Choosing The Right Plants For Your House [Infographic]
No matter the size of your home or the amount of space you have in your place, chances are, there's room for a plant or two. The trick is, finding the right plant—and the right area to let your greenery showcase all of its glory. With this in mind, we've come up with some tips to help you choose the right plants for your house.
Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants
There are a number of indoor plants that can help purify and detoxify the air inside your home.
- Barberton Daisies. Bright, vibrant, cheerful bursts of color that come in red, yellow, orange, or pink, these plants are known to remove the toxins of benzene, which is found in plenty of household products, including paint and synthetic fibers. Barberton daisies need plenty of natural light and moist-but-not-wet soil.
- Snake Plants. A large, yellow-tipped succulent, snake plants have a habit of filtering all kinds of bad stuff out of the air, such as formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichlorethylene.
- Chrysanthemums. If you love color, chrysanthemums might be your saving grace. They need to be placed near windows that are drenched with sunlight so they can remain happy and healthy as they filter out ammonia, benzene, and other toxins that are found in everyday plastics and detergents.
Best Indoor Plants for Allergies
Allergies are no fun for anyone, but luckily, there are a few plants that are known to combat the icky things that live in the air.
- Peace Lilies. Beautiful and easy to care for, peace lilies don't need a ton of water or light to be happy. They'll let you know it's time to water them when their leaves begin to droop a little. Like some of the plants listed above, peace lilies particularly enjoy ridding the air of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichlorethylene. They also absorb mold spores and keep them from growing. Remove the center of the blooms if you're worried about pollen getting into the air.
- Chinese Evergreen. Known for being super easy to take care of, Chinese evergreen plants are fine in low light. Cut off any flowers before they open to ensure this plant stays as hypoallergenic as possible.
- Corn Plants. If you're looking for indoor plants that can grow to an impressive size, consider the corn plant. They have long, colorful leaves that grab allergens out of the air and absorb them. They can grow six to ten feet tall, making them a focal point in any room that needs to be allergy free and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Bathroom Plant Ideas
Don't overlook the space you have available in your loo because some plants have special properties that are perfect for this room. The benefits of plants in bathrooms extend beyond the simple aesthetic pleasure they bring to their spaces; they also offer positive health and wellness elements.
- English Ivy. The English Ivy is said to have the ability to reduce airborne fecal particles, making it a perfect air purifier for the place where you do your personal business.
- Aloe Vera. Aloe has a good tolerance for temperature swings, which means it can withstand the hot, steamy showers that it might be subjected to in the bathroom.
- Asparagus Fern. This plant particularly enjoys the humidity that's stirred up in bathrooms. They can grow up to two feet high and can actually have branches that sprawl up to six feet wide.
When you're looking for ways to beautify your home, a little greenery on the inside can do a world of good. It's all about figuring out the best house plant organization. Of course, those plants will need some natural sunlight, which is why it's important to have great windows that welcome those warm rays inside. At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we know the importance of great windows because we've built our business around them. Reach out to our RWC Windows team to learn how we can help you bring the bright days in while keeping the cold outside!
Holiday Home Decor Ideas for 2019 [Infographic]
Home is where the heart is, and when the holidays roll around, it can also be where lots of family and friends come together. This year, put your creativity to the test by decking out your home with traditional Christmas decorating ideas—or those that are a little bit outside of the box. We've found a few ideas to help give you some inspiration.
Christmas Decorating Ideas 2019
Be Blue
Forego the traditional reds and greens of Christmas in favor of blues and silvers. This year, homes all over the world will look like their own winter wonderlands, with silvery flecks of shine that bounce off bluish backgrounds. Think midnight blues with aquamarine hues. Bring in a touch of the cool side of the crayon box, accented by whimsical shades of brilliant whites and silver-coated focal points.
Go Au Naturale
Bring shabby chic into your Christmas decor by inviting the outside into your home. Utilize pine cones, bark, feathers, moss, and other elements Mother Nature already provides. You can find plenty of DIY tutorials online to help bolster your inspiration, or if you're feeling crafty, you can go it alone and create your own innovating decorations.
