Soft, strong and sustainable, organic cotton is a clear winner for your next interior design project.

These days, you can find organic products everywhere. When it comes to fabric, “organic” refers to the way the material was farmed. And organic cotton is one of the most sustainable textiles on the market. That’s an important note for today’s clients, of which more than 50% are interested in sustainability, according to NAR data.

“We prefer using organic cotton in our design projects because it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers,” says Brooke Lang, owner of Brooke Lang Design in Chicago. “Organic cotton farmers also use water conservation techniques to reduce the amount of water required.”

Organic Cotton 101

You might not be able to feel the difference between cotton and organic cotton bedsheets—and in some ways, that’s the point. All cotton comes from the cotton plant. This natural fiber grows from cotton shrubs in soft, fluffy clumps called “bolls.”

Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, according to Soil Association, a British nonprofit. On top of that, organic cotton farms tend to use less water than conventional farms. Going organic with fibers and textiles is an easy way to make a home more sustainable.

Ultimately, says Lang, organic cotton is grown using materials and methods that have a lower impact on the environment than traditional cotton. “It’s a great option for clients who desire more sustainable or environmentally-friendly design practices weaved into their space,” she adds.

Organic Cotton Trends in Home Design

When it comes to home textiles, cotton is a true workhorse. As a natural fiber, cotton is also soft and easy on sensitive skin. Going organic only makes cotton friendlier to your skin—and the earth. Here are a few ways to use organic cotton in interior design projects:

Organic Cotton Bedding

The bedroom is one of the most obvious places for organic cotton. Sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are all available in countless solid hues, prints and patterns.

“Organic cotton bedding is softer and free from harmful chemicals,” says Lang.

According to The Sleep Foundation, the ideal thread count for organic pima cotton sheets is 200 to 400, while organic Egyptian cotton is most comfortable and durable between a 300 and 400 thread count.

Organic Cotton Curtains

Cotton is an easy fabric to dye. That makes it easy to find organic curtains in various styles, patterns and colors, says Lang. Cotton is strong but soft, which gives even heavy curtains a natural drape. Lang also chooses it for its washability.

Organic Cotton Upholstery

Homeowners with children and pets often appreciate the simplicity of organic cotton upholstery.

“When we search for a durable and easy to clean material for upholstery, we often select organic cotton as an option,” says Lang.

A sofa or recliner covered in organic cotton may not seem design-forward. But the beauty of cotton is that it is a natural fiber that can be spun into a variety of weaves. Common cotton weaves include twill, flannel, percale and sateen.

Organic Cotton Rugs

Don’t forget the floors!

“Organic cotton rugs in a living space bring in a soft, eco-friendly texture to the floors,” says Lang.

A few recommendations:

• Grund for organic cotton bath rugs
• Revival for washable, flatweave organic cotton rugs
• Fhygge for minimalist organic cotton and wool rugs
• Loomy for organic cotton rugs that are biodegradable at the end of the product’s lifecycle
• Hook & Loom for cream-colored organic cotton rugs made with no dyes or adhesives
• Under the Nile for zero-waste organic cotton rugs made from clothing industry remnant

While many organic cotton rugs are washable, some require special care due to dye or fragile weaves.

Finding Organic Cotton Resources and Retailers

Organic cotton is an easy choice if you or a client want to prioritize sustainable textile materials in an upcoming room renovation or interior design project.

Just as Energy Star certification indicates that an appliance is energy efficient, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification demonstrates that a textile has been made with organic raw materials and without hazardous chemicals. There are 35 GOTS-approved home textile suppliers in the United States. Lang frequently looks to Coyuchi, Boll & Branch and Pottery Barn for client projects that need ready-made organic cotton home goods.

“Search online for companies that specialize in sustainable and eco-friendly products,” she says. “Look for products that have Organic Cotton certifications and meet the strict environmental criteria.”

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Each room has specific storage needs. Whether built-in or removable, homeowners benefit from having storage available in every room.

