home trends

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Sustainable Spaces: The Bathroom

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These eco-friendly bathroom upgrades cut energy costs and help attract today’s sustainability-minded buyers.

It may come as no surprise that American households use most of their water in the bathroom. Approximately 24% of a household’s water use can be traced to the toilet alone(link is external), and another 20% goes down the shower drain. But water isn’t the only resource used in the bathroom. There’s electricity from lighting and temperature control, too.

Today’s homeowners are increasingly interested in sustainability—reducing their use of resources and making their living spaces more friendly to people and the planet. If you or a client want to go green, a resource-guzzling bathroom is the perfect place to start making changes.

Why Focus on Sustainability in the Bathroom?

“With all the advancements in energy saving technology, the bathroom is the easiest place in the home to accomplish a sustainable environment and, in many cases, the most economical,” says Sheryl McLean, president and creative director(link is external) of McLean and Tircuit, a design firm in Laurel, Md.

Selling homeowners on the benefits of sustainable bathroom design doesn’t have to be complicated. Green bathrooms offer a lot of value:

  • They reduce water and energy costs.

  • They attract more of today’s sustainability-minded buyers.

  • They are healthier for homeowners.

Whether you’re tackling your own home renovation or advising clients on theirs, sustainable bathrooms ultimately offer a lot of bang for one’s buck.

5 Sustainable Bathroom Features

Smart Showerheads and Faucets

Switching to low-flow showerheads and faucets is perhaps the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective bathroom upgrade. The energy savings are immediate.

“Not only does this conserve water, but it is also conserving gas and electricity. Running hot water uses gas and electricity, and by lowering the flow rates you are using, [you] will conserve energy with gas and electricity,” says Brooke Moore, an interior designer with Freemodel(link is external), headquartered in Burlingame, Calif.

If you’re unsure how to spot a genuinely sustainable fixture, McLean has a tip: Look for faucets and showerheads with a WaterSense(link is external) label. These products meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria for water efficiency.

Radiant Heated Floors

Want to slash energy costs in the bathroom? Install radiant heated flooring, says Moore.

Ripping up the bathroom floors to install radiant heating is a major project, but it’s also a great choice for clients already tackling a bathroom renovation. Radiant heat is always more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating, according to the Department of Energy(link is external). The cherry on top? Radiant heating is excellent for buyers with allergies. It’s easy to clean and does not stir up allergens like forced-air heating.

Lighting Upgrades

Most people get ready for their day in the bathroom. A mix of whole-room and task lighting is key. There are three easy ways to boost the eco-friendliness of bathroom lighting:

  • Go LED. “Replace your lighting with LED bulbs or fixtures,” says McLean. “They use less electricity and last much longer.”

  • Install vacancy sensors. “Vacancy sensors turn lights on by sensing movement in the bathroom and will turn off automatically when no more movement is sensed,” explains Moore. “You don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the bathroom light anymore!”

  • Use natural light. Natural light sources should be considered whenever a home is being built from the ground up or completely renovated. Clerestory windows—rows above eye level—are a great option for large bathrooms because they invite plenty of sunlight without compromising privacy.

Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

Eco-friendly home design often focuses on reducing energy and water waste. But air quality matters, too. McLean recommends choosing low–volatile organic compound paints and finishes to reduce environmental and indoor air pollution.

“One of my favorites is the Benjamin Moore [line of] low-VOC paints,” she says. Glidden Premium is also recommended for bathrooms(link is external), as this no-VOC paint is suitable for high-humidity spaces.

Sustainable Bathroom Countertops

Not all countertops are created equally, so it’s important to pay attention to the material, manufacturing and transportation required to deliver them to a homeowner’s door. In general, it’s a good idea to opt for natural materials that are sourced as locally as possible.

Sustainable countertop materials may include:

But remember, the goal is to use a truly sustainable material, not a material that merely looks sustainable. “This is the trickiest because many stones appear to be natural but may be a composite made with lots of adhesives,” warns McLean.