Don't Skimp on the Lights
Lights are a magical part of the Christmas season, and this year, people will expect to see them just as much inside your house as they would outside. Light up your home with candles, Christmas tree lights, and glittering messages that make people feel welcome as soon as they walk in the door.
Christmas Window Decoration Ideas
Whether you're saying hello to passersby, or giving your guests something to look at when they're looking outside, your windows offer a great opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer. Here are a few window decorating ideas you might not have thought of:
Put Up the Plaid
Plaid curtains offer a fun, spirited approach to everyday living spaces. Red, green, and gold plaid plays well against the traditional colors of the season. However, if you're opting for the blue Christmas we noted above, consider going for blue and silver plaid curtains to draw out the whimsy of this magical season.
Place Poinsettias on the Sills
Poinsettias are a quintessential Christmas item. You're probably used to seeing them as centerpieces on tables, but if you give them the responsibility of showcasing their beauty from the comfort of their own window sills, your home will be instantly filled with Christmas delight.
Make Miniature Presents
Wrap tiny boxes in an assortment of wrapping paper and bows, piling them into the window when you're done decorating them. You can use all sorts of household items to hold the shape so your window sill holds a bit of intrigue and excitement when people pass by. You can wrap empty toilet paper rolls, empty juice boxes, and plenty of other items you'd otherwise toss or recycle.
Outdoor Holiday Decorating Ideas
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, especially when this special time of year arrives.
Create Lantern Garland
Lantern garland is a fun way to illuminate your outdoor space in a way that doesn't detract from the other decorations you might have around the house.
Bring Rudolph Along
A chalkboard buck head might seem silly at first, but think about the conversations it'll start when someone walks up to your door. Since it's a chalkboard, it's super simple to change the messaging depending on your mood or the events you have going on at the moment.
Make Faux Moss be Boss
Use fake moss to spread a message of joy or kindness across your front door.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we want to see your holidays succeed. Reach out to us if you need to spruce up your doors or windows before the busy holiday season gets under way!
How To Choose The Right Appliance for Your Kitchen [Infographic]
Have you been assessing your kitchen appliance budget recently? If you’re wondering how to choose kitchen appliances that are ideal for your home interior, you might feel stuck between price, brand, quality, and size. These four attributes can make a major difference when you’re choosing kitchen appliances, but some elements are more important than others. With this in mind, explore the best appliances in 2020 for your kitchen (and what you need to consider before you make a purchase) with our kitchen infographic below!
Fridge & Freezer
Do you keep a lot of groceries, or do you only buy food when you're ready to cook? This could be the determining factor for many different questions you'll need to answer when you're shopping for a refrigerator and freezer.
- Dual-compressor units are best for people who keep a lot of groceries. Although these units cost more, they're more likely to keep food fresh longer.
- Single-compressor units are the most affordable option.
- French-door models are a very popular styling decision, as are French-door refrigerators (on top) with freezers down below. Both of these modern kitchen ideas tend to be wider than refrigerator-freezers that only have one door for each unit. The most costly options have completely separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Be sure to measure your space before you go shopping! You don't want to fall in love with a model that won't fit in your space.
- Water & ice dispensing can come with or without water purification. The units that offer purification are more expensive than those that don't offer this feature, but they're also more in-line with what shoppers are looking for these days.
Dishwashers
If you're tired of doing your dishes by hand—or if you simply don't want to be forced into this habit—dishwashers can be a lifesaver.
- Doors versus drawers. Traditional dishwasher doors are still the most popular, but dishwasher drawers are becoming more common because they're more efficient and can handle smaller loads without wasting water or energy.
- Kitchen versus elsewhere. if you're installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, you'll probably want a full-size unit, up to the space you have in your kitchen, of course. In bars, basements, and other places where you might be doing dishes, consider installing an economy-sized dishwasher to handle your glassware.
- Size. As with all other major appliances, make sure you've measured your space before you go shopping. Dishwashers won't leave a lot of wiggle room once you get it home, so you want to make sure it fits right the first time.