Three Takeaways:

• Every room needs some form of storage.
• Suggest portable options for homeowners who may move in a few years.
• Just as important as the usefulness of the system is being able to maintain it.

Storage comes in all shapes and size and varies tremendously, depending on the type of home. That said, every home needs some available space to organize items of daily use and those reserved as seasonal.

When searching for a home, buyers will often look to square footage and closet space to ensure that they can stow and organize all of their belongings. It’s important for real estate professionals to provide options. If no built-in closet exists, remind buyers of the various permanent and portable storage solutions available to them.

Living Spaces

Flat-screen TVs and Bluetooth speakers have all but eradicated the need for bulky entertainment centers, says Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Clarity in New York. Still, storage for gaming consoles, pillows and blankets, various remotes and more mean a living space requires some level of storage.

Designer Rebecca Pogonitz of GoGo Design Group recommends keeping one wall free from storage altogether—save for a couple of bookshelves—to make room for a TV. A clean wall with little shelving opens a space up and eliminates clutter.

For those not planning on staying in their home for long, Pogonitz recommends a modular system from Ikea or another affordable vendor. Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs suggests using ottomans and coffee tables with concealed storage.

Bedrooms

Trending right now is maximizing closet space and foregoing armoires or dressers in the bedroom. When there’s space for a walk-in closet, designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions likes to include a surface for a dressing table and a place to leave a suitcase open. Still, the logistics of a walk-in closet are important, which is why Aleks Videnovic of Stage IT advises making sure there’s sufficient space to turn around in.

When space for a walk-in closet doesn’t exist, outfit the closet space that’s available with racks of varying heights, along with adjustable cubbies and drawers when possible.

And if possessions exceed closet space, dressers do work well, as do ottomans and stylish shoe racks or cabinets, which can conceal shoes altogether.

Kitchens

The kitchen might be the most important place in which you minimize clutter and only keep what’s used. Organizing is just as important, and inserts from places like The Container Store, Rev-a-Shelf or Costco help keep things tidy says Bob Zuber, AIA, architect and principal of Morgante Wilson Architects.

When it comes to open shelves, Wemlinger, like many, prefers the minimalist look, but it’s important to remember they still require periodic cleaning and reorganizing, she says. She favors them for a specific use such as placing coffee mugs above a coffee center.

For an efficient pantry closet, Swartz incorporates roll-out shelves to make it easier to find items. Keeping height and reach in mind, she suggests a maximum height for roll-out shelves at 54 inches above the ground. Instead, she uses shelves above for larger items and tray storage.

For those with extra room and funds, a walk-in, back kitchen or butler’s pantry makes space for messy work out of view of the main kitchen plus more storage for extra dishes, bulk items and appliances, says kitchen designer Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, he says. “One of its advantages is keeping everything visible to be able to take quick inventory,” he says.

Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms

Equipping a secondary doorway like a side door or garage door with storage for coats, backpacks and shoes can help minimize clutter inside the home. Real estate saleswoman Stephanie Mallios of Compass considers them a boon to make morning rush a breeze, especially with children. With closed cabinets, the mess seems to disappear altogether, says Jacob Laws of Jacob Laws Interior Design. If there’s no room or budget for a closet with cubbies, a built-in or freestanding bench, along with a shelf and a few hooks mounted above, might work.

Increasingly, mudrooms have become large enough to accommodate laundry equipment. Sometimes they also include shelving and a rod on which to hang clothing. Sinks are often popular as well. Allison Bond, a saleswoman with Cummings & Co Realtors, finds that many homeowners who put money into these spaces will recoup it due to the mudroom’s popularity. Even if there’s not room for a laundry on the main floor, a clean, freshly painted one in a basement helps organize life and will appeal to potential buyers at resale, she says.

Bathrooms

Older bathrooms were smaller and had less built-in storage, sometimes due to the absence of a second vanity. If a remodeling isn’t in order, storage can be added above a toilet with shelves for a practical, minimalist look or within a medicine cabinet, says Wiss.