Greener Flooring

These days, homeowners searching for sustainable bathroom flooring have many options. It’s important to consider:

  • The sustainability of the material

  • The sustainability practices of the company or brand

  • The ability to clean the floors with eco-friendly products

So, beyond a natural material, homeowners should look for durable, water-resistant flooring. McLean suggests concrete, cork, or bamboo tiles for green bathroom flooring.

For the original article visit Realtor Magazine.

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14 Common Interior Design Mistakes—and What the Pros Say You Should Do Instead

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From awkwardly placed art to inadequate lighting, interior designers reveal the most common décor blunders they see.

We all want a home that’s beautiful, comfortable, and inviting. But all too often, we start decorating without taking enough time to think about how we need our rooms to function. Or we start decorating without a plan, which can be a recipe for décor chaos.

Meanwhile, there are so many nuances in interior design that many of us have simply never considered—like area rug size or curtain length. Not getting these right can lead to a room that looks off, when the goal is a space that is harmonious and welcoming.

To learn more about common décor mistakes like these, we spoke with design pros to find out the missteps they see most often. Ahead, learn what they say to avoid and what to do instead.

9 Home Décor Trends on Their Way Out, According to Design Insiders

Furniture Lined Up Against the Walls

When professionals plan interiors, they rely on principles of good interior design, such as visible weight, proportion, scale, balance, and symmetry. The biggest mistake people make when arranging furniture is to push the largest pieces back against the walls, creating a big space in the middle. “When you push furniture against walls, it actually makes your spaces far less functional, and you’re creating disruption in your space,” says interior designer David Samuel Ko, principal at Maison Ko. “Furniture should be paired with other pieces to create a pleasant and habitable space.” 

Think about how you use your room and group furnishings to create zones. For example, in a living room, you might have a conversation zone, a game-table zone, and a movie-watching zone. Ko suggests taping out on the floor exactly where your furniture pieces are going to sit to get an idea. Or if you’re working with a professional, he says to ask for renderings of your space with everything to scale.

Too-Small Rugs

Area rugs aren’t only a great way to bring in texture and color; they also help ground the furniture and create zones. But designers say it's very common to see a rug that is either too large or too small. The size of a rug should be determined by the size of the zone you’re creating and where the furniture will be placed on it, according to Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. “Area rugs should not cover an entire space of a home. In the living room, for instance, it is best to have the rug just underneath half the sofa and accent chairs,” she says.

Martha's Tried-and-True Tips for Arranging Area Rugs in Every Room of Your Home

Inadequate Lighting

Lighting is often an afterthought. One common error is to rely on just that single light fixture in the center of the ceiling to light your whole room. This can make a room seem smaller, darker, and uninviting—and never provides enough light for tasks. Professionals say lighting should be layered—a good mix of recessed ceiling lights, gimbals or spotlights, ceiling fixtures, sconces, and floor and table lamps.

6 Outdated Lighting Trends to Skip in 2024, According to Designers

Non-Complementary Paint Colors

Choosing paint colors is one of the most impactful design decisions you can make. Not only do you want to choose from a palette that flows well from room to room, but you also want to choose coordinating trim colors. Too often, homeowners default to bright white for trim, which might feel safe but is not always right.

Designers notice it right away. “When trim throughout a house is all painted the same color white, especially in non-white rooms, there was a missed opportunity,” says Andrew Pharis, architect and interior design expert at Vertical Arts Architecture. “When picking paint colors, select a trim color that is complementary to the wall color or go tone on tone. This will add a layer of sophistication and help the room feel more thoughtful.”

Color Drenching Is the Latest Must-Try Paint Trend, According to Interior Designers

Too-Small Light Fixtures

Fixtures that aren’t the right size and proportion is another common problem. “Choosing appropriately sized fixtures is crucial to the overall look and feel of a space,” says Williams, noting that when light fixtures are too small, they provide inadequate lighting—and they look puny. “You lose an opportunity for a beautiful, impactful moment,” she says. “Light fixtures create an amazing ambiance.”