Stoves & Ovens
Whether you cook all the time, or just a few times a year, your stove and oven will be your best friends in the kitchen—but only if you're choosing appliances wisely.
- Gas, electric, or induction? The choice is personal, but many people who cook on a regular basis prefer gas. That is, of course, if their homes or condos can accept gas hookups. Gas loses about 40% of the heat when it goes from the burner to the pan, however, which is something to take into consideration. Induction burners, on the other hand, lose the least amount of heat of all the options, making them the most efficient.
- Gas Ranges: BTUs. If you're shopping for gas ranges, talk to the salesperson about the BTUs of the ranges you're interested in. Chef-quality ranges start at around 9,200 BTUs and go up from there, but you may not need that much power if you're just cooking for your family.
- Gas Ranges: Flame. Ask how long you can maintain a simmer without the flame going out.
- Ovens: Conventional or Convection? Convection ovens circulate heat with a fan, enabling food to cook more evenly so you can get dinner on the table faster. They're not always great for baking, though. If you do a lot of baking, you might want to stick with a conventional oven. Pricier models will enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds, either side-by-side or stacked on top of one another.
Are you renovating or remodeling your home in New Jersey? If so, our team of modern kitchen remodeling experts at RWC Windows Doors & More will be happy to help you pick the best kitchen appliances for your money. Reach out to us so you can tap into our expertise and love for all things home-related, we have over 60 years of experience with kitchen remodeling in NJ!
How To Use Subway Tiles In Your Home [Infographic]
Subway tiles were first used in the early 1900s when the New York City Subway was being built. These clean and bright ceramic tiles were ideal for reflecting light within the subterranean transit system and creating a welcoming space for the city’s commuters. Today, subway tiles are used everywhere from chic hotel restrooms to the modern family kitchen. This classic style is a favorite of designers and homeowners because it offers a crisp and simple feel. And while many choose to go with the traditional white subway tiles for their kitchen or bathroom, they can now be found in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors.
Subway Tiles And Your Space
Choose your space wisely, but don’t stress too much -- subway tiles work great in kitchens, bathrooms, and every other room. Because subway tiles are durable, they can also be used as a backdrop design in just about any room - including bedrooms and living rooms. Most modern subway tiles still come in relatively small sizes, so they are great for putting in around built-in cabinets in bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
It’s acceptable to play with different colors and sizes when choosing subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen. The original subway tiles created by designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge in 1904 were 3-by-6-inch rectangles. But since then, times have changed, and homeowners can choose from a wide variety of different sized subway tiles. The most popular sizes for modern subway tiles include 3x6, 4x12, and 4x16. Some popular color options include classic white, modern black, green beveled, yellow, blue, and purple.
Great Grout!
Standard-edge and beveled-edge subway tiles always look great with traditional white grouting, allowing for clean lines and a uniform design. Another option for updating the look of your subway tiles while still keeping the clean design that they offer is to change up the grout color. A classic white subway tile can instantly look more modern and chic with the addition of grey grout work. Subway tiles in a bathroom can really pop when used with different grout colors. Playing with different grout options is one way to emphasize the design of your subway tiles and make your tiled wall pop!
Alternating tiles or developing a unique pattern using different tile colors is a simple way to create contrast in any space. A good tip? Try laying your favorite tiles down on the floor or countertop and try using a different color or contrasting tile every 5 to 10 tiles to come up with a pattern you’ll love.
Mix It Up With Pattern and Color
Subway tiles make it easy to create many different patterns. So, if alternating tiles aren’t your favorite, you could also try laying them down in a chevron pattern, off-center, vertical, stacked, or in a herringbone pattern to create more dimension. Subway tiles for a kitchen can be used in backsplashes, walls or counters.
Tired of traditional ceramic? Try these alternative ideas to spice up subway tiles:
- While many homeowners choose to use traditional ceramic subway tiles, there are a variety of different material options available on the market today. Some alternatives to ceramic subway tiles include porcelain, glass, and metal.
- Additional pattern options include diagonal, basketweave, vertical basketweave, corridor horizontal, corridor offset horizontal, and brickwork vertical.
