As the new year approaches, everyone is looking for ways to improve their lives — whether it’s shedding a few pounds, taking on a new hobby, getting ready to sell or buy a home, or completely revamping their living space for renewed inspiration to live.

You don’t need to be a home design buff to know that these styles are trending – a simple scroll through your Pinterest or HOUZZ feed confirms that these looks are people’s choices – not just mine. I am sharing my favorite trends that I intend to use while building my own custom home under construction and for my clients that are in the market to buy or sell this year.

Although it may not be advisable to incorporate all these trends into a home you’re trying to sell, keep in mind that making even just a few of these trending renovations, along with upgrades, such as new appliances, counter tops and cabinets — can help a home get sold quickly and at a higher price! Buyers, I hope you can use any of the following trends to even just imagine how a potential new home could look with a few personal touches.

If you’re renovating or building a new home to live, look at the following trends to include, and watch out for those to avoid in 2017.

1. Terra Cotta

Warm materials, such as hacienda-inspired terracotta tiles, seem to be replacing currently popular cool and white tones. Unlike a couple decades ago, they aren’t used as border tiles. Instead I have seen them with more natural matte finish and used on floors and walls. Even more popular, is the hexagon and arabesque shapes.  Tiled floors dominated the classic Mediterranean home, appreciated for their low maintenance, durability and cool temperature. I am considering these terra cotta arabesque tiles above for our Master Bedroom in the new house. The effect is elegant and minimalist, especially when terra cotta is paired with warm woods.

 

2. Spa-Haven

 

Homes with spa-inspired bedrooms or bathrooms seem to be becoming more popular on social media. Especially, as us humans react to our increasingly technological lives. My husband and I designed our Master Bedroom two years ago with a spa theme as a “sanctuary,” a place to get away, especially with an ever-increasing amount of time spent in front of the computer, smartphone, work, and stress during the day. It is NECESSARY. There now seems to be a greater desire to create havens of calm and tranquility, whether it’s a bedroom, bathroom, or even a nook we can escape to. The furniture is usually more contemporary and materials follow suit, from deep sofas with linen slip covers, to over-sized love seats, day beds, sheepskins, chunky knit wool rugs and floor cushions. We plan to create a spa-style master bathroom in our home currently under construction (see our inspiration photo to the left.)

 

 

3. Shape & Design Tile

Hexagonal, Penny, Print, and River Rock

Bye-Bye Subway Tile. Modern bathrooms and kitchens commonly feature the humble subway tile due to the affordable price point and its versatile look. However, the look’s popularity is declining. It might have been “hip to be square” in 2016, but 2017’s tile designs are all about experimenting with other geometric shapes — namely, hexagons, penny tile, and river rock…all of which I plan to use in my new home so I have researched all about it. Tile is not just found on floors and backsplashes anymore. We see it hitting the whole wall. Hexagonal tiles are becoming an increasingly popular choice in modern bathrooms, and are beautiful when used in a feature wall. They’re even more striking when paired with black contrasting grouting, or when matched up with smaller tile shapes on floors.

 

Penny rounds have also emerged as fresh design material today. These porcelain circles debuted in bathrooms and kitchens in the early 1900’s. Simple black-and-white patterns quickly led to more colorful dot and flower designs that enhanced foyer floors. Penny tile now has more range than ever. While extra rounds of firing lend porcelain versions a hardness with superior durability for high-traffic areas, ceramic styles—now mesh-mounted or joined with glue dots for easy installation—are making a splash as backsplashes, shower walls, and fireplace surrounds. I can’t wait to make a penny tile wall in my own powder room.

 

River rock tile allows you to create stylish bathroom designs that connect you with nature and tranquility. You can use these pebble mosaic tile patterns with their smooth, organic surfaces to create a rustic yet luxurious look to your bathroom. There are large river rocks, tiny pebbles or even flat cobbles. And they range in soothing natural colors from monochromatic whites to vibrant brown and a variety of sandy hues that let you bring the grandeur of nature right into your bathroom. All while giving you the look and feel of bathing in a mountain stream. I look forward to showering in my new home with river rock on the shower floor!

 

Even printed tile is making a statement in homes now a days. From Walls to Islands. I’m a huge fan of this treatment. If you have an island or peninsula that’s just painted drywall or plain cabinetry, tile can take it from ho-hum to stunning. Go with a patterned tile or classic — anything goes.I have found a considerable range of Merola Tile options at homedepot.com that are both unique and affordable. So much to choose from!

