Remember brass? This home design trend was anything but that. The passing fad prompted many a homeowner to swap out fixtures for brass ones, only to find they’d invested in a trend that became merely a phase. Figuring out what will appeal to buyers in the future can feel somewhat like turning to a magic 8 ball. Can you do more than guess, or can you identify trends that will last and bypass the fads?
Here’s how to maintain – or increase – your property value:
- Go light. White kitchens are hugely popular, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. A whopping 67 percent of National Kitchen and Bath Association members say white cabinets are their go-to choice, a number that keeps increasing year after year. While stainless steel appliances become more affordable, they hold less exclusivity. On the other hand, white appliances have staying power, as their easy to clean and merge seamlessly with many design styles.
- Add neutral colors. Gray is a lasting color choice in kitchens and baths due to its wide appeal and ability to warm up a space. Experts advise using the sophisticated color choice in the kitchen, especially. In colder climates, use it in warm elements, like wood cabinets, and complement it with stronger color choices, like yellow or red. In warm climates, gray is refreshing, helping to beat the heat and humidity.
- Consider alternative refrigeration. That bulky, lone fridge is no more the leading standard. Now, homeowners are turning to point-of-use fridges, installing the appliance where they need it most. Consider an under-the-counter unit for the island, a fridge for wine, and one for beverages installed at a kid-friendly height. These aren’t your college-fridge options; however. They’re equipped with extending, slide-out shelves and bins, various settings to accommodate deli foods, produce and beverages, and multiple shelf positions for maximizing space and usage.
- Use touch faucets. Once considered a fad, this trend is here to stay. Touch faucets are more expensive, but they make preparing food with dirty, messy hands a breeze. They also help to save on water usage, encouraging lower utility bills. A final perk: Touch faucets are more sanitary than standard ones, encouraging a germ-free environment.
- Accept accessible, universal design. Don’t want to think about aging? Even if you’re not the one to grow old in your home, someone will – and modifications for the older sector, as well as the younger crowd, is not a fad. Design ideas such as stoves and microwaves positioned at a lower level just make sense. So go ahead and invest in side-opening ovens positioned at counter height, deep-pocketed drawers for storage, and microwaves hidden in drawers.
- Choose modern design. Just don’t make it too cold. Lasting modern design is minimalist and clean, and light on details and fuss. Go for a look that’s fresh and clean, not stark, to make the investment worthwhile.
- Shower the bathroom. In the bathroom, a large, leaning-toward-extravagant shower is a must. As the tub takes less precedence in the minds of homeowners, showers are growing – in popularity and size. Choose a curbless design and go big with the showerhead, which provides a luxurious, spa-like experience. You don’t have to ditch the tub, just keep it smaller in size.
It’s possible to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom based on trends that will stand the test of time. Do your research on fads that will do just that: whiz through town and barely make a single stop. When you invest in long-lasting trends, however, your home’s value will soar – and you’ll enjoy the ambiance, too.