What’s New In New Houses

When planning a big redecorating project, many of us visit model homes for inspiration. What better place to see the latest in home design and decorating? Here’s what’s trending:

Exposed brick or shiplap, dark metals, and wood elements
Flex space you can use as a den or study
Loft areas that can be a playroom or family retreat
Tall baseboards, up to 8”
Large walk-in pantries

Oversized islands (they are huge!)
Wine or coffee bars
Rocking chair front porches or covered rear porches
Mudrooms with built in cabinetry
Open floor plans (they aren’t going away!)

Still seeing lots of grey
Also white and soft greens
Long, linear backsplash tile
4-by-12-inch is popular,
with a subtle wavy or crackle glaze finish
Herringbone installations
Multiple shower heads and handhelds in the shower
Black hardware
Double vanities

Granite is standard for countertops
Quartz is an upgrade
LVP and hardwood floors in medium shades 
Carpet in the bedrooms
Lots of fireplaces (indoors and outside)

Staircases with hardwood treads
Simple wrought iron balusters
Window treatments are almost all draperies 
No shutters, though some model homes have blinds

PRO TIP: Most of what you see in a model home is an upgrade. If you are shopping for a new home, ask lots of questions about what is standard and what you will pay extra for.

May is National Home Improvement Month
Chances are you have plenty of home improvement projects on your “to do” list. These are currently the most popular projects from a nationwide Zillow.com survey:

1.   Bathroom renovation
2.   Kitchen renovation

3.   Landscaping
4.   First floor addition
5.   Deck

6.   Exterior painting
7.   Backyard space (she shed, tiny house)
8.   Interior painting
9.   Pool
10.Second floor addition

Some of these projects are pricey! New floors and a fresh coat of paint are so much more budget friendly and will still update your home and make it feel new again.   Regardless your budget, come in and meet with an Enhance Floors Design Consultant and see how we can help.


WWOWT
Wonderful World of Window Treatments

Natural light streaming into your home is a beautiful thing—except, that is, when you want to sleep or get some privacy. Yes, curtains are pretty much a necessity regardless of where you live, and you’ll want to do some research before buying them to ensure that you get the right size and style for your home.

To help take the guesswork out of the process, we’ve put together this quick guide on how to choose curtains, and all of the extras that come with them.

Step One: Figure Out How Long They Need to Be Length is one of the biggest factors to consider when you’re choosing curtains. There are five standard curtain lengths: 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches. How long you go depends on the height of your windows and ceilings, and the look that you’re trying to achieve. Curtain lengths are determined by measuring from the rod pocket—which is where your curtain hangs off the curtain rod—to the bottom of the fabric. (Note that there are also short curtains, called tier curtains, that only cover part of the window. These typically measure either 24 inches or 36 inches long.)

To figure out the curtain length you’ll need, you’ll want to come up with your rod to floor height. Determine where your rod is going to be installed or measure from the existing rod down to where you want the curtains to hang—either the bottom of the window or all the way to the floor. The standard curtain width is 45 inches. To determine if you’ll need one or two panels, measure the width of your window in inches and then add 12 inches to each side to account for rod overhang and to allow for your curtains to hang in gentle folds, instead of hanging taut. Types of curtains by length: When you’re shopping for curtains, it can be helpful to search by certain keywords, instead of just by length. Here are the common terms that are used. Tier curtains – Short curtains that cover just a portion of the window. Apron curtains – Curtains that hang just below the bottom of the window. Floor curtains – Curtains that reach down to the floor. Usually look best when paired with a rod that’s closer to the ceiling. Puddle curtains – Curtains that reach down to the floor with some remaining fabric puddling at the bottom. Again, pair these with a higher situated rod.

Step Two: Choose a Curtain Fabric
Curtains come in a variety of fabrics. In addition to thinking about the overall look that you want for your windows, keep in mind the amount of light that will pass through. Heavier, opaque fabrics will keep out more light than lighter and more sheer fabrics.

If you want lots of light to shine through: Go with sheer or cotton fabrics. Even in a range of colors you’ll still get lots of natural light.

If you want moderate amounts of light: Opt for linen curtains, which offer a textured weave that lets in some light but not all.

If you want the light to be all or mostly blocked out: Choose velvet curtains, which are extremely heavy and opaque. Blackout curtains, which feature a special lining that keeps out sunlight entirely, are also an option.

Within each fabric option you’ll also have lots to choose from in terms of color and pattern. Go bold if you want your curtains to be a standout feature of the room, or keep it simple if you’d rather they don’t take attention away from other focal points in the space.