Because his bathroom had only a pedestal sink, Laws repurposed a mid-century modern credenza from his office and added it to a bedroom adjacent to the bathroom.

If remodeling is possible, storage should become a priority by using space saved by building a smaller shower, since the trend for oversized showers has waned in popularity, Bond says.

Garages

While there’s a large number of companies focused on organizing a garage with storage along its sides, back, and above cars, the guiding mantra again is to declutter first and not to overdo what’s installed. Nothing’s worse than having a garage so full with stuff that there’s no room for cars, Zuber says.

What’s also key is for the garage to look clean and have a floor that’s been painted with epoxy or another durable material, says Bond.

Nooks, Crannies and Stairways

Most homes contain spaces that can be converted to useful storage with a little imagination and help from a contractor or a piece of furniture. Under the stairs has become popular for a coat rack and bins. A stair landing can be outfitted with a window seat with storage, and under a bed also works for storage, says Mary Cook of Mary Cook Associates, who advises builders on commercial and home design trends.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

A breakdown of sustainable upgrades by budget and the potential utility bill savings.

About a third of agents and brokers are using green data fields in their MLSs to promote sustainable home features, believing them to be a selling point, according to the 2023 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report from the National Association of REALTORS®. Many homeowners may see the value as well, but “the number one question we hear from consumers is where to start,” says Nicole Staple, head of market partnerships at Rewiring America. “Few people can afford to make these upgrades all at once.”

A recent study from Reworking America and Thumbtack provides a breakdown of sustainable upgrades by budget and the potential utility bill savings:

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

The staircase is often a focal point in a home, but also the last on the priority list when it comes to design or remodeling. However, prioritizing the staircase can set the tone for the rest of the design.

Key Takeaways

• Stairs primarily offer function, but also provide an opportunity to make a statement as a three-dimensional sculpture.
• Homeowners should know that staircases, like most other parts of a home, can be renovated to suit desired tastes and styles.
• Nowadays, there’s no single way to decorate, renovate or style a staircase, which makes it a great feature for creativity in design.

Few homeowners turn down a house because of the style and construction of the stairway. That’s because they’re viewed more for their function.

Still, aesthetics make a difference, especially since stairways often act as a focal point. “A stair can become a vertical feature and very dramatic statement that reflects what’s to come,” says designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. Architect Bob Zuber, AIA, Principal of Morgante Wilson Architects agrees and adds that it’s the most important three-dimensional object in most homes, “which offers an opportunity to make a sculptural statement.”

There’s no single way to construct and decorate a staircase. In a recent Elle Décor magazine, editor and homeowner Ingrid Abramovich installed a classic striped runner on the stairs of her family’s 1870s vintage brownstone. In the same issue, designer Darryl Carter included a sweeping curved stair with fully exposed pale wood treads in a client’s new Georgian Revival-style house in Washington, D.C. Both solutions meld function and style to fit each house.

Architect Alexander Zilberman, AIA, Principal, Alexander Zilberman Architecture P.C. (AZA), says that instead of having a stairway make a grand gesture within an entranceway, he likes to tuck it aside in its own space for its own identity. “Pilasters and soffits can help define such a space, and it can bleed into another yet live in its own area,” he says.

With extra attention, a stairway and its surroundings may help a sale by improving a buyer’s first impression, says broker Alicja Skibicki, Baird & Warner. “It’s not as important as a new kitchen or bathroom but can make a difference. Newer floating staircases can add a dramatic accent with sleek, clean lines, which younger buyers look for,” she says.

Consider Proportions

Hallways come in all shapes and sizes but what’s key is that the stairway be proportionate with the space around it. For safety, stair construction falls under building code rules in terms of riser height and tread width with some leeway. The goal when remodeling a stairway or building new is that climbing and descending a stairway should be a graceful journey, Zuber says. The parts—balustrade, railing, newel post and nose—should also be in proportion with one another. The Houzz design and remodeling site provides more guidelines to share, Key Measurements for a Heavenly Stairway.

