Renovating an existing home or designing a home from scratch can be a daunting task. Anyone who has bought a pink toilet bowl or a green dishwasher can attest to the fact that what seems like a great idea today might not be viewed so kindly in the future. Our advice for renovating and designing your home is to focus on regional influences, so your home fits in with its surroundings. in beautiful North Carolina and South CarolinaThere are many home design trends you can continue to make sure your home has lasting value. The first places people consider when they think of renovations are the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen and bath renovations represent the largest segment of the $1 billion a year home renovation industry. With green dishwashers and pink toilets in mind, you’ll want to make sure your renovations don’t fall into the tragic category. There are some safe bets and some things to avoid.
Starting in the kitchen, you’ll probably be tempted to redo the cabinets. There has been a recent trend towards glass-front cabinet doors, which seems like a bad idea. Do you really want guests to look at how messy your cabinets can be, or do you have the extra time requirements to keep them streak and stain free? Stick with traditional wood finishes. Darker wood colors are making a comeback, if you will. Granite countertops have been a perennial favorite, and recently matte finish countertops have gained popularity. If you are considering installing them, you should be aware that they stain very easily and can be subject to nicks and scratches. Instead, take a look at engineered composites, which are mixes of recycled granite and resin. These are less expensive than granite, come in more colors, and are not susceptible to staining or scratching.
In the bathroom, you might be tempted to install one of the luxurious over-the-counter bowl-style sinks you’ve seen in trendy restaurants and cafes. However, think again, as they are difficult to clean and unwieldy to use on a daily basis. Instead, invest in a bathtub to relax your stress and it has gained popularity over whirlpool tubs. Also popular are spa-style showers that have multiple shower heads and “garden” tubs designed to open from the front, allowing easier access for people.
Nationally, there is a trend toward the use of exterior materials and architectural features that provide durability and low maintenance. In tea carolinas, brick is the preferred building material. First, it’s made from local Carolina clay, and second, it’s durable and attractive. Finally, having a good weight, the brick increases the thermal mass of your house, contributing to greater energy efficiency. Installing awnings over your windows is also a great way to increase the value of your home and lower your energy bills.
Traditionally, people who live in North Carolina or South Carolina enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. Today, it is the biggest trend nationwide. Designing your home to incorporate the outdoors is one of the best things you can do to increase its appeal to buyers and create fun for yourself. Adding a porch, sunroom, or outdoor kitchen are great ways to get outside. Many people also choose to add these features as a replacement for a traditional basement. Many people who come from the northern states are used to basements, but many areas of the Carolinas are not suitable for basements, due to the high water table or annual humidity. Adding these outdoor living spaces doesn’t have to be expensive either. Outdoor cooking can be as simple as a deck made of attractive field stone and a built-in grill. The sunroom and porch are fairly simple projects that a good handyman can complete over a few weekends. From reading a good book in the solarium in the early winter months, to grilling outdoors in the summer months, with the great carolina weatherYou can enjoy these features almost all year round.
When planning any construction involving wood, we recommend that you use Forest Stewardship Council certified products and reclaimed wood (http://www.fscus.org/). You will be doing your part to help protect a valuable and limited resource. Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for flooring in the Carolinas, and by using reclaimed wood sources (wood harvested from old sawmills, barns, and other sources) you’ll add character and a depth of color you can’t find in newer wood sources. wood . Reclaimed wood is also immune to the warping and shrinkage problems experienced with new wood.
Trends in home design they are always changing and regionally influenced. When buying a new home or renovating an existing one, consider popular design trends as an easy way to establish value in your home. Many homes in North and South Carolina have beautiful architecture, and using popular design features will not only maintain the value of your home, it will make life more enjoyable.