Mixing Lighting Temperatures

And then there are the more technical aspects of lighting, such as color temperature. Did you know that mixing temperatures in a room can be a problem? “Walking into a room with light fixtures that do not have the same color temperature can be jarring and feel uncomfortable,” explains Pharis. “Measured in degrees of Kelvin (K), the higher the number, the cooler the light (aka more blue). Typically, 2700 K for a residential space feels warm and inviting. Anything above 3000 K, and you’ll feel like you’re in a dentist’s office.”

The Difference Between Soft White and Daylight Light Bulbs—and Where to Use Each

Pendants Hung Too High or Low

If you’ve ever toured a home for sale, you’ve probably seen a ceiling pendant that looks laughably low in an empty room. But if it had been recently hanging above a dining table, it was probably just right.

When hanging a dining pendant, the bottom of the fixture should be about eye level when seated. This translates to roughly 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the table. There is a similar rule of thumb for countertop pendants. “We like to hang kitchen pendants around 32 to 36 inches above the countertop,” says Barrett Oswald, principal at Barrett Oswald Designs. “For kitchens with standard eight-foot ceilings, it should be closer to 32 inches, while greater ceiling height allows for more clearance under the pendant. That being said, it's also important to keep the client's height in mind.”

Not Mixing and Matching Furniture

Another mistake that is easy to make is to purchase furniture in sets or all from the same place. Often, the rooms we love the most in our social media feeds reflect a lifetime of the homeowner collecting—or getting help from a design professional who will source furniture and objects from a multitude of shops and artfully mix furnishings from different eras. “Mixing and matching furniture is my preferred way to design a space,” says Ko. “It provides interest and feels much more custom and curated this way. It’s okay to have matching lounge chairs or matching stools. But complete sets end up feeling very boring and catalog.”

Overstyled Shelves

Beautifully curated shelves are a pleasure to behold, but getting it right takes finesse. Beyond just collecting tchotchkes, you have to employ design principles like symmetry, balance, and proportion—and be restrained from going overboard. “I love including meaningful pieces throughout the space to add a homey feeling; however, sometimes over-styling with knickknacks can make a space feel cluttered,” says Williams.

Bookshelf Wealth Is the Ultimate Design Trend for Readers

Wallpaper That’s the Wrong Orientation

Wallpaper is having a heyday. You’ll see it now in every room of the house and on every surface—even overhead! While wallpaper on the ceiling can give a room great visual impact, you have to orient the wallcovering properly and choose your pattern wisely, according to Michelle Gage, founder and creative director at MichelleGage.co. “I love a wallpapered ceiling but hate to see a vertical pattern lay horizontally,” she says. Choose a multidirectional pattern.

Art That’s Hung Too High

Art that is hung too high or too low can throw off a room’s proportions and leave a space feeling "off," says Pharis. The rule of thumb is that the center of the work should measure 60 inches from the floor (roughly eye level). He starts there and adjusts accordingly. That said, also, do what you like. “Like many things in interior design, there are no hard and fast rules that work every time. If the piece of art brings you joy, that’s all that matters,” he says.

Art That’s Not the Right Scale

And then there’s the artwork that’s not quite the right size. Art doesn't look its best when it is the wrong scale for the space "unless it’s offset and intentional,” says Gage. For example, artwork hung over a sofa looks best if it’s rectangular and about two-thirds the width of the sofa. 

“When sizing art above a piece of furniture I use the rule of thirds, where the piece is between a third to two-thirds the width of the furniture piece it is hanging above,” says Pharis. “Try using painter's tape to mock it out on the wall first to see if it feels right.”

