newly renovated kitchen space reflects the personality of the owner, incorporates design elements that bring uniqueness and functionality to meet the homeowners needs. To view the entire gallery please visit Kitchens of the Year 2020 and let us know which projects inspire you the most!

One of the highlights of the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is the announcement of the Best of KBIS 2020 award winners who never fail to impress with the latest in innovative product offerings that are not only future oriented but offer efficiencies, customization and a touch of luxury that complement our contemporary lifestyles.

Best of Show | Kintsu Bath Collection Architectural innovation features a distinct break-fix handle motif providing sculptural design elements. Custom options include inlays for the knob handles and various finishes.

Kitchen Gold | Plum Preserving wine has become much easier with the use of a motorized needle that pierces the foil and closure with argon gas for up to 90 days. Equipped with two silent cooling chambers that set to the perfect temperature for your variety of wine by “identifying the vintage, varietal, region, winery and wine.”

Bath Gold | GE Appliances UltraFresh Front Load Washer eliminates the biggest consumer complaint about front load washers – this first-of-its-kind technology keeps the washer fresh and clean.

Kitchen Silver | Miele G 7000 Dishwasher Convenience and cleaning performance are the trademark features of the Generation 7000 dishwashers. AutoDos and it integrated PowerDisk allows the dishwasher to “automatically dispense detergent and the precise amount needed in a specific program.”

Bath Silver | Drains Unlimited DUW Series – Wall Recessed Linear Floor Drain is a one-of-a-kind linear drain that is nearly invisible. I love the design style that blends into its surrounding without distracting from the beauty of the tile design.

Smart Home Technology | Moen U by Moen Smart Faucet provides “intuitive technology” that ease routine daily kitchen tasks. Voice-activated with the capability to dispense small to large amounts of water at a specific temperature. Impressive.

Impact Award | Hansgrohe Infinity Rainfinity, the Euro-style VIP shower system features an adjustable, concave-shaped 3-jet overhead shower is worth taking a look with its 4-function RainSelect shower trim.

There is so much more innovation when you consider all Best of KBIS 2020 entries, feel free to take a look before planning your kitchen or bath renovation project!

The challenge of taking a modest yet charming cottage built in the 1940s saddled with a “choppy layout and minimal daylight” was beautifully accomplished by taking the home in a lively direction by infusing spring color hues, removing walls and extending the kitchen, according to architect D. Stanley Dixon and interior designer Betty Burgess.

A passion for art influenced a color plan of plum and lavender hues with a splash of greens and yellows. The fabric choices followed suit resulting in an assortment of delicate florals mixed with geometric patterns. Transitional furnishings brought an eclectic feel to the modernized cottage that needed to accomodate 12 grandchildren.

Transformation of the once enclosed screened in porch into a spacious family room bursting with natural light made possible with the addition of an enormous 11 foot arched iron window solidly anchored the cottage renovation into a home to be enjoyed for many years.

The eye-catching front door simply adds tremendous curb-appeal to this delightful cottage renovation!

Please take a look at the entire gallery by visiting Brighter Days at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Smart home trends coupled with great design that reflects personal style is leading the way in home building trends in 2020. Setting yourself apart by creating and building a comfortable home that suits your family lifestyle is in vogue now and home builders are listening.

According to a recent article published in the tctimes.com, the top five hottest home building trends for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch will include decisions based on sustainable design, disaster resiliency, outdoor living, home automation and customization.

Sustainable Design Defined as the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance or in simpler terms “making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes any impact on the environment.”

Disaster Resiliency From wildfires to major floods that can affect an entire region our home building materials should consist of energy-efficient materials that have higher resistance to wind, fire and water protection.

Outdoor Living With the trend to make the most of your primary living space homeowners are taking advantage of extending their living space by opening it up to their own backyards. Outdoor kitchens, furniture armed with indoor/outdoor fabrics and finishes and television viewing make entertaining a breeze year-round. And for the cooler months we can enjoy a fireplace for added ambiance.

Home Automation Convenience through home automation makes our home a comfortable environment to exist in with programmable features at our fingertips. With automation we can make adjustments remotely from “preheating our ovens to skylights that can open or close automatically to creating the perfect temperature.” Home automation has grown from home security systems to include so many tasks that were performed manually and now are capable of being controlled from our smart phones or hand devices.

Customization Building or renovating a home that complements your lifestyle is in vogue now and home builders are offering a tiered layer of customization for first time to luxury home buyers. Everyone wants to feel like they had a say in customizing their home as stated so well by tctimes.com, “Creating a home that’s as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built and personalized features to make your space stand out.”

May your next home renovation project or new home build reflect these home building trends, you’ll be in good company!

Please visit HGTV Dream Home 2020 to view the entire gallery of photos.

Photography: Tomas Espinoza; Robert Peterson

Builder: Shoreline Construction