In Summation
- Subway tile is good everywhere in your home - bathroom, kitchens, backsplashes and more.
- Change up your grout color to make subway tile different in every room in your home.
- You have almost unlimited pattern and material options! Check out some design ideas for your home here to draw inspiration.
Whether you’re interested in creating a fabulous design for an entirely redesigned modern subway tile bathroom or you’re limiting the home renovation to a classic subway tile shower, the possibilities are endless when you go with such a classic material. And with so many styles, colors and pattern options, you can really have some fun with the design process. No matter the size or style of the subway tiles that you choose, your final home renovation project will certainly have lasting appeal and help to transform your kitchen or bathroom into a welcoming and timeless space in your home. For more subway tile options and installation information, call (973) 435-4230 or visit the team at RWC Windows and Doors online today to request a quote.
Best Times of The Year to Renovate Certain Parts of The Home [Infographic]
Renovations...they can be fun or they can be cumbersome. When you choose the right time of year to do your renovations, however, you'll find that things go a lot smoother. Did you know home improvement seasonality can save (or cost) you lots of money? If you want to get the best bang for your buck, here are some things to think about when you're doing your next remodeling project:
January through Early March: Additions to your home
- The best month for house renovation projects that are going to add square footage to your home is actually February or early March when the ground is still frozen. This sounds counter-intuitive, but the frozen ground and dry air actually makes it easier for contractors to pour concrete.
- Builders tend to be less busy during the winter months, so you may score discounts. At a minimum, it'll be easier to schedule your project.
- Less chance for mixups or inaccurate orders when builders aren't overwhelmed with work
April through June: Outdoor projects like decks, patios, and paved walkways
If you've ever asked yourself, "When do people remodel their house?", it's often not during springtime unless they have a lot of extra cash to spend.
- Builders and craftsmen are busiest during spring, so they can charge a premium for their prices
- This is a great time to do the DIY projects you've put on the back burner
- Consider painting your home, building a deck, or cleaning out your garage while contractor fees are at their highest. When everything is cleaned up and prices come down, it'll be easier to afford a contractor for your renovation needs
July through September: Bathroom Remodeling
Since you'll be spending much of your time outdoors or away from home during the vacation months, it makes the most sense to renovate your bathroom during the end of summer. You can have someone check in on your place while you're away, but you'll avoid the unpleasantness of being without a bathroom or two, which would be a serious inconvenience if you were home during the remodel.
- Schedule your bathroom remodels while you'll be away
- Ask for references and referrals to be sure you hire a reputable contractor you can trust
- Make sure you understand all the paperwork before you leave
- Have a friend or neighbor check in on the progress once every day or two
- Hire a landscaper to take care of the lawn and make your curb aesthetics stunning so you can come back home to a beautiful lawn before you even see your new bathroom
October through December
The cheapest time of the year to remodel kitchen areas is usually the end of the year just before the holidays approach. Contractors' workflows slow down significantly, which means they may be more available than they would be in the spring or summer. Additionally, materials may be more affordable, as there's less demand.
- Schedule your kitchen remodel on a year when you won't be entertaining guests for the holidays.
- Allow plenty of leeway for delays in delivery, as inclement weather can push the dates back more than initially expected.
- Put supply and demand to work for you by working with contractors who aren't in their busy season when you want your biggest renovations done. It'll save you a lot of money and time in the long run, and you're more likely to have dedicated customer service if you have questions or concerns.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we help people remodel their homes the right way. Contact us for an initial consultation, and let our experienced pros guide you through the process!
Window Trends During The Last 60 Years [Infographic]
Just like everything else in life, windows have trends. While it may have never crossed your mind, windows have seen quite an interesting evolution over the past few decades. As consumers' needs change and evolve, so, too, do the aesthetics they apply to their homes. Windows, after all, are both beautifying elements and utilitarian applications. Since they serve dual purposes, it only makes sense that window design types have changed faces as the years have gone by.
With this in mind, let's explore the last 60 years of window treatment trends!
