In the market for a new home and wondering what to look for in a modern interior? Or, thinking of selling your home and want to update to show its best? These 2010 design trends are what we can expect to see in homes this year;

Going Green to Save Green: Environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and we can each find our own way to fit it in to our unique lifestyles. One way is to incorporate energy efficiency in to our home, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s easy on the wallet. Solar hot water tanks, energy efficient fireplaces and appliances, environmentally friendly gardening products, sustainable wood flooring (such as reclaimed wood, bamboo or plantation cork) and solar panel sky-lights are all ways that a modern home can run its greenest!

High-tech – “smart” appliances use electronics both for a more efficient operation and to perform functions unheard of only a few years ago: fridges that make dinner suggestions or tell you what you’re out of; ovens and dishwashers that can be programmed to come on at a time that’s convenient for you; built-in computers, televisions, MP3 player docks and many other, now almost routine high-tech functions are demanded by homeowners to meet the needs of their kids that quite simply don’t know life any other way than with technology!

Kitchens – There is one word to describe the colours and tones used for kitchen cabinets and counter tops this year: dark. Mocha stained cabinetry and granite in dark colours dominate kitchen interiors and is in stark contrast to the light cabinetry of recent years. Because of the spaciousness of kitchen floor plans nowadays, the darker tones are pulled off with ease, and give warmth. Glass tile is being used for back splashes and is laid in unique patterns and using colours that draw the eye and add flare! Stainless steel appliances are still King for a reason: not only are they sophisticated, durable and hygienic but they also compliment almost any kitchen style and won’t go out of date any time soon.

Bathrooms – From pretty powder rooms to luxurious, massive, spa-like ensuites, today’s bathrooms are sophisticated showcases where great design meets technological innovation. When will the bathroom stop growing? Not in the foreseeable future, say design experts. Architects and home builders are allocating more space than ever before to master ensuites, and bathroom manufacturers keep figuring out tantalizing ways to fill it. Freestanding tubs – if you have the space – and luxurious walk-in showers (sometimes more than one) are just two of the space-hungry features making these massive, spa-like rooms a destination in the home.

Flooring – long length, wide plank and random width hardwood laid to achieve a natural appearance is popular, as is very dark tones of hardwood. Consumers have become fed up with the characteristics of laminate flooring that causes it to shrink over time, and builders are going straight to hardwood as the flooring of choice. Tile is also a premier choice for kitchens and bathroom floors and mixing and matching of sizes and tones is in.

Paint – Grey is the new neutral! Good-bye taupe and hello to charcoal, gun-metal and matte silver. Grey is an option where an alternative neutral is desired for the home, and when mixed together makes a great palette for a room. Think of grisaille, the technique of paintings or frescoes that are many tints of grey. The effect is subtle, soothing and very chic.

Wallpaper – Gasp! Who would have thought? But, as homeowners look to express themselves within their sanctuary, wallpaper offers a quick way to add variance in colour and shapes that cannot be as easily or economically created with paint.

If moving in to a more updated home is one of your 2010 resolutions, I am happy to show you some modern, newer homes in your price range. As always, I can be reached on my cell phone at (780) 934-8514 for your own personalized tour of your future home!

Sarah Dulmage, Realtor
Re/Max Real Estate
Cell: (780) 934-8514

sarah  (15 Posts)

Sarah is not only a great REALTOR, but also a person you'll be happy to call a friend. Her dedication and strong work ethic are perfect examples of her dedication to her clients.