Kitchen remodels are generally expensive, but homeowners can find ways to scale back while still achieving their goals. Three key takeaways: 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 …
Category: News
Oct 03
10 Home Design Trends Your Clients Will Love in 2024
Houzz, a remodeling website, chimes in with predictions for the most buzzworthy home features in the new year. Stylish storage, bolder patterns and textures and colors beyond the whites and grays are expected to shake up home design in 2024. Houzz, a home renovation and design platform, weighs in with its predictions for the home …
Oct 02
Inside Home Systems: A Guide to Heat Pumps
Heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to standard HVAC systems and are often a selling point for sustainability-conscious buyers. Homeowners in America installed 4 million heat pumps in 2022, beating out fossil-fuel-powered gas furnaces for the first time ever. Why? Cost savings, efficiency, versatility and safety. As heat pumps continue to go mainstream, it is …
Oct 02
Real Estate and Design Trends to Watch in 2024
From ecosystem conservation to “new” darker neutrals in exterior paint, we look at the trends set to take hold in the industry this year. Three Key Takeaways Staying abreast of what’s new and innovative in design and real estate is important, not to be trendy but to learn about innovative materials, systems and products to …
Sep 30
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Rattan
From cane frames to woven chair backs, a touch of fast-growing rattan adds warmth to interiors. Did you know your porch’s wicker furniture and the arched cane bookshelf at your favorite coffee shop might be made from the same material? Warm and natural, rattan has been an interior design mainstay for decades, most notably in …
Sep 30
Is the Home Office Getting a Pink Slip?
Designers and stagers are finding ways to offer people who work from home more versatility than a dedicated workspace often provides. Even though remote work remains commonplace, some real estate professionals and home stagers say the home office is losing its luster. Many home buyers are reclaiming this space for other nonwork uses. The shunning …
Sep 27
Bathrooms: Smaller in Size, Big on Tech and Flair
Bathrooms are getting smaller, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on amenities. Smart tech, comfort and spa-like serenity still set the tone. Three key takeaways: Bathrooms are expected to get smaller in new construction, according to Carrie Tolman, associate principal with KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group in Chicago. As such, she expects the popular spa-inspired …
Sep 27
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Concrete
From textured walls to industrial-style flooring, concrete makes an excellent choice for eco-conscious clients searching for high style and low maintenance. Concrete has been a construction mainstay for a very long time. Perhaps that’s why many Americans consider concrete a purely functional material. But designers say this durable material can also add sleek sophistication and …
Sep 26
It Pays to Be Green
Homeowners unlock federal energy-efficiency rebates, influencing market trends. The housing market stands on the verge of a significant transformation, driven by evolving sustainability trends that are reshaping buyer preferences and home construction standards. In fact, the 2023 National Association of REALTORS®’ Sustainability Report for the residential sector highlights the consistent demand for energy-efficient features, transcending …
Sep 25
Inside Home Systems: Save Money and Energy with Home Weatherization
Weatherization, also known as weatherproofing, protects a home’s interior from outdoor elements, moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. Those who live in cold climates are well versed in adding an extra layer or two to stay warm as temperatures drop. Though homeowners might not think of it as such, the same concept applies to homes in …
Sep 24
Create a Home that Fosters Connection
Knowing what furniture choices and layouts work best to accommodate different generations and their interests can help everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. Three key takeaways: Our homes provide an opportunity—and the space—for connecting with one another. In many homes, a designated room like the kitchen or a living space often serve as places of conversation …
Sep 23
Sustainable Spaces: The Living Room
Today’s consumers want sustainable homes. Here are some eco-friendly living room solutions that go beyond “reduce, reuse, recycle.” There’s no denying it: Today’s clients and communities are increasingly interested in sustainability. In 2022, 63% of surveyed real estate professionalspdf reported that mentioning energy efficiency in listings is “very” or “somewhat” valuable. A 2022 Zillow report …
