Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Consumer Guides

Home Improvement Trends

From the bone-chilling cold climates of the North and Northeast, to the sun and moderate temperatures of the Southwest and West Coast, the trends of home improvement and interior design are strikingly similar.

A survey of general contractors, painters, floor installers and interior designers in nine states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia and Washington) was conducted recently to determine home improvement trends as they are happening-not just as manufacturers are predicting.

Some highlights of the survey are:
* Most professional painters are painting interior walls shades of white. Homeowners’ choices for exteriors are earth tones and taupe.
* Homeowners are choosing hard, stone-like, solid surface materials for kitchen countertops. The second most popular choice is tile, although the trend seems to be moving away from tiles on countertops. The preference is for solid materials--if not laminates, then such solid plastics as Corian and Wilsonart. Tile is usually installed on the backsplash.
* Tile floors are the most popular choices of homeowners from Seattle to Virginia, according to the survey. A close second is laminate flooring that looks like wood.  Home improvement specialists are seeing a gradual movement toward natural materials that come from sustainable resources that are affordable, recyclable and easy to maintain.
* Large family rooms and sunrooms are popular today, along with such home extensions as exercise rooms, master suites, hearth-room kitchens, screened porches and elegant bathrooms.

The use of color in designing interiors can be highly effective in creating an appealing environment. Studies on color association have been conducted to learn how different colors affect people. Someone’s choice of color for their home depends on many things-trends, size of the room, lighting and childhood influences, for example.

Red is the strongest of all colors. Raspberry reds express excitement, high energy, warmth and vibrancy. In fact, raspberry is a stimulating and active color that would also be appropriate for an entry hall. Warmer reds, also inviting, can provide an intimate atmosphere in a dining room.

Experts point out there are many different shades and tints of colors-each with a distinctive personality. The experts advise that color selections be based on how you feel about a particular color. A room filled with bright lively colors may energize one person; another person may find the brighter hues exhausting.

Interior designers are a great starting point for homeowners wanting to remodel or just to have a new look. They work with you to evaluate your needs and communicate these needs to the architect and the contractor. Also, interior designers help enhance a home environment through their understanding of design and space and their expertise in combining creativity with quality design.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Details Make Home Offices Work
Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Home Improvement Trends

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Glossary of Real Estate Terms
House Buying Mistakes
Mortgage Hints

Appliances

Remove Rust From Water
Tip: Cleaning Dishwasher Stains
Tip: Instant Hot Water Dispenser Problems

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Working with Interior Decorators
Small Feng Shui Tips

Carpentry & Cabinets

Steel vs. Wood Framing
Reface Cabinet
Maintaining Your Wood Deck

Cleaning Services

Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Getting Rid of Odors
Blood on Carpet

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Installing Masonry Flatwork
Repairing Masonry
Tip: Condensation Test

Consumer Guides

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Furniture Renovation
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Design Ideas

Appealing Landscape Ideas
The Right Barn or Shed For You
Landscaping Solutions

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Generator Repair
Outlets and Switches
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Expert Advice

Landscape Design
Layering Asphalt Shingles
Mold in House

Flooring

Damaged Tiles
Ceramic Tile
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring

Handyman Services

Find a Handyman for Small Repairs
What Happened to the Handyman?
Homeowner’s Pre-Winter Checklist

Heating & Cooling

Installing Central Heating
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
Air Quality

Home Construction

Timber Framed Homes
Understanding Pre-manufactured and Kit Homes
Modular Home Assembler

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Fall and Winter Landscape
Peaceful Garden Ponds
Enhance Your Garden

Moving & Storage

Finding a Truck Rental Service
Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Checklist: Increase Curb Appeal

Other Services

Severe Thunderstorm Preparation
Rental Tools Available
Checklist: Tornado Preparation

Painting & Staining

Quality Paint Jobs
Using Modern Paint Techniques
Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

Plumbing

Install a Solar Water Heater
Install a Septic System
Checklist: When Hiring a Plumber

Quick Tips

Checklist: Hurricane Tips
Tip: When to Re-Roof
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Tip: Roof Leaks
Tip: Repair Your Own Roof
Cost of Siding

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Drywall Panels and Sheets
Drywall Textures and Styles
Wainscoting

Windows & Doors

The U-factor of Thermal Replacement Windows
Hanging Different Window Styles
Checklist: Replacing Your Windows

copyright 2008 Realty.com