New ideas and perspectives on all facets of life are introduced with each new year. New ideas also bring with them new fashion and design trends, which can be reflected in our homes.

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   The way we currently live is directly related and in response to how we had to live in the fi rst few years of the 2020’s. Though we were happy to get back to normal as soon as possible, there were some things that we decided to hang on to and keep permanently.

For instance, some of the trends from the early 2020’s that have remained are outdoor living spaces, including fi re pits, gazebos, and lounging areas. Working from home became a necessity for many people, and now that it is no longer necessary, it has become an option that is appealing to many.

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What adjustments, enhancements, and modifications are homeowners thinking about making this year?

   The home o  ce trend continues through 2023 and into 2024. Homes are fi lling up with furniture and materials that weren’t there before, as more people opt to work remotely. Effective storage is a popular home improvement this year. Kitchen and bathroom updates are always popular, particularly in older homes.

   Upgrading your home to be more energy efficient continues to be an important home improvement. Thanks to inflation, rising energy costs, and new tax incentives for green home improvements, there are plenty of incentives for consumers to invest in energy efficient home improvements.

 

Back to Nature

There are several trends that lend themselves towards a more natural environment. One of those is the addition of natural wood on walls. This isn’t the old-school, dark wood paneling that was commonly used in the 1970’s and actually never even remotely looked like actual wood. Today’s wood paneling is typically lighter, more natural looking and comes in a variety of styles and colors that can create a more warm, richer environment.

   In fact, many people are taking advantage of the fact that they already have natural wood elements in their homes that have been painted over, such as staircases, hand rails, and mantels. With the right tools and supplies, plus a bit of elbow grease, paint can be stripped from many wood surfaces exposing the natural grain of the wood. Fixtures and accents also lend themselves to the natural feel. Rattan started to make a comeback last year and it hasn’t faded.  All types of lighting fi xtures are being converted from the hard metal feel to the softer feel and warmth of wood.

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Be Bold

   On the fl ip side of the natural look is a new bold look that is demanding to be seen. The personality of these interiors is brash and bold and exclaims that it is ready for

anything.

   Rich, strong colors are bursting their way to the forefront, pushing the softer neutrals of the past several years. Their inviting colors bring a different feeling – less of a, “relax, have a seat” theme and more of a, “buckle up and get ready to go” feeling. Strong blues and greens take the place of muted hues of the same color for a more noticeable interior.

   And to enhance those bold colors the trend in lighting is to go bolder and brighter. Brighter, more direct lights to

highlight the bright colors and features go hand-in-hand, so expect lighting to be as bold as the rest of the design changes in homes.

   Another bold design trend that’s becoming more popular is the use of tile in walls and floors to add a touch of art where you might not otherwise see it. Fresh and vibrant tiles are being used on walls, fireplace mantles, and kitchen backsplashes. Of course, bold new tile designs and colors in bathrooms are still an excellent way to add some personality to your bathroom.

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Old is New

The popularity of vintage furniture has recently become a noticeable trend. Vintage furniture features unique designs that stand out from modern, mass produced furniture. It adds character and charm to any space and can be a conversation starter. Typically, vintage furniture is made with high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. These pieces are built to last and can withstand the test of time, making them a worthwhile investment.

   Another popular reason vintage furniture is on the rise is that it encourages sustainability. By opting for vintage furniture, consumers are actively participating in sustainable practices. Instead of contributing to the demand for new furniture production, they are recycling and reusing existing pieces, reducing waste and environmental impact. These are all factors that have contributed to the growing popularity of vintage furniture among interior design enthusiasts and those looking for unique, well-crafted pieces for their homes.

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The Comeback of Wallpaper

   Not only is wallpaper back, it is all over the place (house)! At fi rst, it started showing up where it is expected to show up – on walls. But it was bolder and brighter than

in the past, and was specifi cally chosen to be a focal point in a room rather than just a background. In addition to new, brighter patterns and designs, the incorporation of textures further enhanced the uniqueness of different wallpaper designs.

   Once wallpaper came storming back to the forefront it started making appearances where it hadn’t been previously been used. Ceilings, yes ceilings are a popular new way to add personality to a room. Additionally, wallpaper is being used for staircase risers, furniture, cornices, tables, and even framed as art to hang on a wall!

   And best of all, new technology had made wallpaper installation and removal much easier and quicker than the previous generation of wallpapers of the past. So it offers the ability make a splash of a change to a room or area and then the option to easily change it later if you choose.

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EXTERIOR TRENDS

2024 looks to continue the trend of making our yards more useful and livable.

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Outdoor Fireplace

   The outdoor fireplace is another feature that is becoming more common in contemporary outdoor living areas. Fire pits started popping up over the past several years, and the trend has expanded into outdoor fireplaces that are a more permanent fixture, designed to transform patios into a more comfortable living area than ever before. Just like an indoor fireplace, eye-catching mantels and ornamental fireplace surrounds add style and flair to the space. To make it more useful, an outdoor fireplace can be used as an oven for pizza, or a grill can be added for grilling meat. If you plan to use an outdoor fireplace for cooking make sure to have it installed with the right features and fuel source to be functional and safe.

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Artificial Grass

   Having a tough time keeping your grass green? Too much shade, extended drought ,and poor soil can all be factors that prevent homeowners from keeping a lawn lush and green. But now there’s an option that can bypass these problems: Artificial grass. This isn’t old-school “astroturf” that you might have seen on a patio in the 1970’s. This is realistic looking grass that doesn’t need water, doesn’t care if there is no sun, and can be placed on most any surface.

