Roundup of 2018 Kitchen Design Trends [Infographic]
Natural materials and plush upholstery dominated interior home designs trends for 2018, along with colorful kitchens with copper accents that add a touch of modern vibrancy. Replacing the clean, aesthetic designs of former years was accomplished as the desire to add a distinct yet contemporary flair suggesting charisma and warmth prevailed. Here we plug some of the latest kitchen trends for 2018 - and styles that may still hang around in 2019.
Kitchen trends for 2018
Free-Flowing, Open Layout Kitchen
Better Homes and Gardens believes some 2018 Kitchen trends are here to stay because of their timeless beauty and gorgeous appearance. One such trend is the open layout for kitchens, where walls are torn down and kitchens are opened to be brighter and more spacious to serve as the central gathering area for the family. This also supports the growing trend towards informal dining and entertaining.
It is more important than ever to work with a kitchen and bath contractor when laying out an open kitchen. 2018 saw kitchens feature a multi-use space with plenty of storage for disguising clutter and ample seating opportunities for the flow of people lingering with the cook. A central island or peninsula, along with a cubby nook performs all these functions well.
Touchless Fixtures and Induction Cooking
Kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures went from beautifully functional to high-tech and sanitary. Touchless faucets have built-in sensors that detect when someone is nearby and will automatically turn on or flush - eliminating a huge source of spreading viral or bacterial infections. Touchless plumbing not only conserves water, it is now a factor that can increase the value of your home.
Realtor.com reports that induction cooktop stoves are one of the hottest 2018 kitchen trends. The heating surface uses electromagnetic technology to cook food evenly, faster and with less energy. But it is the minimalist cooktop surface that doesn't distract from your kitchen decor while also signaling a modern lifestyle - no matter what style or kitchen design you have. If you are updating your kitchen appliances, where the stainless steel, double door refrigerator once commanded attention, now it is the induction cooktop stove.
Bold Colors and Geometric Patterns
Here is where trends in kitchen remodels ranged from all white kitchens with geometric pattern accents to bold and vibrant colors with natural finishes wherever possible. The key is taking a step away from safe muted tones to making a design statement with color patterns in a place you least likely expect - the family kitchen. There are so many ways to pull this trend off, including:
- mixing delicate pastels, such as hues of blue and yellow can be a bold color statement
- adding pops of bright color from bronze fixtures to colorful backsplash tiles or red appliances
- contrasting with natural materials including warm patterned woods, burnished metals, and veined stone countertops
Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials in 2018
Highly polished surfaces have taken a backseat to muted natural materials such as softer quartz material instead of granite and marble. This man-made material is low maintenance and is available in a range of different compositions from a cloudy white with a natural sparkle to marbled gray and whites to soft and muted pink shades.
But also, Corian - a solid surface countertop material is as popular as natural stone without the worry of staining or sealing. The beauty of Corian is the wide variation of colors and patterns to fit any kitchen decor. The manufacturer, DuPont sells over 113 color variations from solid colors like Royal Red to Riverbed Brown with random veins that vary in intensity.
Takeaways
- The kitchen is no longer void of color while 2018 showed color splashing creates vibrancy
- Kitchen technology is still popular with induction cooking, touchless faucets, and connected appliances
- Soft, muted countertop materials and kitchen fixtures have taken precedence over highly polished surfaces
If you're in New Jersey and are planning a new kitchen for the new year, visit RWC to talk with design consultants and installation specialist that can take a drab, closed kitchen and create a modern, open floor entertaining area that fits your family's needs.
*Below you will see the kitchen design trends to watch for 2018. The blog post below was published in December of 2017*
When you want to upgrade your kitchen, it's time to take a look at some the newest kitchen design trends. From finding the perfect countertops, to choosing cabinetry and flooring that matches the design of your home, 2018 is a year to consider remodeling your kitchen. Here are some of the hot kitchen design trends you can expect to see in 2018.
Gray Cabinets, Walls, or Accents
Gray is set to replace the standard white when it comes to kitchens for 2018. Some homeowners are choosing to get gray cabinets, while others are using gray as an accent color. While gray has been used in kitchens for awhile now, it has become popular enough to be considered a hot trend that isn't going away anytime soon.
