The New Year invites us to review upcoming and recently completed projects, and share a few remodeling and design industry predictions for 2017.
COLOR OF THE YEAR
Every year, experts at the Pantone Color Institute identify the top colors they feel “reflect the mood and attitudes taking place in our culture.” These color selections are so powerful they often guide fashion and interior design trends. Pantone announced that its 2017 Color of the Year is Greenery: a vibrant, leafy green that represents “refreshment, rejuvenation and rebirth.” A door painted in Behr’s New Shoot (ABOVE) is said to be a match for Greenery. (Photo courtesy Behr)
LAUNDRY ROOMS
According to the home improvement platform Houzz.com, “Laundry rooms are quickly becoming an area where homeowners are willing to invest extra design dollars.” This is expected to ring true in 2017. Common upgrades include sinks, mudroom-type storage, designated pet stations and extra counter space for folding clothes.
BUILT-IN BARS
At HighCraft, we’re building more and more basement and main-floor bars (see ABOVE). And like the homeowners who use them, no two custom bars are alike. For some homeowners, the built-in bar has seating and is a major destination in the home. For others, it’s a smaller workstation in or off the kitchen that improves traffic flow, includes an under-counter wine fridge and makes it easier to entertain.
ACCENT WALLS
We identified bold accent walls as a growing trend last year, and expect it to remain popular through 2017. The installation of unique materials – especially reclaimed barn wood and shiplap – adds a piece of history and interest to any room in the house.
In 2017, more homeowners will opt for a full wall, multiple walls or ceilings in tile instead of a partial-wall backsplash in the kitchen and bath. Look for entire “pinnable” cork walls for the home office as well.
KITCHEN TRENDS
The all-important kitchen is driving several trends in 2017.
Engineered Quartz
If you like the look of a Carrara marble countertop, but you’re worried about durability, consider engineered quartz instead. Quartz can withstand heat and food stains much better than marble, and quartz is more consistent in color throughout a larger slab.
Black and White
Some of the trendiest colors for kitchen design are black and white. This color combo is not only popular, it’s timeless. If your style evolves over the years, this neutral palette allows you to play with new accent colors to keep the space fresh with minimal cosmetic updates.
Mixed Materials
More and more, we’re installing upper cabinets, lower cabinets and islands in different colors and materials to add interest and personality. This has been happening for a few years now, but we expect to see more of it in 2017. The combinations of cabinetry and countertops don’t need to exactly match, but the finishes should complement each other.
Smart Charging
We have so many smart devices and gadgets that most people could use a dedicated area for USB ports, cords and chargers. As we move into 2017, more homeowners will install charging stations in the kitchen, away from dining tables and out of bedrooms, to protect family time and unplugged relaxation.
BEST PROJECT ROI
According to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report, the project with the best return on investment nationwide is adding attic insulation. Installing new stone veneer to the street-facing façade, replacing your front entry door, or replacing your garage door were all great investments in 2016 with a 90+ percent recoup of cost, confirming market demand for curb appeal. In the Colorado Front Range, the kitchen remodel continues to pay off in resale value (87% ROI in 2016) and is an excellent project to consider in 2017.
To see more photos of recent remodeling projects, visit HighCraft’s Gallery.