Hanging Curtains Too Low

A common mistake is hanging curtains the height of the window box, but that’s often too low, making the ceilings feel low. “I like to have at least 6 inches above the window casing,” advises Michelle Yorke, principal at Michelle Yorke Interior Design. If it is a high ceiling, hang the curtains 10 to 12 inches above the casing. This brings height to the room and draws the eye up above the window.”

Hemming Curtains Too Short

When hanging curtains, there are three choices: The fabric can graze the floor, break at the floor and go on another inch, or be long enough to pool on the floor. While designers and homeowners may have different opinions on pooling, most agree that too long or too short is not great.

“Hang the curtain panels so the bottom of the fabric sits just above the flooring. So they hang nicely and can open and close without touching the floor,” says Yorke. Oswald agrees: “We prefer curtains that are just touching or ‘kissing’ the floor. That is usually achieved by stopping the length just shy of the floor, around 1/8" above.” Anything shorter looks unfinished. Exceptions include windowsill-skimming curtains for kitchens and bathrooms and cafe curtains at a dining nook.

How to Choose the Right Curtain Length for Your Specific Windows

For the original article by Sally Jones on March 27, 2024, visit MarthaStewart.com

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6 Actually Fun Kitchen Hardware Trends for 2024, According to Pros

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Some say that hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen, and that certainly appears to be the case based on the kitchen hardware trend predictions for 2024.

Say goodbye to sleek finishes, simplistic silhouettes, and purely utilitarian design. This year, designers predict that homeowners will have fun when buying kitchen hardware, using it to infuse some serious personality and charm into their kitchens. 

Here are six kitchen hardware trends to watch out for in 2024, according to interior designers.

  1. Textured Finishes

Across the board, designers agree that textured finishes are set to be one of the biggest kitchen hardware trends of 2024. Say goodbye to sleek finishes and hello to hammered, brushed, and knurled finishes on both knobs and pulls.

David Mason, founder of Knobs.co, a retailer of cabinet hardware, predicts that matte textured finishes in particular will reign supreme.

“The combination of matte finish and texture adds depth, visual interest, and a touch of luxury to any kitchen," Mason says. "Expect to see these trending in both modern and traditional kitchens."

2. Artisinal and Handcrafted Designs

A shift towards artisanal, handcrafted pieces has been a consistent trend in interior design over the past few years and we can expect to see that translate into kitchen hardware this year as well. Not only do these pieces add a sense of individuality to any space, but they can contribute to a warm and welcoming feel too.

“As I can see, the trend of unique, artisanal, and handcrafted designs is gaining popularity in kitchen hardware," says Mason. "Expect to see intricate designs, textures, and materials being used in kitchen hardware such as brass, copper, wood, and even leather."

3. Mixed Metals

Mixing metals throughout the home has been increasingly popular and the experts don’t expect it to fall out of favor in 2024. Mark Cutler, cofounder of CutlerSchulze, an interior design firm based in Los Angeles predicts that homeowners will continue to mix metal finishes in the kitchen for a warmer, more eclectic look than the traditional matchy aesthetic.

“People are searching for comfort and approachability and using mixed metals creates kitchens that feel lived in and curated,” Cutler says.

As far as metal choices go, we’re not just talking about gold and silver here. “There will be more patina copper, flamed bronze, and rich texturing all blended with the usual stainless steel and nickel," he says. "The rule now is: there is no rule!”


4. Knobs Over Pulls

Sleek pulls have been in style for the past several years, but this year designers expect to see a shift in preference towards knobs.

“My forecast calls for fewer pulls and more knobs in all different colors and textures, which are more versatile, less expensive, and easy to change up depending on the mood or season,” says Shani Core, founder and principal designer of Shani Core Interiors based in Palm Beach, Florida.

In line with most of the trend predictions on this list, Core predicts that fun, colorful, and textured knobs will be the big stars in 2024.

“Whether bringing in a different tone of wood to highlight beautiful floors or using as a bold accent to pick up a color in a piece of art, fun knobs are on my radar for 2024,” she says.

