Home design, inside and out, is continually in a state of flux. It reflects the economy, the environment, demographics… as well as what is going on in the world. Here are some trends to look for in 2016.
COLORS
Every year Pantone debuts the superstar color of the year. This year instead of one color there are two… and they create a much softer, layered palette. Perhaps choosing colors that are more calming is a reflection of the unrest in the world with terrorism threats and the upcoming election… it will be interesting to see what next year brings. Visit Pantone to see colors from other years and examples of full color palettes to go with this year's colors.
KITCHENS
Nothing sells homes more than kitchens. New kitchen trends include…
- Black stainless steel – it looks like polished stainless steel is finally on the way out, with fewer concerns about fingerprints
- Mismatched cabinets – white has been the cabinet color of choice in recent years, but mixing colors and materials is a trend to look for in 2016
- Mixed materials – not just cabinets are being mixed… look for an eclectic mix of wood, tile, metal, antiques
- Walk-in, universal design pantries – with nearly 45% of households expected to be age 55 and over by 2019, a deep wide pantry that has room for someone with a walker or wheelchair and has accessible lower storage is attractive to buyers looking ahead to aging in place
- Huge kitchen islands – think so big you can't reach the center from any side
FLOORING
- Reclaimed wood floors – more homeowners are craving authenticity and like materials that tell a story… they are also more aware of the sustainability of reuse and the health benefits of older materials that don't off-gas
- Heated entryway floors – heated bathroom floors have been around for awhile, but this is pretty new to me… frankly, I like the idea of taking off my boots in the winter and stepping onto a nice warm floor!
- Eclectic mixed materials – think kitchen with rustic wood ceiling beams, white subway tiles, quartz counters, deep sinks, mixed material cabinets/shelving, antique storage chests, reclaimed wood floors and vintage rugs
- Stairways with carpet inset – not carpet runners, but carpet actually inset into the wood
LIVING ROOMS – DINING ROOMS – BATHROOMS
- Living rooms – being reclaimed as rooms that are 'unplugged' to facilitate more family time… instead of placing a large TV over the fireplace, furniture is now being arranged to once again make fireplaces the focal point
- Dining rooms – sit-down family meals are making a comeback, and more people are opting to keep their formal dining rooms instead of converting them to media rooms or offices
- Bathrooms – statement bathroom mirrors and vanities… homey items, such as a plush chair to make it feel more like a living space… and bidets are slowly rising in popularity for the master bath
As you are looking for a new home or getting your current home ready to sell, be on the lookout for these design trends in 2016.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results
The HomesMSP Team - Sharlene, John, Angela – Your Twin Cities Home Buying and Selling Guides
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