- 1960s: Jalousie Jealousy. In the 1960s, "keeping up with the Jones's" meant keeping multiple panes of glass built into a single window structure. These windows offered more glass and less framework, which prevented blocked views so people could easily see outside their homes. They also provided optimal ventilation in homes that weren't yet equipped with central air conditioning, allowing air to flow freely between the slats and into houses. Because of the way they open, they enabled people to enjoy fresh air, even when a torrential downpour was occurring outside. Jalousies weren't the most secure window options, and they started to be phased out once central A/C began to popularize because they weren't the most energy-efficient option.
- 1970s: Built for Big Window Ideas. In the 1970s, houses were designed around the windows, not the other way around. Just look at the front of the Brady Bunch house—there's one main window on the left and another big window on the right. From the outside, they may not seem that massive, but they provided all the natural light the front of that home received, and spatially, they actually take up quite a bit of the exterior. The '70s also introduced skylights and elevated gardens, which, in retrospect, worked in perfect harmony with each other.
- 1980s: It Was What Was Inside That Mattered. The trend in the '80s didn't have so much to do with what was on the outside; the focus was on the interior, with homeowners often decorating their houses with floor-to-ceiling drapes. The focus had shifted from window designs for home exteriors to interiors, and big, heavy window dressings were all the rage.
- 1990s: Shapes and Silhouettes. The '90s invited windows with shapes and geometric configurations. Frankly, they weren't easy to install, nor were they easy to find proper window coverings for. Perhaps that's why people sought them out—for a bit of esteemed status from onlookers, whether they were inside or out. Half-moon shapes and arches donned the aesthetics of homes built in this era.
- 2000s: Getting Efficient. With the new millennium well in play, homeowners began to opt for energy-efficient windows that would save them money while still looking stunning. However, the focus was no longer so much on style as function. People began to look harder at the types of frames their windows could have, the type of glass that would save them the most money, and above all—how these factors would work together to last for a very long time without need for maintenance or repair in the foreseeable future.
Window Trends 2019
This year, we're looking at big window ideas once again, but we're doing them differently than folks did in the '70s. Nowadays, the focus is on energy efficiency, unobstructed views, and minimal frames. As technology and design improve each year, RWC Windows, Doors & More is able to offer our customers outstanding windows that can literally cover the entire face of a home without losing efficiency. Today's windows are large and in charge, offering unabashedly modern shapes, clean lines, and full views to the outside world.
RWC Windows, Doors & More offers window treatments New Jersey homeowners love and trust. If you're ready to beautify your home and experience greater energy efficiency, we're ready to help you get there! Touch base with our team so we can get started!
Bathroom Trends Over The Last 60 Years [Infographic]
If you are searching for the latest bathroom trends, or bathroom trends to avoid, it can help to take a look back at bathroom trends from the past 60 years. Bathroom color trends 2019 and beyond are not the mauve and light blue that were popular in the 1950s. Trends change over the years, and this is why homeowners take the time to update their living space when they can.
The Use of Colored Toilets and Sinks
When you have a bathroom that has an olive green sink or toilet, you can thank the bathroom trends of the late 1960s and 70s. If you have an old carpet in your bathroom, you can also look to the 1970s for this particular inspiration. Colors change over the years. Bathroom trends 2019 minimize the use of color in toilets and sinks, with the understanding that it is the accessories that really make the difference.
Bathroom Color Trends 2019
Color trends for 2019 are really the absence of strong color patterns. Designers are going for black and white bathrooms, or those with a white and wood color combination. While some pops of color might be present, this is usually in the decorative aspects and not with the bathroom walls, floor, sink or toilet. This makes it easy to change the entire look of the bathroom without having to make big structural changes.
Patterns and Large Tile
The late 1980s and 1990s were all about large tile and geometric patterns when it comes to bathroom design. If you have a brightly colored bathroom with large square tiles on the floor in black and white or neutral tones, your bathroom was probably last renovated in the 1990s. Geometric patterns were also popular in the 1990s.
