Kristina Ferrigan, Author at Normandy Remodeling

White kitchens have been popular for some time, and we don’t see that changing any time soon. Perhaps you, too, are drawn to the flexibility of an all-white or soft gray kitchen, but you’d like to incorporate another shade to soften the sterile look and feel of stark white. Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe suggests using a softer shade of blue.

“Blue is a popular color for interiors now, but not just the bold and bright varieties. As a color often found in nature, a soft blue evokes the sense of relaxation and calm, which is a sentiment that many people want to invite into their homes,” Ashley says.

The color blue is often recommended for bathrooms, because of its correlation to water, but Ashley says that a soft blue can really go anywhere you want to convey the feeling of tranquility. “It works well in bedrooms and living rooms, as well as kitchens and dining rooms.”

“In the design world, a soft shade of blue is a versatile choice that can be incorporated in a modern or traditional style, depending on what it’s paired with. Blue works with both warm and cool undertones of wood as well different finishes of metals,” Ashley says.

“For kitchens, I love a variegated blue tile backsplash against gold or brushed nickel fixtures,” says Ashley. “Black hardware is also having a moment and is striking when matched with soft blue walls or painted cabinetry. If you’re after a vintage feel, consider an oil rubbed bronze light fixture or faucet. The right shade of blue lends nicely to the warmer undertones and creates a fresh aesthetic.”

If you’re still apprehensive about adding color to your remodeling project, Ashley says you can be confident that blue will stand the test of time. “Opting for blue in more substantial pieces such as tile or cabinetry is a safe choice when you want to incorporate a color while retaining its timelessness,” Ashley says. And since blue fits so nicely with different tones, it will remain relevant as the white and gray cabinets make way for beige tones.”

Whether blue is in your color wheelhouse, or you’re thinking of another shade for your upcoming remodeling project, give Ashley a call to discuss your ideas. In the meantime, you can find all of your color or neutral palette inspirations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Getting your home aligned with the rhythms of your family can create a space that feels intuitive and restorative, no matter what life throws your way. This year’s home remodeling trends are focused on splashy updates that make entertaining better than ever, balanced out by increased attention to quieter, more personal spaces. Add in some everyday indulgences, and you have a home that supports your mood and well-being, giving you just what you need in every way.

Here are the home remodeling trends you can expect to see more often in 2023:

Entertaining Spaces

First floors are being designed with guests and entertaining in mind. Open floorplans continue to be popular and make gathering spaces feel open and spacious, no matter the size of your home. Purposeful areas dedicated to entertainment have led to a revival in home bars and beverage centers. Fireplaces are getting special attention as they reclaim their role as the focal point for cozy gatherings that encourage friends and family to sit and linger a bit longer.

Personal Retreats

Bedrooms and spaces designed for more “me” time gives every member of the family an opportunity to escape to their own private corner of the house. Primary suites are getting the glam treatment and becoming luxurious spa retreats you can experience every day. Enjoy a deep soaker tub and heated bathroom floors without packing for a hotel stay. Even the youngsters are getting an upgrade with a bedroom for every member of the family and additional bathrooms of their own, or to share. A renewed focus on the kids’ rooms gives them a sense of ownership, and a break from mom and dad.

Creature Comforts

A focus on creature comforts makes home life easier with helpful gadgets and purposeful organization. Mixer lifts, pull-out shelves, and spice drawers are now a standard part of the kitchen. Bathroom features that promote well-being include grab bars for added safety and heated shower floors that take the chill out of Chicago winters. Throughout the house you’ll find small upgrades, from cozy fireplace spaces to well-stocked beverage centers, that let you enjoy life’s little pleasures, even when you’re not entertaining.

Utilitarian Spaces Getting Attention

The workhorse rooms in the house are finally getting their due. Laundry rooms are receiving a fresh aesthetic and better organization to feel more like a welcome than a woe, making sorting and folding easier to tackle. Mudrooms, often reserved for family use only, have gone beyond the basic utility of hooks and shelving to become a style piece that makes you smile each time you step in from the garage.

After assessing your home and the rhythms of your family life, you may find there are spaces due for a remodel. Reach out to one of our designers for a chat or take some time to curate a wish list using our Pinterest or Instagram feeds as inspiration.