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Debunk Trends and Stay Classically Cool

White kitchen cabinets with a stained island and stone hood

You know your style. It’s classic, refined, yet fresh. Just like sidestepping the skinny jeans phase, you don’t follow over-the-top design trends but still like to remain current. Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider says that your home can reflect that feeling, too. “When you have an understanding of what constitutes timeless design, you’ll be confident incorporating those elements to create a space that reflects your core style and will last for years.”

Just like classic pieces in your closet, go with a look and feel that will last

It’s okay if you don’t follow trends. “What you want is a quality remodel that solves the design problem you have with your existing space.  Look for a style that stands the test of time,” suggests Liz. “If you want to know what will look fresh even ten years from now, lean more contemporary, instead of traditional. Not many are opting for uber traditional anymore, which includes the substantial furniture, heavy draperies, ornate fixtures, and embellishments.”

White oak modern kitchen

Certain colors and textures feel dated

“Design trends today aren’t even necessarily styles, but rather colors and textures,” says Liz. “Grays are out. Warm tones are in,” comments Liz. “Gold tones for fixtures and hardware are finding a foothold over silver tones. In wood selections, we’re getting away from rich and deep and leaning more white or blonde oak. Think warm over cool. Creams and taupes are safe and neutral if you can’t commit to a warm pigment or a vibrant color,” Liz says.

White kitchen with timeless design features

Textures found in the countertops, backsplashes, and floor tiles change with the times, too. “Leathered countertops are replacing the polished counter look,” says Liz. “Homeowners are choosing backsplashes with a matte feel over those that are shiny. Tiles that have ridges and dimension to them are fresh and current and will stand the test of time,” Liz says.

Layouts and features shift with our changing lifestyle

“Desks in the kitchen have had their day. Now, I suggest a larger island as a space to do homework or catch up on emails,” says Liz. “It’s more efficient and cost effective to create multi-purpose spaces. Instead of a desk, you can have a nook to store your laptop and that nook can be dual purposed to hold your cookbooks or electric tea kettle when you’re not working.”

Classic color palettes create a timeless look

Create the feeling

In the end, it’s about what flows best with the overall feel of the home. “I often ask my customers what mood they want to convey in a room. ‘Do you long for a bright, fresh, spa-like feel in your primary bath? Do you envision your new kitchen airy and uncluttered with carefully curated open shelving? How do you want to feel when you step into this new space?’”

Think about your next remodeling project and decide on the mood you want to communicate. Then, reach out to us. Whether you feel you’re ahead of the design curve or just catching up to the latest trend, Liz can discuss your remodeling project ideas. For some inspiration on current trends or timeless design, take a peek at our completed project photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Timeless Design White KitchenSimple shaker style doors create a timeless lookGold Fixture over center islandMaster Bathroom Vanity in a Chicago Condo

Wide Open Spaces with Open Shelving

reclaimed barn wood open shelving in mudroom with gray wallsExtra storage is always useful, though if you have extra items such as colorful flowerpots or a collection of baseball caps, you may want them on display, rather than hidden inside a cubby. Open shelving in your mudroom is a functional and flexible way to display your wares and the shelves themselves can be a point of style.

Normandy Designer Becca Ruggiero says incorporating your shelving into the room’s overall aesthetic is a great way to combine form and function. “There are numerous design aspects to open shelving, from the shelf material to the brackets or essential hardware that support them.”

Before displaying and storing items in your mudroom, think of how the room functions, who uses it, and what it’s used for. “Thicker shelves in a dark wood can elevate a traditional farmhouse feel. Opt for reclaimed barn wood if you can find it. This adds a bit of history and warmth to your home,” recommends Becca.

open shelf with decorative black metal bracketsSelect shelving brackets that not only add to the look but offer the right support for the weight of items stored. “Heavy black iron brackets complement substantial shelves and lend to a rustic appeal,” Becca says. “Be sure you have enough brackets spaced accordingly to support longer shelves and recognize that some brackets may be purely decorative.”

The ideal depth for open shelves depends on what they will be used for and where they will be hung in the room. “If the shelving is placed above a bench where people will sit, you want to be sure there is clearance, so no one bumps their head,” Becca says. “In a bathroom, a shallower shelf would suffice, and perfectly suits the smaller toiletries kept there. In a bar, mudroom, kitchen, or another utilitarian room, deeper shelves are usually required to hold rows of glasses, heavy plates, or large pots.”

With open shelving you don’t need to worry about fixed storage space, as you would with a cubby. As your family’s needs change, so does the space they require. A cubby may be perfect today for that sippy cup and teddy bear, but in a few years, you may need open space to keep backpacks and baseball cleats.

open shelving in laundry room

There is a downside to open shelving. “They can be a recipe for clutter if you’re not purposeful,” says Becca. “Instead of tossing together random items that gather dust, group like items and place in a decorative bin or basket that can be displayed.”

Selecting shelving for your room remodel is just one of the many decisions you face when designing a space. Contact Becca to discuss all the big and small details of your next remodel. In the meantime, you can view some of our recent projects on Facebook and Instagram.

Home bar with black and gold waterfall edge countertopBathtub with tub deckDry bar

Open shelving above textured tile in the kitchenopen shelving, bnech and wine cooler in mudroomLaundry Room on the second floor of the house

 

 

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