 

4. Marble Surfaces

From tile to stone, counter-tops to decor. Whites and grays are timeless together. In a bathroom or in a kitchen, this classy stone screams luxury. When most people hear marble, they think about pricey kitchen islands and Renaissance-style accents that look like they belong in a museum instead of a home. But the opulent stone, can be carved and crafted into all manner of home design and decor. We have used it in every fixer-upper we have completed recently. Take a look at this bright and classy marbled-up kitchen…

 

5. My Color Choice for 2017

Ok, so this is actually my own personal paint color choice of the year. As much as I love the light, bright neutral look of Sherwin Williams SHOJI white and plan to use it EVERYWHERE in my new home, this Sherwin Williams URBANE BRONZE is next on my list as a MUST USE in any home design renovation. It’s a dark gray that has a touch of warmth to it, perfect for those who find true gray too chilly. It’s a rather dark color, so it needs to be used in small doses or paired with plenty of contrasting light hues. I can’t wait to see this in my dining room of my new house… Classy and BOLD! (Notice white trim is a thing of the past, too.)

 

6. Be-Jeweled

It’s important to add pops of color to keep your space from looking “blah.” Homeowners alike are favoring saturated jewel tones in artwork, furniture and other home accessories. In addition to jewels, I am seeing metals, metallics, quartz, lucite and opal adding a dash of sparkle to rooms. And, transparent fabrics, floaty silks and sheers creating a lightness and soft romantic element to this trend, which is a good sign of where we are headed.

 

7. Velvet Textures

Just this past year, I had my favorite design item in my house custom-made… a gorgeous velvet dining room banquette. (It’s a good thing my entire family can fit on it or we would be drawing straws every evening for who gets to sit on it during dinner time!) It has brought my family back to the dinner table – in a comfortable way. This style is trending now and is a fantastic way to add color and texture to a space. Designers are adding the lush fabric on sofas, throw pillows, and even curtains for a sultry look. Here is a photo of my velvety piece.

 

8. Vain Bath Vanities

Vanities are making a comeback, and instead of reaching for pre-manufactured designs, homeowners are getting crafty by using chests of drawers, old file cabinets and vintage consoles to make one-of-a-kind pieces….and simple pieces with exposed piping. I am currently in my search for three vanities for my new home and have decided after hours and hours of online shopping, I want my kids and hubby to make our vanities! A couple legs and a top made from vintage wood, concrete, or stone is all we need. (Stay tuned for how these turn out.) My inspiration has been etsy.com. Here are a few ideas I have come across. Truly a custom look full of character…and most importantly, cost effective.

 

 

9. Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring

From weathered barns and historical buildings to stunning interiors, reclaimed wood flooring tells a story even in a home 100’s of years later. I love the hand-hewn look…and no two pieces of reclaimed wood are exactly alike. Harvested decades and even centuries ago from slow-growth, virgin timber, aged wood offers an authentic and exceptionally tight wood grain with a rich, naturally weathered color and patina that cannot be duplicated with most hardwoods today.The natural features of reclaimed wood bring warmth, and it’s a stunning choice for homes. Reclaimed wood can be incorporated in traditional and contemporary spaces. Repurposing reclaimed wood also demonstrates a dedication to preserving our nation’s past, as well as furthering its present goals for sustainability. Using reclaimed pine flooring in your home has eco-friendly benefits and brings a historic touch and luxurious look to your home. And, its affordable!

10. Interior Doors with Character

 

Have you ever really looked at the interior doors of your home? Have you ever considered how many doors you have? Or do you simply open and shut them without much thought? Plain white 5 or 6 panel colonial doors are OK, but for just a few more dollars, interior door styles can be taken to the next level. Your choice of interior doors can greatly impact the overall look of your decor. This seemingly basic architectural feature can be so much more than just a functional element in a home. When you consider all the different styles and materials available today, the options can be overwhelming. My favorite style door becoming more popular is a louver style (shutter, plantation…I have seen them called, too.) Offers an “island getaway” feel…

 

 

 

And, the biggest comeback for 2017 that we can anticipate seeing more of is…

Brass Decor, Hardware, and Fixtures

I know, I cannot believe I am thinking and writing it. Every time I show a home with brass fixtures, I always tell my clients to not worry, I am sure it will come back in style. I was not expecting to see it THIS soon, though! Today, the finish is less shiny, and the shape is more modern. I have come across new fancy names for it… “Aged Brass” and “Champagne Bronze.”

About a year ago, I started noticing more and more modern style products coming out in brass. I started to be intrigued by the possibilities of re-introducing this finish into my own personal design vocabulary of fixer uppers, home staging/design for my clients, and the custom home I am in the process of building. Then a recent client of mine finally opened that door for me. Modern brass is nothing like the ‘90s chandeliers. The best thing about incorporating brass into your home is that it’s relatively easy to do in small doses: Swap in brass drawer pulls, faucets, light pendants, end tables with gold legs, picture frames, mirrors, and more. I plan to use “aged brass” for the faucet in my powder room in the new house. Get inspired by this picture.

I could go and and on with design trends to expect to see more of this upcoming year…retro style appliances, kitchen “bars” instead of counters, etc, etc. Hopefully this blog was just a tad bit inspiring for your new year, new you…or new home. Most importantly, reflect your style, your hobbies, your creativeness…create a space that feels great.

 

Happy New Year, Everyone and God Bless!

 

– Jessica