Neutral Colors and Dual Sinks
There is convenience in having side by side sinks in your bathroom, and homeowners today are loving this trend. While the sink isn't going to be the pink or orange of the 1960s, a great looking side by side sink can still make a statement. Sinks made with a wood surround and sleek, industrial hardware are popular in 2019. When it comes to choosing a bathroom design in 2019, think minimal, neutral and streamlined.
Bathroom Trends of 2000 and Beyond
The bathroom trends from 2000 began to take the bold, large patterns of the 1990s and reverse the pattern. Lots of tile was used, any many people loved using subway tile in a variety of ways in their bathroom. Colors became more muted by 2000, and homeowners were more interested in the function of the bathroom, not bright colors. Trends looked at higher end bathtubs and hardware, giving the bathroom a more updated look.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we have been following the latest bathroom trends for decades and we know how to help you get the bathroom of your dreams. We offer a full line of bathroom remodeling products to give you the best in 2019 bathroom designs. Bathroom trends of 2019 include:
- A focus on functionality with the use of dual sinks.
- Minimal design elements for a sleek look.
- Neutral, black and white and wood tones.
- Remodeling to make the bathroom larger and accessible.
No matter what you have going on in your bathroom right now, we are ready to help. We provide design and bathroom remodeling services for residents in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area. Call us today at 973-435-4230 and set up a free consultation. We will talk to you about your renovation plans and design a bathroom that is right for you.
Kitchen Trends Over the Last 60 Years [Infographic]
Today's modern and highly efficient kitchens have moved far from what our great-grandmothers would have experienced. A 1920s kitchen did enjoy the benefit of being connected to a municipal water system and natural gas lines, but most homes didn't have a refrigerator or closed cabinetry. An insulated ice box for perishables and pantry shelves for staples were the norm. Here, we will examine a timeline of industrial age innovations by viewing kitchens through time.
Before we take a look at kitchen trends over the last 60 years, here are some kitchen trends to avoid 2019, according to design experts:
- Too much white is out - while colorful backsplashes are back in.
- Instead of marble or granite countertops, opt for concrete or quartz.
- Stainless steel appliances are too hard to keep clean, while black stainless is trending.
- Instead of open spaces, blend the kitchen with the home using glass door panels.
Now, let's dive into the kitchen trends of the past!
The Colorful 1960s Kitchen
The 60s were a time of freedom and liberation. Women wanted brighter kitchens in fun shades of green, yellow, or blue. Floral wallpaper in the kitchen was considered suburban-chic and open space for entertaining friends in the kitchen became popular. A side-by-side refrigerator inset into the cabinets and an electric countertop mixer would have topped the wishlist of a 1960s homemaker.
A Relaxed 1970s Kitchen
The 1970s saw well-planned kitchens that were sleeker and more relaxed than the 60s - with white walls and neutral flooring. Warm woods replaced painted steel as the material of the day. A modern, high-end 1970s kitchen would have the oven built-into the wall, the countertops would be laminated, and the avocado green or harvest yellow appliances would add flair and distinction to the kitchen decor.
1980s The Cook's Kitchen
This was not only the age of Rock-and-Roll, but also of European contemporary styled kitchens in American homes. A 1980s kitchen would be efficient with oversized seating nooks and hanging pot racks integrated with the light fixtures. Creatively decorated backsplash tile would highlight the heavy wood cabinets, but the trend of watching celebrity TV cooking shows demanded a variety of kitchen gadgets, cookbook shelves, wine racks, and Cuisinearts.
Spacious Kitchens of the 1990s
With the rise of the Internet, the 1990s saw kitchen styles double as entertainment centers with massive, open-spaces and oversized island benches. This was also the time when double door refrigerators and other state-of-the-art appliances were especially popular. Colored Formica countertops were paired with oak cabinetry, while vinyl flooring made kitchen clean-up fast. You could expect to see a bread maker, a George Forman Grille, and a halogen countertop cooker grace the kitchens of a 1990s family.
2000s and the Modern Kitchen
The turn-of-the century kitchens benefited from a widest range of new materials, new products, and new ideas more than any other decade. Cooks enjoyed countertop Sous Vide machines, electric steamers and juicers that were inexpensive as well as decorative. We saw the introduction of the polished concrete floor, a variety of architectural materials including marble, wood, copper, brass, and stone, along with skylights, large picture windows in the kitchen, and creative tile backsplash options.
