Trends can be very exciting! Sometimes they virtually reinvent the way we view a home renovation – for example, the incorporation of earth-friendly elements and products in recent years, and sometimes they are merely a flash-n-the-pan fad – as seen in the 1970’s with shag carpeting and avocado green appliances. Highlight Homes was thrilled to embrace many of the design trends of 2012 by incorporating them into the homes of our clients. While we look ahead to more exciting changes for 2013 in the design and renovation universe, we also pay homage to the trends of the past year – all of which we believe are here to stay.
According to the color experts at Pantone, white exudes an impression of “clean and pure” – both great elements for any kitchen. White also adds a light and airy feel to the heart of the home. It takes on the role of a splendid neutral that works well with a rainbow of colors. Black and white together often exude a sense of luxury, shades of neutral and white can have a calming effect, and brights with white can add an air of playfulness to any room. Whites can come in a number of hues – from the striking snow and white whites to a richer ivory or eggshell white. When dealing with confined areas, white can help make a small space look larger. It can add a chic vibe to a contemporary kitchen or a romantic feel to a more traditional room. Highlight Homes witnessed a major uptick in the requests for white and ivory cabinetry over the classic cherry and oak in 2012. One of our favorite renovations of the year was a striking white kitchen remodel in Newnan.
While this one is not a new trend for 2012, it is one we saw virtually explode over the past 12 months. No matter what you call it – lavatory, washroom, powder room, toilet, little girl’s/boy’s room, outhouse, potty, privy or the john – the number one trend that continuing to sweep the nation in bathroom remodeling is the transformation from a “necessary” room into a luxury retreat, something more worthy of the title “REST”room. By incorporating elements one might find in a spa – oversized soaking tubs, shower conversions into steam chambers, soft lighting paired with tranquil neutral walls, elegant fixturing, European tile flooring and more – more and more homeowners are able to view their bathrooms as a place of relaxation and peace… a place where they can wash away the stresses of the day, calmly gear up for the day ahead or get all dolled up for an evening on the town.
Perhaps one of the hottest trends out there (no pun intended), the outdoor hearth offers the ideal focal point for any outdoor living space. It can be as simple as a firepit surrounded by multi-colored Adirondack chairs – perfect for roasting marshmallows and swapping ghost stories, or as dramatic as a towering stacked stone fireplace with mantle – the showcase piece for the entire backyard. Outdoor hearths not only create atmosphere and add an air of romance to your oasis, they can be practical additions by enhancing the light and warmth of the space – increasing its enjoyment to all four seasons.
An unusual request we’ve been hearing more and more from homeowners is the development of a second master suite in their home. This space could be used by friends who wish to co-own a home, as a spacious bedroom/apartment for aging parents, as guest quarters that will secure one’s title as “hostess with the mostest”, a second bedroom for a spouse who snores, or a special space for a family member who is combating a terminal illness. No matter the reasons behind it, early study show that this trend could prove lucrative for the homeowner when it comes time to sell.
If you are considering a kitchen or bath transformation, wish to warm up your outdoor living space, or hope to re-envision your home’s layout by incorporating a second master suite, we encourage you to contact the experienced design-build team at Highlight Homes. We can be reached via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com, by phone at 678.873.9234, or through our convenient online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes, view a complete list of services we provide, and sneak a peek at our online portfolio, we invite you to visit us online!