5. Fun Statement Hardware

Color and whimsical design is having a moment across all areas of interior design and the experts say that kitchen hardware is no exception. Think playful shapes, unexpected pops of color, whimsical motifs, and unexpected placements.

“Whether it’s vintage, fun shapes, or bold colors, we are about to see a lot more unique hardware,” says Julia Newman, founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Design based in Los Angeles.

6. No Hardware

“I predict there is going to be a big trend of no hardware in cabinets and furniture," says Maren Baker, founder and principal designer of Maren Baker Design based in Boise, Idaho. "It is such a fun way to create a little opening or notch in a fun shape, showing personality and something totally unique."

This trend works particularly well in smaller spaces and homes where multi-purpose rooms are abundant. “Eliminating lots of knobs and pulls will make those areas blend and blur with the rest of the house," Baker says. "When people eliminate hardware from cabinetry they can really splurge where it is more necessary (like on doors)."

For the original article by CORI SEARS, visit The Spruce.

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Feel Better in the New Year: 7 Healthy Home Upgrades To Make in 2024

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Some home improvements can be hard to justify—like whether or not you need to swap out the guest bath wallpaper for the third time in four years.

But saying a hearty “Yes!” to home upgrades that can boost your family’s health and well-being seems like a no-brainer.

In advance of the approaching new year, we’ve found seven ways to level up to a healthy home in 2024. From the minor to the major, this list has something for every budget.

Here are seven health-related home improvements that can help keep you energized throughout the coming year.

1. Quartz or marble countertops

Photo by Arizona Tile

If your kitchen is due for a change, one of the best healthy home upgrades you can make in 2024 is to install quartz or marble countertops. Yes, they’re premium surfaces, often with higher price tags. But not only are these materials highly durable, low maintenance, and gorgeous to look at, but they can also help keep your family from getting sick.

“In 2024, these surfaces are becoming even more desirable for their antimicrobial properties,” says remodel and real estate expert Mark Buskuhl, of Ninebird Properties. “Both quartz and marble have been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on their surface, making them an excellent investment for families with young children or the elderly.”

2. Full-spectrum lightbulbs

The quality of light in our homes affects us more than we realize, especially during the darker days of winter. If you’re looking for an affordable, health-forward home swap this season, consider investing in some full-spectrum lightbulbs. These bulbs are brighter and whiter than typical bulbs.

“Full-spectrum lightbulbs that mimic the sun can be great for those that suffer from seasonal affective disorder or for spaces where you want to be productive—like an office, workshop, or garage,” says Mallory Micetich of Angi.

Get healthy: Looking for a light-filled bonus? You will save on your electric bill by choosing full-spectrum LED bulbs.

3. Sunrise alarm clock

Speaking of quality lighting, sunrise alarm clocks are one of our favorite ways to start the day—and a worthy investment for your next healthy home upgrade.

“A sunrise alarm clock is an excellent tool for improving your sleep habits and promoting a healthier sleep-wake cycle,” says Buskuhl. “These clocks use light simulation to gradually wake you up, mimicking the natural sunrise and helping you feel more energized in the morning.”

Get healthy: Reset your morning routine with the hOmeLabs sunrise alarm clock.

4. Air purifier

Another essential home health upgrade you’ll be happy you made in 2024? A high-quality air purifier to keep those winter allergies at bay.

“If you suffer from frequent allergies, respiratory issues, sinus irritation, or fatigue, an air purifier could be a great investment for your home,” says Micetich. “An air purifier will have a stronger filter than your furnace filter, which will allow it to remove more odors and particles from the air.”

Get healthy: While there are plenty of sizes (and price ranges) to choose from, we like this Levoit air purifier.

5. Water filter

Don’t stop at the filtration of your air! The water we drink plays a huge role in how we feel—and let’s be honest, the better it tastes, the more likely we are to drink enough of it.

Whether you live in a city with treated water or off the grid with hard water, a good filter can help ensure a top-notch taste and quality in your home H2O.