Various Colors for Kitchen Sinks
Stainless steel sinks are finally going out of style. Used for a decade or two, the newest kitchen design trends are leaving out the stainless steel sink and going with a more modern color. Kitchen sinks are available in a wide variety of hues at this time. For a bold accent, consider a gray kitchen with a peach, almond, or pear colored sink to add flair.
Interchangeable Design Plans
Most homeowners like to have some versatility when it comes to designing a space, and this goes for kitchens too. The latest kitchen design trends keep versatility and function in mind. From countertops that become eating areas, to well-designed small spaces, the more versatile the design, the more attractive it is to most homeowners. In addition, even the ability to change out hardware easily and have a whole new look is optimal for kitchens today.
Improved Storage Throughout the Kitchen
The number of cooking gadgets most people own continues to rise. People are always looking for new ways to store all of these kitchen items. Design trends for 2018 focus on accessibility for the most frequently used cooking items, as well as additional storage space that is convenient.
Technology Continues to Improve Kitchen Designs
A modern kitchen is going to contain some technology. From lighting that can be turned on with a smartphone, to programmable appliances, technology is being used in kitchens in many ways. A modern home that is well-designed will take advantage of the technological advances available for kitchens today.
Dark Colors Kitchens for 2018
Along with gray, other dark colors are going to be a hit for kitchens in 2018. Consider using the popular dark plum on an accent wall or your cabinetry. Some designs are also using two-toned cabinetry as a way to modernize the space. Be mindful of how large your kitchen is before you use too many dark colors, as this can make the space seem too small.
Kitchens in 2018 will see:
- Dark colors.
- Easy to change design elements.
- Colored sinks.
- More technology.
What you can be sure of is that there are some design trends that are fading away quickly. Natural materials are favorable over the once popular stainless steel appliances. Materials such as bamboo are being used more frequently as an economical alternative to hardwood or vinyl.
If you're ready to try one of the latest kitchen design trends, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-435-4230 to learn more about how we can help you create the kitchen of your dream.
Unique Door & Window Pairing Designs
Most people don't tend to think about window and door design pairings for their house, as they assume what was there when they bought it is the only option. However, that's not exactly true. You don’t have to settle for the door and window designs that came with the house, or even the basic layout of them when you decide to upgrade. Unique doors and windows are available and the house can be altered to accept a different layout if you have either a need or personal preference toward what you think looks and works great for your home.
Types of Doors
There are more unique door ideas than you might realize, especially when you consider more than front entry doors but also patio doors or back doors with perhaps a mudroom or pantry involved. The best door designs can be made of wood or metal, and utilize built-in security measures in which steel reinforcements are added to the structural framing of your house around the door. Patio doors can be sliding or French style swinging doors, and there are new designs available which lock the hinges so they can swing to the outside instead of taking up room indoors when opened. Sizes of course are always a consideration towards ease of use, and might become especially important if you have a friend or family member who has handicap needs.
Door and Window Design Combinations
Beyond the specific options for doors, they can be further customized with windows. Assuming the area where a door stands is large enough, the door can be surrounded by windows on the left or right side, above, or any combination of those. Stained glass is especially popular as an accent to front doors, frosted glass might look amazing by a back or side door. Your imagination is the only limit, as unique door designs for house can make you stylish home really stand out.
Deciding What's Right for You
Whether you're having unique windows for home installation designed and built or following a template of putting together a combination of windows and doors, you ultimately have to decide what looks best on the house and best suits the needs of you and your family. Unique window designs for home use can really look great and add interest to the front of your home, but they might not be for everybody, and certainly not every window and door pairing is going to look appropriate for every home. Be sure to discuss your ideas with your contractor and listen to their experience and feedback concerning what has worked well in their experience with other customers who have similar needs and tastes as your own.
Things to Consider
- Look around for ideas of options which might interest you, including other houses in your town along with pictures online and in magazines.
- Think about what you like from a cosmetic perspective and consider how it might work in practicality.
- Be aware of how a window can let light in, but can also be a source of lack of privacy. Consider what can be seen through the window, or what kinds of drapes and curtains it might require.
Takeaways
The fact is, you want your home to be as nice as beautiful while being comfortable and relaxing for yourself and your guests. Adding unique doors and windows don't just increase the modern aesthetic of your home, but they have practical considerations about moving furniture in and out, the ease with which you can get from your car to your house, or simply opening up for a fresh breeze when the weather is nice. If you have any need for windows and doors to your home give us a call at RWC. A representative will be in touch and you'll find them helpful and excited to answer any questions you might have.