Opt for Continuity

One of the trickiest decisions is to decide what color wood to use since some like having it compatible with exposed flooring, says Segal. “I advise clients to decide on their floor species and color first if they’re replacing it or restaining, and then proceed to the stairs and all its parts,” he says. “The wood or colors should match in stain color rather than be different,” he says.

Designers all have their favorites when it comes to color, shade and material. For instance, Segal favors walnut and oak for their durability and colors or stains in a darker or medium hue rather than light, but in cases of very contemporary homes he might pick a light stain, but not a whitewashed one.

Trends fall in and out of favor over time, so homeowners might want to consider more long-term factors—durability, desired aesthetic and the overall style of the home—instead.

Because so many of their clients favor a contemporary look, Zuber and colleagues use a lot of white oak with a light or pale stain and square off the nose—the part beyond the tread, which in the past was usually rounded. Zilberman prefers to make choices according to what’s happening throughout the house.

Mix It Up

While many staircases have wood balustrades and spindles to match, some designers like variety. Designer Marina Case of The Red Shutters often paints the handrail Farrow & Ball’s “Railings” (No. 31) color, which gives a blue-black appearance. Segal has often painted the risers and spindles white or a trim color to lighten the look. Although some consider wrought-iron railings in older homes dated, he may keep them if they’re not overly embellished. Zilberman finds that quality materials and the right joinery and other details are sufficient to play up the staircase.

Go Contemporary

For more contemporary-style homes, designers are introducing cable railings or glass walls on the outer side. Zuber says many clients favor these looks because they allow in more light and views. Janet Bertin, of Janet Bertin Decorating Den Interiors, added metal cable railing in a client’s traditional suburban home to update it. She paired the cable with oak treads stained a medium gray to match the flooring. She also made the risers white and ran a carpet runner in tightly woven blue wool. “The finished look helped to freshen what was an ordinary suburban home and for a fairly modest cost of about $15,000,” she says.

Designer Ioana Tzatcheva of Ioana Todorvoa Designs, Decorating Den Interiors, modernized the wood staircase in her suburban Colonial-style home by adding tempered glass panels and steel handrail and posts, all fabricated by a shower door company. “I wanted to make it a focal point and style statement,” she said. To match newly whitewashed floors throughout, stairs were capped with new white oak treads and risers.  

Use Stair Modules

These days, many specialist stair companies build parts as modules off-site and assemble them in the house, which saves time and pares mistakes. That’s the case with Viewrail, which started out manufacturing traditional stair parts and has shifted to focusing on cable railings and glass walls. The company also manufactures floating staircases, which are certified for safety by the International Code Council.

The Rundown on Using Carpet (or Not)

Nowadays, it’s rare for a designer to favor fully carpeted treads. That said, runners still work in some cases. Depending on the wood designers find underneath, they may stain and finish the boards, paint them if they’re not in good shape and leave them showing or add a runner.

For safety, some professionals recommend wire-brushing stairs if left uncarpeted to avoid falls. But some like Zuber still prefer to leave most uncarpeted for a more modern look. Zilberman is also in the “no carpet” camp and feels if a stairway is done properly, it doesn’t need additional ornamentation and should be celebrated on its own.

Case, however, is among those who like adding a runner to avoid falls and buffer sounds. She favors flat, tight weaves in nylon or wool and classic patterns such as stripes or plaids.

If homeowners opt for adding carpet, an experienced installer is crucial to align patterns. Most runners, says designer Suzanne Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs, are installed in the waterfall method, where the carpet cascades down the stairs. Another option is the more expensive Hollywood or Chicago style where each stair and riser share a separate piece of carpet.

Add Accessories

Though a stairway often functions as its own statement, especially when in or near the foyer, homeowners might want to consider the surrounding space. Wallpaper, on a big comeback, or paint add color and style to the space surrounding the staircase. A large light relative to a foyer’s size can add more drama and set off a stairway, says Segal.