“If you have an older home, have young children, live close to a manufacturing plant, have an older plumbing system, or are susceptible to external issues like a leaky septic system, you may want to consider adding a water filter to your home,” explains Micetich.

Get healthy: Before spending the big bucks on a whole-house filtration system, consider what you need a water filter for. If it’s just for drinking and cooking, an inline system like the Aquasana two-stage filter is an affordable solution.

6. Ergonomic home office chair

One significant aspect of our well-being we often overlook is good posture. If you spend hours every week working from a home office but don’t yet have an ergonomic chair, now’s a great time to consider getting one.

“Investing in an ergonomic office chair is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing back and neck pain,” says Buskuhl. “A high-quality, adjustable chair can provide proper support for your spine, reducing strain on muscles and joints. It’s a must-have for anyone spending long hours at a desk.”

Get healthy: Shop this collection of ergonomic office chairs to find the perfect one for your space.

7. Desk elliptical

Another great way to stay healthy during those long hours in your home office is with a desk elliptical.

“If you’re looking to improve your health, start with where you spend a lot of time—at your desk,” says Micetich. “You might want to also consider an active chair. This could be anything from an elliptical desk to an exercise ball.”

Micetich also suggests keeping a yoga mat nearby for easy stretching or light weightlifting between meetings.

Get healthy: When it comes to under-the-desk ellipticals, we like this Sunny Health exercise option.

Larissa Runkle (@therealest8writer) is a writer and editor living in Colorado. Her work focuses on unique real estate and design trends.

For the otiginal article visit Realtor.com

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Pantone Announced the Color of the Year 2024 and It’ll Give You All the Fuzzy Feels

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The sweet and soft hue marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program.

With all of the color predictions rolling in at the end of the year, perhaps the most anticipated one is Pantone’s Color of the Year—Pantone is considered the leading global color authority across various industries after all. The world collectively holds its breath for the announcement, and now we can all exhale, because they just revealed their Color of the Year 2024, Peach Fuzz, a sherbet-like orange hue. The sweet and soft shade is a vast departure from last year’s color, Viva Magenta, a bold and dramatic crimson red. 

Pantone’s Top Color Trends for Spring 2024 Are All About Bold Transformation

Peach Fuzz is supposed to be “a compassionate and nurturing soft peach shade conveying a heartfelt kindness,” Pantone states in their announcement. We’re living in a period that’s rife with turmoil and controversy, and the velvety, pastel color is the brand’s response to this. The softness of the shade connotes peacefulness and the hope for a more caring and collaborative future.

Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, says, “We see an increased focus on community and people across the world reframing how they want to live and evaluating what is important—that being the comfort of being close to those we love. The color is one whose warm and welcoming embrace conveys a message of compassion and whose cozy sensibility brings people together and enriches the soul.” We have to agree—it has a nurturing and calming aura, for sure!

Another element Peach Fuzz unexpectedly brings to the table is tactility—”fuzz” introduces an extra sensory angle and plays into the “soft” quality the color communicates. “An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. 

A Little Background on Pantone’s Color of the Year

If you’re curious about when Pantone selects their Color of the Year, they shared with Real Simple that they do copious research starting at the beginning of the year. So for example, for their 2024 shade, they started doing their homework in very early 2023. As for how they select the color, Pantone takes a very comprehensive approach to the process. They take a step back and look at the zeitgeist to see what’s trending. (They mentioned colors similar to Peach Fuzz were all spotted at the Met Gala, for example.) The brand also confirmed they do lots of color-word association studies to inform their decision. Their Color of the Year program has been running for 25 years now. Fun fact: the very first color was Cerulean Blue, announced in 1999! 

Leslie Corona is the Senior Home Editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She has been styling, organizing, writing, and reporting on all things in the home space for a decade. She was previously at Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, and Parents. She has shared her expertise on the TODAY show, Cheddar, and local television news outlets.

To see the original article by Leslie Corona visit Real Simple