How Much Value Does a Bathroom Add: Does Adding a Bathroom Increase My Home’s Value?
Every homeowner and certainly every investor understands the need to not just conduct routine maintenance and repairs but in order to maintain and increase a home's value renovations are usually needed. It goes without saying that renovating a bathroom or adding one is going to make the house more desirable and therefore more valuable. A better question is to ask is, ‘how much value does a bathroom add?’. The fact is, not all bathrooms are equal and not all renovations are the same, so if you want to know if a bathroom increase home value, it depends on what the owner is willing to put into the house and the abilities of the contractor who conducts the job.
Understanding Home Value
There is more to home value than the house itself, or the amount of materials and labor used to build it. The area affects the homes value, as does the upkeep and any renovations which occur over the years. Some renovations might seem like a good idea, but might not be ideal as they add too much to the house which, because of other factors, can't truly take on the value the renovations are worth. For example, adding a bathroom in home is always going to improve the function of the house for the family who lives there, and will add value to the house, whereas adding a deck might not be worth as much if the lot is too small to enjoy it in private. An experienced contractor will always be able to help determine what types of renovations are going to best suit your situation, and what will provide the most additional value to the house.
Types of Upgrades
The fact is, there are all sorts of upgrades and renovations, and many different levels of work, which can be done with your bathroom. Simply painting it can freshen the room and provide a better feeling of luxuriousness. Another simple way to give the bathroom a new feel is to replace the lights and cabinet hardware, improving the cosmetic aspects of the room. For an older home, or if the original builder skimped a bit with less expensive fixtures, you may also want to consider adding a custom vanity or sink and countertop, or replace the toilet with a more efficient modern version. Floors are also a relatively simple way to add value by upgrading from vinyl to tile.
Adding a Bathroom
In addition to renovating a bathroom, depending on the house you might be able to actually add a new bathroom. It depends on the design of the house, but perhaps a walk-in closet can have plumbing added, or an area in the basement can potentially be turned into an extra bathroom. Alternatively, if a room is large enough, you might be able to add a wall to separate an area to be turned into an extra bath. You wouldn't typically want to take down an exterior wall just to add an extension for an extra bathroom, but it isn't out of the realm of possibility if you really need to, and certainly if you're adding a den, office, or extra bedroom it would be worth considering adding a new bathroom as well.
Final Considerations
- Determine what you hope to achieve with your bathroom, whether as a convenience for your family or an investment in the home's value.
- Set a realistic budget to determine how much and what types of renovations are appropriate.
- Discuss the project with a contractor as their knowledge and experience can be invaluable to your final decisions.
Takeaways
If you're considering conducting bathroom renovations or adding a bath to your house, give us a call at RWC in the West Caldwell, NJ area. You'll find our representatives to be friendly and helpful, ready to work toward your needs and goals.
*The blog post below was originally written in March 2018 and has since been updated.*
Adding a bathroom to your home will not only help cater for the growing needs of your family or worries of who gets to take a shower first in the morning, but also boost its resale value. Many homeowners often as the question, does a bathroom addition add value? And if it does, by how much?
While it’s not easy to pin down exactly how much a new bathroom will increase the value of your home, factors such as your location, the real estate market, your home’s condition, and the size and style of your new bathroom play a role in determining ROI.
How much value does a bathroom remodel add?
According to a report by Remodeling Magazine, the average cost of adding a bathroom across the nation in 2017 was $43,232. Such bathroom additions boosted a home’s value by an average of $23,283, giving a 53.9% return on investment. This means that for every 1 dollar spent on a bathroom addition project, a homeowner can expect a return of 0.54 cents during resale.
The same report also showed that upscale bathroom addition projects cost around $81,515 on average, and homeowners recouped $46,507 of that money in home resale. That is a 57.1% increase in the home’s value. Homeowners on the East Coast recouped around 50%; slightly less than their West Coast counterparts who recouped around 60%.
Increasing your Home’s Value
As a resident of New Jersey, you should first determine if your project will be feasible by determining the type of bathroom addition you want and hiring an expert remodeler or appraiser to give you an estimate of how much your bathroom project will cost. You may also want to ask a realtor to compare your home’s value with that of your neighbors and help you determine the scope of work.
