This post is sponsored by The National Association of Realtors. All opinions are 100% my own. For additional home finance tips, check outHouseLogic.com
When you buy a home, whether it be big or small, you want to put your design stamp on it and make it into something swoon-worthy. Everyone wants to live in a comfortable place and even first homes can be dream homes if you love it. There are so many things to consider when buying a home….school district, home value, location, distance to work and family….sometimes the design aspect falls to the wayside. A realtor can definitely help! They know all the ins and outs of home value and can help you find the diamond in the rough. But where do you begin with putting your own stamp? Just like a new pair of shoes can make an outfit, there are small ways to turn a house into a spectacular home. As you walk through your next potential home, or as you walk through your current house, think about these design ideas and hot decor trends to update it into something that truly is dreamy.
source – Bower Power
Patterned Tile
Patterned tile is hot, hot, hot right now. Think about ways to put it on the floor or on the wall….and there are endless options. We love the fact that monochromatic tile is just as popular as colorful mosaics and that there are numerous ways to incorporate it into your home. Think of little splashes – even a small bathroom floor or an accent area of your backsplash – this trend can spice up your life.
Shiplap
Wood walls, planked walls, shiplap….doesn’t matter what you call it…it’s a definite DO. You want to look for spaces that could handle additional texture or subtle design. Since this is a super versatile trend, it definitely has staying power. Paint it white for a more subdued look or leave it with the wood-look for loads of pop.
source – Bower Power
Gray Paint
Warm gray color schemes are the new neutral and it is way better than the beige of yesteryear but more inviting than blueish grays that feel sterile. Try warm grays or even greige to make things feel fresh without making your home feel too stark. I think that introducing it as paint is the way to go and then also in accessories. You can really accent it with a gold or oil rubbed bronze finish.
Brick Accent Walls
If shiplap isn’t your thing, consider introducing brick to your space. There are lots of ways to get the brick look without hiring a full blown mason. There are brick patterned panels at most home improvement stores that you can attach to the wall like plywood or you can do brick veneers or even brick wallpaper! My favorite is a white washed or german shmear look!
(designer – Britney Hayes)
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a surefire way to spruce up any space. It is way easier to shop, install and remove than the old wallpaper of the 80’s. Wallpaper had a bad rap but now it is pretty painless. Buy removable wallpaper (or wall paint) to change a room instantly. It’s even great for rooms that are ‘transitional’ so that the playroom doesn’t need to stay bright and vibrant when it turns into the homework room later.
Tufted Velvet
Nothing feels more luxurious than tufted velvet. It’s immediately more chic and inviting and rich for any space. Use it on a variety of surfaces – headboards, couches, chairs or even accent pillows if you want to ‘try it on’ before splurging on a bigger piece. I especially like it on headboards and backs of barstools because the vertical orientation makes them easier to stay clean!
(designer – Lindsey South)
Waterfall counters
A big trend in kitchens right now is the inclusion of waterfall countertops. This type of high end detail is when the countertop runs across the cabinets and then down to the floor, creating a waterfall effect. It requires extra countertop material and thus does cost more but creates a very chic and tailored look. This looks great in bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms. The best materials for this feature are stone, butcher block or concrete.
Light ash floors
Floors ten years ago were solidly in the dark, rich brown camp and now that is fading out. More homes are seeing lighter and less yellow or orange undertones and they look SO GOOD. The best part is that it can be done with your existing hardwoods with the right stain and proper refinishing techniques! If your dream house has hardwoods that don’t match your dreams of ashy floors, contact a floor refinishing company to see what they can do!
(designer – Lindsey South)
Live edge tables
What is a live edge table? It’s a table with it’s original live edge details….it has not been squared off but shows the wavy edge and cracks that create a realistic look. Some wood artisans can recreate a live edge look even if it isn’t legit but picking out your wood slab before having your table created can ensure that your carpenter is legitimately making a true live edge table for you. This small detail works really well with industrial decor and rustic styles 🙂
Black Trimwork
White and wood trim aren’t going anywhere but black trim work, doors and ceilings are all making a big appearance in the design world. It’s a very high contrast look that is screaming presence for your woodwork that normally plays second fiddle. If you have a space that needs a little boost and you aren’t afraid of contrast, this might be the inexpensive trend for you. Personally I think it looks amazing with lots of windows and doors and makes spaces really pop!
In the end, it’s important for everyone to feel at home in their own space. I know it’s taken us a long time but we are finally getting a hold of our own home and making it ours….so we know it’s possible! I’d love to hear what the dream items are that you want in your house. Is it a big open kitchen with quartz counters or a tufted headboard? Share with me in the comments and we can dream together!
My dream items include hardwoods everywhere downstairs, knocking a wall down and re-doing our kitchen layout. Then a nice master bathroom instead of the 80s tiny tub we have.
I am loving the new neutral. Gray makes everything feel fresh and clean, but also comfortable and homey. We have used it in almost every room of our “forever farmhouse” that we are building!
My master had black trim when we moved in and it was an absolute nightmare. It was very unforgiving and sings and showed dust. When I finally got around to painting over it that was another headache. It would have been cheaper to just replace them. Lesson learned. Avoid it.
Of dings*