When it comes to what’s popular in home design, some trends stay for a while, while others are only in vogue for a short time. Here, Gabrielle Dodson, a Brentwood resident and Realtor® with COMPASS, takes us through some home designs that have stood the test of time and introduces us to some new and exciting developments.
Kitchens
While white kitchens remain popular, the color is softening slightly. “We're not as stark white as we were,” she says. “Instead, we’re going towards a warmer palette.”
Quartz is still a great choice for countertops, including waterfall countertops, but something new is in the mix—porcelain. It can withstand high heat, doesn’t stain, and looks very similar to marble or quartz.
A scullery, or a prep kitchen, is becoming more common, explains Gabrielle. This is basically a kitchen behind a kitchen – one where all the real (messy) work takes place. Large pantries with lots of storage are still a big plus, and if there’s room and electricity for a second refrigerator, that’s even better.
Bathrooms
In primary bathrooms, heated floors and steam showers remain popular, with the latter offering some great health benefits. People are also installing coffee bars and, in some cases, small fridges.
“Gold is still trending when it comes to hardware, but people are also going with mixed metals, such as a brushed nickel, which is closer to a softer gold,” she says. “Some are also going back to black.” The standalone soaking tub and separate walk-in shower are probably here to stay.
Storage, of course, is always important, and now many walk-in closets can be found right off the primary bathroom. “These may have islands with lots of drawers, and maybe even a glass top where you can put your accessories,” says Gabrielle. Other closet trends include chandeliers, wallpapered ceilings, and LED-lit clothes racks and clothes bars.
Additional Rooms
Even though many people have gone back to the office to work, they still like to have a home office, or maybe even a library. For fun seekers, game rooms, usually found in basements or bonus rooms, with pool tables, ping pong, air hockey, and vintage arcade games, are a hit. Add in a movie room, and a home becomes a private entertainment center. Go even bigger with a sports court and/or golf simulators.
People today tend to prioritize self-care, and it’s being reflected in their homes. “Some are doing therapy rooms where they have a cold plunge, a sauna, a red light therapy area, and maybe a massage table,” she says.
But the biggest trend Gabrielle is seeing is the addition of a drop zone, or a family-ready room. This is a designated space for book bags, coats, shoes, and sports gear. In addition to hooks, people are installing cabinets to hide these items, with outlets so all electronics can be charged behind closed doors. Water filling stations are an added bonus.
To keep things bright and on trend, add some rope lighting to any room. “You basically drape them, and you can make them longer or shorter, depending on the height of your ceilings.”
Trends and Selling
While trends are fun, when it comes to selling, it’s often better to stick with the tried and true. “Remember that you're appealing to the masses, so instead of super trendy, concentrate on fresh and inviting,” she says. “Give buyers a clean slate so they can see how they can make it their own.”
Make sure your home gives a great first impression. Freshen up the front door and porch area with some plants and a welcome mat, and ensure the landscaping is trimmed.
Once inside, your home should look as bright and open as possible, says Gabrielle. You can do this by adding recessed lighting or lamps, removing heavy drapery, and painting rooms a neutral light color.
“Open concept is still the most popular layout, and anytime you can open things up by removing a wall, and it’s not cost-prohibitive, do it,” she says.
In the kitchen, instead of installing all new cabinets, paint the existing cabinets if they’re of good quality. “We used to say, ‘When in doubt, white it out,’ but there are some really great older homes with beautiful high-end cabinets that buyers may find appealing to leave as is. Be sure to also update appliances and hardware so they don't look dated.
In the bathroom, she recommends installing new flooring if needed. “You could do porcelain tile,” says Gabrielle. “It will have that veining look and appear more expensive. If your space is not that large, paint it white or as light as you can, add a nice countertop, and new plumbing fixtures.”
She adds, “If you could make any kind of investment, do a drop zone or a larger laundry room.”
Gabrielle enjoys providing guidance to buyers and sellers and is a valuable resource for contractors, painters, electricians, and more. “My clients can call me for anything,” she says. “We work with vendors daily, and we vet them before referring.”
COMPASS.com/Agents/Gabrielle-Dodson
“Remember that you're appealing to the masses, so instead of super trendy, concentrate on fresh and inviting.”
“Open concept is still the most popular layout, and anytime you can open things up by removing a wall, and it’s not cost prohibitive, do it.”