   Because artificial grass requires no upkeep and provides a year-round green look without requiring fertilization, watering, or mowing, it is currently popular in exterior home design. It’s a water-saving, environmentally beneficial choice, particularly in drought-prone areas. Artificial grass is resilient and adaptable; it can be planted in a variety of locations, even harsh ones where natural grass cannot flourish. Artificial grass also bears up well to frequent use.

   But it isn’t a perfect solution to natural grass. Because it is synthetic, it can become very hot in direct sunlight, making walking on it with bare feet (or paws) very uncomfortable. Although it doesn’t require as much maintenance as natural grass, it still needs to be cleaned several times per year. Another potential problem is pet waste. Liquid or solid waste can’t be absorbed or decompose as it would in natural turf and soil. As a result, it needs to be removed immediately to keep the turf clean. Drainage can be a problem because rain isn’t absorbed directly into the ground, so planning for proper drainage by preparing the area with adequate grading and slope to ensure the rain flows where it is supposed to flow.

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Metal Roofing

Metals roofing is making a comeback. It would be easy to assume that the reason that metal roofing is showing up these days is purely aesthetic. A metal roof is a great final touch to the farmhouse style homes that have become popular in the past several years. But there are plenty of reasons why metal roofs actually make sense in addition to their good looks. For one, the life span of a metal roof is typically at least double the life span of an asphalt roof. They are more energy efficient than asphalt roofs, absorbing less heat than shingles, and therefore saving homeowners on their energy bill.

   Metal roofs are tougher than asphalt shingles, particularly steel roofs. But even tin and aluminum roofs are more durable than regular shingles. They can also withstand high winds better than regular shingles.

They also are more eco-friendly than asphalt shingles. With over 12 billion square feet of asphalt shingles ending up in landfills annually, asphalt shingles generate a lot of waste. They can be installed directly over the current roof saving the mess typically associated with replacing a roof. In addition, metal roofs are made of recyclable materials and contain as much as 95 percent recycled content.

   So why don’t more homes have metal roofs? There are some drawbacks that reduce the number of people willing to invest in metal roofs. The most obvious objection that many homeowners have is cost. In the long run, the cost of a metal roof is actually a better value than asphalt shingles. But the initial cost is typically higher than standard shingles. Another fairly obvious factor is noise. While the idea of rain falling on a tin roof may be the perfect picture of relaxation, for others they may find the noise distracting and even troublesome. A qualified roofer can install using insulation to reduce the sound, but this is something to fully consider before investing in a metal roof.

   Another possible negative is resale value. Some people love the look of a metal roof, but it isn’t for everyone. A house with a metal roof may reduce the number of potential buyers when the house goes up for sale. Lastly, finding a roofer that is truly qualified to install metal roofs can be a challenge. And just because someone says they can install a metal roof doesn’t necessarily mean they can install it correctly. When searching for a roofer, make sure to do your homework to determine if they are actually experienced and qualified to install a metal roof.

Enhance the Entrance

At the front of the house there are more opportunities to improve your home and it’s value. The driveway and garage door are two important parts of your home that are an afterthought most of the time. But upgrading your driveway and garage door can offer several benefits, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality:

Curb Appeal

   An updated driveway and garage door can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your home. It creates a positive first impression for visitors and potential buyers, increasing the curb appeal and overall value of your property. As any real estate agent will tell you, curb appeal is a very big part of the sale. You only get one chance ot make a great first impression. If the first look at a home includes a cracked driveway leading to a dilapidated garage door, it’s not a good starting point. But if the driveway is an extra wide driveway lined with decorative rock that can accommodate more cars that leads to a unique garage door, that’s another story!

   Deciding to upgrade your driveway can bring several benefits, depending on your specific situation and needs. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, an upgraded driveway to match your needs can make your driveway more functional and useful. The average home has a 2 car garage, but an increase in drivers per home because of extended families or several teenage drivers with cars of their own can mean a daily game of “shuffle the cars” when trying to get out of the garage. If space permits, widening the driveway to create an extra lane or parking area will save plenty of time and make life just a bit easier.

   More reasons to upgrade your garage door, whether you are selling your home or not, include enhanced security, improved energy efficiency, and quieter operation. Newer garage doors often come with advanced security features, such as rolling code technology and smart locking systems. This can help protect your home and belongings from unauthorized access. Upgrading to a modern, well-insulated garage door can contribute to better energy efficiency. This is particularly beneficial if your garage is attached to your home, as it can help regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs. Older garage doors can be noisy and disruptive. Upgrading to a newer model with advanced opening and closing mechanisms can provide a quieter and smoother operation.

   Investing in these upgrades can contribute to the increased resale value of your home. Potential buyers often appreciate well-maintained and visually appealing driveways and garage doors, making your property more attractive in the real estate market.

   Apart from the obvious eyesore of a damaged driveway that is a turnoff for potential buyers, they will likely ask for a concession in price because they know they will have to replace the driveway in the near future.

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Change the Color, Change the Look

   But upgrades don’t always have to be about functionality. Sometimes a fresh new look is what is needed. 2024 will expand on some of the new, bolder color choices for exteriors, doors, and trim that we haven’t seen in the recent past.

   Dark designs are here. You may have seen some of these already – on a street lined with farmhouse exteriors that are all painted with bright white or very light colors, there is one house of the same design with black exterior paint and dark trim. It is safe to say that the shocking contrast is something that people either love or hate. But it is definitely a growing trend, so enough people like it to give it traction as a growing trend.

   Bright doors are now “a thing”. Sure, we’ve had doors that varied from the typical brown or natural wood look in the past. But bright pastels are now adding a splash of color to houses, no matter what the rest of the exterior is painted. Bright yellows, teals, and all shades of blue are popping up all over neighborhoods. And why not? It’s an easy, inexpensive upgrade that can quickly be reversed or changed if you decide you don’t like it after all.