Home design gurus have spoken and announced their top trends for 2014. From color palettes and room concepts to materials and technology, we’ve got a new wave of trend predictions for the year ahead. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon and want to incorporate some of these new design elements, beware. Getting your home ready to sell is not the time to get personal and creative with these design trends. As we all know, trends have a nasty habit of changing.
Selling a house is primarily a numbers game. Their goal is to attract the widest range of potential homebuyers and make them fall in love with the home’s features. I went through the articles and found 7 home trends for 2014 that have lasting appeal and/or can be incorporated into your home this year for very little investment.
Contrasts (black/white, intense/soft, classic/contemporary)
Black kitchen countertops made from quartz or black granite will be big in 2014. Combine them with white cabinets to create a timeless look that brings out food colors and accents. Combining softer, paler wall colors with brightly colored furniture and upholstery will make your home feel clean and fresh. Add contemporary design touches to classic seamless backgrounds for a modern twist.
Central Kitchens (Open and Integrated)
The lifestyle and community are overcoming the desire for a perfect home. A recent Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate survey showed that the majority of new home buyers are willing to sacrifice square footage to live in a better neighborhood close to amenities like schools and entertainment. With real estate prices soaring in some areas, sometimes sacrificing space is unavoidable.
Either way, the move to smaller rooms has put an even greater emphasis on making kitchens more of a living space. Home buyers are looking for large islands, open shelving or glass-front cabinets, and brighter, centerpiece lighting fixtures. To create a more deliverable look in kitchens, appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers are being integrated into cabinets and drawers.
outdoor kitchens
In a move to expand the heart of the home, more and more buyers are demanding outdoor living areas with fully functional kitchens. The advantages are numerous, especially for owners of smaller homes and lots. Without having to spend hundreds of thousands on an addition, homeowners can expand their “living” space and keep all available outdoor space on their lot.
The best outdoor living spaces are designed to be relaxing, comfortable, and decorated to flow with the style of your home.
Colors (Indigo, Navy Blue, Neutral Grey)
I guess a post on home design trends wouldn’t be complete without a little talk about colors. Unfortunately, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. I guarantee that if you decide to start painting your walls this color, most home buyers will walk out the door due to vision preservation. If you must stage your home with Radiant Orchid, it’s best to use small touches. Better yet, stick with one of 2014’s other favorite colors like indigo, navy, and neutral gray. You can’t go wrong with those colors.
textures
I’ve heard from some homebuyers that professionally arranged homes can feel a bit cold, almost like a hotel. Sellers can put a lot of work into preparing, cleaning, organizing, and staging to show off the best features of your home. However, potential buyers may not write an offer because it’s hard for them to imagine living there.
To make them feel more comfortable, try adding some richly textured accessories to your staging. Area rugs, faux fur pillows, plush velvet curtains, and other comfort staples will soften the home. You want home buyers to take their time, look around and touch things. Show them how comfortable your life could be there.
universal design
Universal design is quickly becoming a hot trend in the housing industry. These are products and spaces that are designed to be accessible to a wide range of people: young, old, short, tall, disabled, etc. Some of the obvious features of universal design are open main floor living plans with large entryways and hallways.
Even if a homebuyer doesn’t necessarily “need” a universal design in their home, the concepts have wide appeal due to the increased ease and convenience of everyday life. Other “hot” features that are becoming more common include shower benches, curb-less showers, soft-closing kitchen drawers, pull-out storage units, drop-down pantries, and lifts.
smart home technology
The term “smart home” refers to a home with automated technology and features for things like heating, lighting, security, and electronics. For example, touchless faucets save water and free your hands during preparation, cooking and cleaning. Smart home thermostats are optimized for your system and actually learn your temperature changing habits. Of course, smart home apps for your phone or tablet let you remotely control all your connected devices.
Buyers will love these features and drool at the chance to own them.