Kitchen Trends 2019
Today, kitchen trends run the gamut of contemporary, modern, and traditional design styles that include gutting out the existing kitchen and replacing it with the gourmet kitchen of your dreams. Darker stone countertops are replacing the highly polished or creme color options, walls of vertical storage allow a place for everything, and today's appliances are often beautiful statement pieces that are integrated with the home's smart automation systems. Other 2019 kitchen trends include linear lighting (pendant hanging), antique fixtures manufactured with gunmetal, pewter, or brass patina. Finally, homeowners today are more open to mixing styles, like adding a touch of vintage furnishings in a contemporary setting, or a throw-back color scheme from the 1960s brightening an ultra-modern or industrial look.
Kitchen Trend Take-Aways
- A 1960s kitchen is cheerful with cabinets brightly painted and appliances that matched.
- Natural wood was plentiful in a 1970s kitchen, but the trend was to use non-matching colors and patterns.
- In the 1980s, it was all about competitive cooking in the kitchen with the latest electric countertop appliances.
- The 1990s introduced the kitchen as an entertainment area with lots of open space and plenty of seating
- The 2000s saw induction cooktops and high-speed ovens introduce a new level of kitchen efficiency.
- Today's contemporary kitchens are refreshing, minimalist - but packed with design style and innovative materials.
Rigid kitchen styles and steadfast design rules are no longer the norm. Contact the RWC kitchen design and installation experts to add a bit of retro class from any decade of kitchen interior design style.
Door Design Trends Over the Last 60 Years [Infographic]
When you think about door designs over the last six decades, it's fun to know what types of door design trends are part of the past. The last 60 years have given us a lot of trends we love, and some trends to avoid. Whether you are looking for a new exterior door to make your entrance amazing, or you need new interior doors throughout your first floor, it’s best to learn from the design trends of the past and see what styles work best for you.
Door Trends In the 1960s
When RWC Windows, Doors & More first opened, many front doors had a row of small windows, either vertical or horizontal. This allowed a door to bring in light while still being closed. Many of the windows were frosted glass so that you couldn't see into the home easily.
Dark Wood Interiors of the 1970s
Orange shag rugs and bold patterned wallpaper took over homes in the 1970s, and along came the dark wood interior doors in many homes. Hollowed doors became popular, as they were a cheaper alternative to solid wood. This made it easy for people to decorate using wood doors without having to spend a lot of money.
Doors In the 1980s
The 1980s saw more geometrical designs in home decor, in both exterior and interior doors. The dark wood interiors were replaced with doors made of mostly glass, giving the home a lighter, more open look. French doors with windows became increasingly popular and were used to divide spaces, but allowed for a clear view in between rooms.
Front Doors of the 1990s
The art of Zen decorating was popular in the 1990s, and this carried through to the exterior of homes. Clean lines and Japanese-inspired screen doors were seen throughout homes, and the use of blonde wood rose. The minimalist look of the 1990s was a far cry from the chaos created in homes of the 1970s. Gone was the shag rug, replaced by solid wood floors or ceramic tile. This ushered in an era of clean, modern-looking doors and windows.
Doors for the Next Century
Remember shabby chic decor? An old door could be used, battered and worn, and mixed with an elegant piece of furniture to make a statement? Doors from 2000 may have looked like they came from reclaimed wood, and this was always a possibility. No matter what style you liked to decorate, you could use old pieces you found on the side of the road, dress it up, and call it done. With larger and more expensive new homes, entryways also became even more impressive.
Current 2019 Decorating Trends
Front doors are becoming bold again, in bright colors and in sizes larger than normal. Hardware makes a big difference with current door trends, such as using metallic accents mixed with wooden doors. Technology is also a big decorating trend, as smart locks and video doorbells become popular. The ability to control your home from your smartphone is integrated in decor throughout the home.
