Is Your Home Keeping Up With You?

We are all almost certainly using our homes differently today than we were two years ago. We aren’t entertaining as much, we are spending more time outdoors, many are working and schooling from home …. and our homes need some changes to keep up. 

The popular website Houzz recently identified the top emerging home design trends based on the latest internet searches.  The trends reflect a need for dedicated activity spaces within the home, a desire to bring the outdoors in, a requirement to create flexible interior spaces and a passion for luxurious colors and materials. Sought after updates include:


Dedicated Activity Spaces

People have been relying on their homes to provide new avenues of activity and entertainment since the beginning of the pandemic and it shows in the emerging search trends we’re seeing for craft and art studios (up nearly 10x), home bars and wine cellars (up nearly 4x) and home theaters, home gyms and home offices (up 3x, 2.5x and 2x, respectively). 



Family Room Refresh

The family room has always been an important gathering space within the home. As people have spent more time within it over the past year, they may be seeking inspiration to refresh the space, with searches for family and living rooms up 52 percent compared with the same period in 2020. Accent pillows and home accents in general have seen some of the most dramatic increases (up 51x and 25x, respectively), along with decorative accents, artwork, display shelves, and slip or chair covers. 




Flexible Design
Many homeowners are turning to design options that offer more flexibility within the existing footprint of their homes. Searches for TV armoires with pocket doors (up 23x), queen murphy beds (up 21x), and nesting side tables (up 20x), create dual uses for a room by creatively hiding them away when not in use. Swivel accent chairs (up 20x) are great in open floor plans and daybed sets (up 9x) offer multiple uses.





Luxury Fabrics, Materials and Colors
Fabrics, materials, and colors are going glam with searches incorporating velvet, gold and crystal all trending up.


Bringing the Outdoors In 
Openness to nature and the role of greenery in our homes is a trend that seems to be accelerating. Searches for artificial plants and trees, as well as indoor pots and planters, are up 7.5x and 4.5x, respectively, since the same period last year. Window treatments that let more light in are also in demand.


that we offer FREE color consultations in the Design Center? Meet with our Color Expert Teresa; appointments required. Call today and schedule your session.



Design Tip



FOR THE ULTIMATE IN PRIVACY AND LIGHT CONTROL
Top-Down/Bottom-Up window shades offer you the ability to operate window treatments (including Roman shades, cellular honeycomb shades and woven wood shades) from the top down, bottom up, or in combination to meet all your privacy needs while still giving you access to natural light.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP SHADES?
Flexibility: Unlike traditional shades that only open from the bottom up, the Top-Down/Bottom-Up design option lets you customize the exact position of your shades to fit your ideal level of privacy, light control and comfort.

UV Protection: Even on cloudy days, damaging UV rays can fade and deteriorate your furnishings. With Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades, you can position your shades to block the sun’s harsh rays while still bringing in natural sunlight.



How Much Does It Cost?
We installed these Top Down/Bottom Up shades for a customer that moved into a new 55 and over community. Our client selected Hunter Douglas Solera with lite rise operating system. The average window size was 30" x 70". The windows averaged $620.00 each with installation. This includes the Top Down/Bottom Up customization option.




Pat in Marietta writes:
“This is a great store with great people to help you. I bought an older home and I needed to update everything. I went to the store and got excellent help in picking out carpet, wood and tile for my house. I did the work in several stages, and the master decorating plan (colors, etc.) we came up with at the beginning turned out exactly like I dreamed it would. It looks awesome, like a brand new home! Don and the installers were wonderful. The sales ladies were awesome, they were very helpful and patient. I am so glad I found Enhance and I would not go anywhere else for new floors!” 

Thank you, Pat, for the great review. We enjoyed working with you and very much appreciate the referrals you have sent out way.