Other traditional additions: a table or chest, mirror, seating, artwork and area rug that repeats what’s on stairs or floor cloths that are easy to clean, Case says. Skibicki likes applying faux-wood panels along a stairwell to add texture. “But any additions are a good way to add individual style,” she says.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

From salvaged barn doors to tree bark, reclaimed wood makes a statement in building and design projects.

Take a walk down the aisles of any big-box retailer’s home goods section and you’ll come across decor made from what looks like distressed wood. The rustic look has been all the rage for years, but many of these products are made from new lumber that’s been dented, sanded or chemically “weathered” until the piece looks time-worn.

Clients interested in more sustainable aesthetic appeal should consider salvaged wood for upcoming builds, renovations or interior design projects. Though not as infinitely reusable as recycled glass, reclaimed wood is one of the greenest building materials. Homeowners love the charm and personality of well-worn wood, so what might not be strong enough for exterior building purposes can still be used in furniture and decor. The reclaimed lumber market is projected to grow by an average of 4.6% per year through 2028, according to a market research report by Grand View Research.

Reclaimed Wood 101

“Reclaimed wood is wood that was previously used for another purpose—for example, barns, gymnasiums or bleachers, or industrial buildings,” says Chicago-based interior designer Claudia Martin.

Salvaged wood is low-cost and low-energy. According to research published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the energy used to produce new framing lumber and wood flooring is 11 to 13 times greater than the energy used to make the same products from reclaimed wood.

Another type of reclaimed wood is bark harvested from forest industry waste. These days, a handful of innovative manufacturers are perfecting the process of reclaiming bark from sustainable forestry initiatives so that the entire process is eco-friendly.

Reclaimed Wood Trends in Home Design

Reclaimed wood, like cork or concrete, is a versatile material for builders and designers. As a natural material, it adds authentic warmth and texture to a space while staying friendly to the earth it came from.

Here are five ways reclaimed wood is used in new homes, renovations and interior design projects.

Reclaimed Wood and Tree Bark Siding

Bark has been used as a protective covering on homes since the 1600s, according to Reliance Timber in North Carolina. Back then, bark siding naturally had a rustic look and feel. These days, bark siding producers carefully peel the bark from forest waste, then kiln-dry, flatten and cut it into symmetrical shingles or sheets. The result? One-of-a-kind siding that is sustainable and naturally resistant to the elements.

Reclaimed Wood Paneling

No, this isn’t your ’70s-era basement wood paneling. Reclaimed barn wood planks elevate old designs when used to create a shiplap accent wall or paneled ceiling.

Even better: Martin suggests using reclaimed wood paneling vertically on a wall and the ceiling to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This combination works particularly well in cabin- or lodge-style homes, though the natural texture of wood can also soften an industrial-style space.

Reclaimed Wood Custom Shelving and Furniture

Today’s homeowners often appreciate the opportunity to stand out with one-of-a-kind pieces like reclaimed wood consoles and headboards. From salvaged live-edge wood to historic wooden floor planks, reclaimed wood offers designers the chance to create a custom piece based on the shape and grain of the available material.

“A great way designers can incorporate reclaimed wood is by using it as shelves,” says Martin. “A floating fireplace mantel using reclaimed wood [also] becomes a focal point.”

Reclaimed Wood Doors and Window Frames

“Architecture can come to life by using reclaimed wood to build door and window frames and trim. Custom barn doors using wood from actual barns are authentic and environmentally friendly,” Martin says.

Homeowners might also appreciate salvaged barn doors because the product is already made. Unlike traditional swinging doors, barn doors can be installed on a visible track to move along the wall. Since the door doesn’t have to fit flush inside the door frame, sliding barn doors give designers and contractors a bit of leeway in size.

Reclaimed Wood Built-Ins

Kitchens and bathrooms are still the most popular rooms to renovate, according to Fixr. And while spaces exposed to moisture might not be the first choice for reclaimed wood built-ins, Martin suggests reclaimed wood kitchen islands or bathroom vanities can absolutely work. That could be because old-growth reclaimed wood is solid, precured and rot-resistant compared with the wood veneer over particleboard you might find at some big-box retailers.