Door trends have changed over the years, to include:
- dark wood of the 1970s
- clean lines from the 1990s
- bold and bright entryways
- the use of smart technology
To learn more about current interior design trends and tips for 2019 decorating, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More and see how we can help you. If you live in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area, contact us today at 973-435-4230 and ask about home decor 2019.
7 Upgrades to Modernize your Home [Infographic]
Modern homes are increasingly moving away from traditional architecture concepts. Instead, homes are integrating features that add comfort, convenience, and design.These tactics make home modernization an attractive and exciting upgrade. You can modernize your home to reflect contemporary living by using creative finishes, practical and low-maintenance materials, and modern amenities to improve your home's efficiency.
A modern home foregoes excess frills to focus on fusing functionality. If you want to discover how to make a house look modern, here are 7 upgrades to modernize your home.
Beautify With a Stunning Fireplace
If your home already has a fireplace, there are several ways to take it from lackluster to a high-impact, visual focal point. One home improvement project is to remove the traditional brick mantel and replace it with a brushed steel floating mantel. If your fireplace hearth is damaged, consider demolishing the existing fireplace and replacing it with a modern fireplace that features:
- no venting or chimney requirements,
- clean burning without smoke or odor, and
- frameless, linear designs from 30" to 100" long.
Modernize Your Countertops
As the number one kitchen improvement project, countertops have been reimagined in modern homes. There are several countertop material choices that can instantly take your kitchen into the next generation, including concrete, tinted glass, and stainless steel. But what really distinguishes the modern countertop is the ability to integrate other things into it, like burners or hidden storage. Additionally, the use of contrasting colors or patterns has become increasingly popular to add flair and flavor to a classic kitchen.
Another growing trend in countertops is using lighter, engineered materials instead of heavy, cumbersome stones and marbles.
High-tech Bathroom Makeovers
A modern bathroom lifts form and function to a high level, and with today's innovative materials and high-tech features, you can have both bathroom luxury and cutting-edge design. Here are some things to take your bathroom from mundane to modern:
- Warmer brass/gold vintage fixtures with touchless technology;
- Glass-enclosed shower systems with rain shower heads;
- Stand-alone soaking tubs with whirlpool jets
Upgrade Your Front Door
Homeowners can go decades without paying attention to their home's front entry door. For a fresh architectural update, exceptional curb appeal and better energy efficiency, replace your front door with a striking option that can increase your home's resale value:
- Double-entry door with glass inserts
- Boldly painted steel Craftsman style entry door
- Woodgrain fiberglass door with sidelights
Add Floating Storage
A common theme between many households: more stuff, less space. Solve this problem by adding interlocking, floating storage mounted on walls or ceilings. These unique organizers take advantage of horizontal unused space in kitchens and bathrooms, and although they have been around for a while, have been growing in popularity lately. Another one of our articles covers the kitchen open shelving trend in depth. Take floating storage one step further and regain floor real estate by installing a freestanding shower stall.
Remodel the Kitchen
According to Forbes.com, "The kitchen is the most popular room of the home to renovate...and those who choose to remodel the heart of their home have some definite preferences. After all, the No. 1 reason they choose to renovate this area is no longer being able to stand the old kitchen."
The most sought after kitchen renovations are new countertops, backsplash, sinks, and faucets. And when you add trending kitchen electronics, you take your home from modest to modern. Consider the following must-have appliances for a modern kitchen:
- French-door oven
- Induction cooking with touch controls
- Countertop Beer Brewing
- 4-door Refrigerators storage zones
Replace your FlooringDon't neglect your bathroom or kitchen floors when modernizing your home. A popular trend is the low-maintenance of luxury vinyl flooring, available in tiles or planks. This is the best way to get the realistic look of wood, the warmth of leather, or the nuanced patterns of patina metal.
Takeaways
- Popular kitchen redos: new countertops, backsplash, sinks, and faucets
- Upgrade your front doors, add a fireplace or replace your floors to modernize
- Modern homes integrate comfort, convenience, and design style
Are you ready to modernize your home and take advantage of exciting new materials, modern color combinations, and breathtaking finishes? Contact RWC to get started today!