Opt for a full or ¾ bath
If the project is worth it, consider going for a three-quarter or full bath instead of a half bath for much better returns on your investment. If you have space, a bath with a shower stall or a tub will significantly increase your home’s value. But if space is an issue, a half bathroom will still give you a considerable increase in your home’s resale value. A basement bathroom, for example, is an extemporary addition.
Leverage a higher ROI with stylish-inexpensive finishes
According to many realtors, a typical buyer is often looking for a home with a master bath, family bath, and half bath for guests. Buyers are highly attracted to stylish, spacious and functional bathrooms, and are often willing to pay higher for such. To get maximum returns on your bathroom addition, consider paying key attention to final touches. You can leverage more return on stunning finishing touches by hunting for bargains and discounts on fixtures and accessories. A professional, experienced bathroom builder and remodeler can guide you on this.
Keep your bathroom addition to scale
Although bathroom addition is guaranteed to increase your home’s value, you have to be keen in matching it to the home’s current value. For example, adding an $80,000 upscale bath to your home is supposed to increase your home’s value by at least $40,000. However, adding a bathroom to a home worth $110,000 won’t raise the property’s value by $40,000.
Takeaway:
- National average ROI for bathroom additions in 2017 was 53.9%
- ROI for bathroom addition depends on location, home condition, size and style of new bathroom
- A feasibility study is important
- A full bath offers a higher home resale value
- Stylish bathroom finishes also give a higher home value
Professional advice and construction work is imperative when making a bathroom addition. Contact RWC today for advice on whether a bathroom addition in your home will increase its value and start planning your new bathroom remodeling project today.
How to Incorporate Farmhouse Home Design Trends in Every Room
Plenty of people have heard about farmhouse design as a popular trend in housing, but may have different perceptions of what it includes. Modern farmhouse designs don't have to feel like you live in a barn, but can rather be quite fashionable with the convenience of today's available technologies and resources. Farmhouse home design tends to be practical and comfortable, making the home feel inviting to guests while suiting the needs of the family who lives there with a nice relaxed feeling about it.
The Appeal of Farmhouse Design
Other than being a practical means of building and decorating your home, farmhouse home design trends can look great and add a rustic appeal to the home. Don't make the mistake of assuming everything has to be an antique, as farmhouse design has more to do with using styles reminiscent of traditionally used building styles while incorporating modern amenities into the overall plan. Often, a farmhouse design uses new materials which appear old without being worn out, and can often remind people of their grandparents' house and how much they enjoyed visiting when they were children while still remaining chic.
Using Reclaimed Wood and Materials
One way to achieve that sense of an older decorative style is to use reclaimed materials. With a great designer and talented craftspeople, old farm equipment can be turned into useful furniture. Antique wood can be refurbished and refinished to make custom cabinetry, doors, or accent pieces which maintain a look of the old growth lumber traditionally used in farmhouses rather than the new growth woods more readily available in today's lumber yards. A further consideration of repurposed materials is that they not only look great and function well, but are environmentally friendly by reusing the materials instead of throwing them away and buying new.
Adding Personality
One of the main reasons people like the farmhouse design choice is that it adds a touch of your own personality to your house. It sets a theme which is going to accent your style of decorations, whether a formal setting on the mantel or a furniture style used throughout the home. Whether you use stained wood moldings and exposed ceiling beams, or choose a paint palette using traditional colors, you'll feel comfortable when you come home after being away and your guests will recognize your personal style and preferences in the décor.
Specific Styles
The fact is, there are as many different farmhouse styles as there are farmhouses. The design tends to be more casual, as farm workers would use the house differently than an urban person who spends their day in an office. When farming was one of the more common jobs, people would come in and out of the house all day, so it made more sense for the home to be exceptionally comfortable and less formal than many current design trends. In today's world, farmhouse design might not be for everybody, but there are aspects and inspirations it can provide which can be incorporated into any home design.
Further Considerations
- Consider what you hope to accomplish and design your home with that in mind.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match styles, there is no reason to feel obligated to strictly follow one set of rules in your home.
- As with any design style, be sure to discuss your goals with your contractor to assure you both understand what the plan is going to be.
Takeaways
If you're looking at renovations or upgrades to your home in a farmhouse or any other style, give us a call at RWC in New Jersey. Our representative will be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help fill them.