Wood countertops not your clients’ style? Reclaimed wood can also be incorporated into built-in cabinets, shelves, and cozy alcoves.

Finding Reclaimed Wood Resources and Retailers

“The best way to source reclaimed wood is to start in your own community,” Martin says. “There are online dealers as well, but beware of big-box–type stores where you might be getting something that is new material, just made to look old.”

For DIY reclaimed wood projects, custom furniture, or shelving, Martin suggests checking Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace for someone in your area who sells locally sourced reclaimed wood or items made from local reclaimed wood. If you have a specific item in mind, you can widen your geographic reach by looking for reclaimed wood products on eBay or Etsy.

Clients interested in using bark siding for new builds or exterior renovations should check out BarkClad, Hardin Creek or Bark House. Bark House, a Cradle to Cradle–certified supplier, also offers interior bark wall finishes.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Kitchen remodels are generally expensive, but homeowners can find ways to scale back while still achieving their goals.

Three key takeaways:

• Consulting with a design pro can help homeowners make the best choices for their budgets.
• In nearly every category, a cost-effective option exists.
• Many materials mimic more expensive ones, which cuts cost while maintaining the desired look and durability.

Often the center of the home, the kitchen garners much attention. That’s why when something’s amiss, it might be too glaring to overlook. Take, for instance, an inefficient layout, poorly functioning appliances or lack of pantry storage. Remodeling a kitchen is often a lofty goal, and it’s one of the most expensive rooms to transform.

For a mid-range revamp, Refresh Renovations puts the average price point between $28,000 and $80,000.

How much to spend often depends on how long homeowners plan to stay in the home. If it’s only for a few years, they might be content painting cabinets white and updating hardware, both of which can make a difference in how the room looks, says Jennifer Ames with Engel & Volkers real estate. Or they might go with mid-range appliances or select stock cabinets, says designer Alison Truelock of Interiors by Alison.

If the timeline is longer, however, homeowners may think spending more will be worthwhile for enjoyment and equity, Ames says. This is where they may get stuck: Figuring out how much to spend and on what is difficult sometimes, and that’s where real estate practitioners can help.

Getting Started

When remodeling a kitchen, homeowners have much to consider, like paint, tiles, appliances, countertops, cabinets, layout and design. Many times, a hybrid approach makes sense: Mix splurging on what they really want with affordable choices for things they care less about—what Truelock calls a “spend/save mentality.”

Input from a design professional will help people make smart choices, avoid mistakes and stay within a budget, says designer Sharon McCormick of Sharon McCormick Design. They have the knowledge and the connections to help homeowners stretch their dollars while maintaining quality.

Help homeowners streamline their remodels by prioritizing needs based on these 10 categories:

Layout

Keeping an existing layout helps keep down expenditures by minimizing new plumbing and electric work, says McCormick.

If the layout is part of the problem, however, it’s important to consult a designer to figure out the best solution. For example, to gain more room to eat may require taking down a wall. A good designer will know what other options exist, though. For instance, designer John Starck Jr. of Showcase Kitchens put a refrigerator in an adjacent mud room so that the kitchen could accommodate a peninsula island. The refrigerator was still easily accessible, and this fix prevented the need for major construction.

Paint

One quick way to change the look of a room is to paint it, but not all paint is created equal. High-end brands like Farrow & Ball have more pigment in them than many others, which makes it more costly and may necessitate a specialty painter who’s worked with the material, says McCormick.

Still, a host of other quality, affordable brands still make a room look great. Homeowners should consult with a professional to figure out which brands work best in what’s typically one of the most used rooms in the house. If a kitchen contains soffits, designer Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs suggests painting them the same color as cabinets to give the kitchen a more custom look.   

Cabinetry

Cabinetry typically accounts for 40% to 60% of the total cost of renovating a kitchen. If cabinets are sturdy and in good shape, Wemlinger recommends those with smaller budgets retain existing cabinets and paint them if they are a dated color.

Repainting requires a professional who specializes in spraying—not rolling—to get the correct finish, says designer Mary Jo Long, CID, of Decorating Den Interiors. She saved one client $15,000 to $20,000 by repainting cabinets rather than replacing them. Door fronts and hardware can be changed to update a look, and she advises clients to change hinges and drawer runners for a smoother soft close. For those who can afford to change cabinets but still are watching costs, options exist. Shaker door fronts—rather than raised panel—save money, Truelock says. Full overlay doors are also less costly than inset style doors, McCormick says. Cabinetry with doors rather than drawers also pares costs because drawers require more material, labor and hardware, she continues.

Nancy Jacobson of Kitchen Design Partners advises keeping the overall hanging height at eight feet. “As soon as you have taller ceilings and cabinet hanging heights, you add a great deal of cost,” she says.

Countertops

There are many ways to save with the choices of material and detailing for countertops. So much of the price of different materials depends on where they’re from, rarity of a pattern, labor for installation and maintenance and type of edge. (A pencil or squared-off edge is less expensive than an intricate ogee edge, McCormick says.)

To save money, Starck went with quartz rather than the most expensive natural stone for one project, and another with synthesized woodgrain laminate instead of solid oak. And, these days, some less expensive choices are worth revisiting such as butcher block, and laminates, McCormick says.

Backsplash

Painting is less costly than installing tile along a backsplash, but if a homeowner wants tile, the range in pricing can accommodate budgets. Classic subway tiles are an affordable choice versus more unusual shapes that require more time-consuming and expensive installation. Homeowners can save by shopping closeout tile sales, McCormick says.

Thinking about appearance is important when it comes to the backsplash. One expense can prove worthwhile visually, Wemlinger says, like tiling an entire wall rather than just the lower four feet.

Islands

If a kitchen can accommodate one, an island is a popular feature in a redesign. Islands come with hefty price tags, though, especially if cabinets or drawers are part of the design. But the advantage of putting money into an island is that it offers a place to gather, which most buyers appreciate, Ames says.

If dollars are limited and an island is a must-have, some suggest putting money into the island and cutting back on changes to the room’s perimeter, which generally require more linear feet of materials. Another way to scale back is to repurpose a piece of furniture for a nice, surprising addition, McCormick says.

Appliances

Integrated or built-in appliances convey a more upscale look, as do stainless steel fronts, Wemlinger says. In most cases, many quality choices function very well, even without a status label, so Truelock suggests homeowners ask themselves how much cooking they plan to do. When it comes to the refrigerator, though, Ames recommends not skimping on size since it’s the piece of equipment many homeowners find most useful.

Another way to save is to watch for manufacturers’ specials since many offer discounts if homeowners purchase a suite of pieces. Sometimes they offer a free item like a dishwasher or hood range when multiple pieces are purchased at once. Working that way offers another advantage, Truelock says—all handles and finishes match.

Lighting

Ames suggests homeowners who want to work within a budget focus on having good overhead lighting in recessed cans and pendants–and forego under-cabinet and in-cabinet. Two features that McCormick says should be included are dimmers to change levels of light and smart app-controlled options. And natural light through windows or doors is another worthwhile investment.

Flooring

Hardwood and engineered wood floors are popular for the warmth and the look they convey, especially if used in adjacent rooms, McCormick says. A wood product also provides more give and less wear on feet than ceramic tile. But these days certain products like luxury vinyl tile (LVT) resemble wood, are easy on feet and are easy to maintain, McCormick says. Ames suggests a linoleum-type product, Marmoleum, which is attractive and sustainable.

Finishing Touches

Decorative cabinet hardware is described as the jewelry of a room that adds personality. Possibilities come in a huge range of prices. Plumbing hardware also comes in myriad choices and can add style—and fun. Selecting a good brand with solid brass parts may also curtail repairs later, Truelock says. Other finishes that add a special look are brushed brass and polished nickel, she says.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission