1. The Color of the Year is…
Pantone has named Rose Quartz ‘Color of the Year 2016’. Room Décor Ideas suggests pairing Serenity (blue) with Rose Quartz for a tranquil and beautiful pastel palette. Central American and Southwest designs and colored fabrics are back too.
2. Virtual Stylists & Designer Closets
If you’ve been keeping up with the Kardashians, then you know a professionally designed wardrobe is a must. A separate room just for shoes like Kylie Jenner is a major plus too. With new virtual styling services connecting users to professional personal stylists by video, the walk-in closet must now be as fashionable as the clothes on the rack.
3. Real Desks
House Beautiful says desks are back. Working, organizing, and shopping from home might be trends here to stay, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in bed with your laptop. It’s time to give a real desk its place in your home again. Frumpy pajamas or business suit; it’s up to you.
4. Fashion Brands Become Household Staples
From Armani branded buildings to Ferrari inspired interiors and Versace tableware, luxury real estate is now expected to sport features from the world’s most respected fashion houses. The Porsche Design Tower, which is currently being built in Miami, will allow residents to ascend to their condominiums in private elevators - while sitting in their cars! Those that don’t live in branded condo buildings should budget for some accessories to ensure they keep up with the crème of the crop.
5. Wallpaper Makes a Comeback
After decades of causing home buyers and remodelers nightmares wallpaper is officially making a comeback. Textured wall art, metallic papers, and personally customized designs that maximize space perception are all working their way into trendy studios and expensive homes in prime locations. Basic artisanal brands run from around $150 a foot to the epic leather art of Mark Evans which can run $24,000 for 3 square feet.
6. Smart Home Automation Tools as Standard
Smart home technology is no longer cutting-edge or the exception; it is expected. Your property is now either a throwback to cave-dwelling times or a hi-tech work of art controlled by your smartphone. Even mid-range home builders like Lennar have been building in Nexia Home Intelligence automation systems which connect smartphones and tablets to door locks, security cameras, Z-Wave thermostats and smart lighting.
7. Refrigerators as Focal Points
Along with smart home technology, smart fridges are now expected too. On the low end of the market is the $5,000 Samsung smart fridge. Several thousand more will procure a respectable Sub-Zero fridge. For $41,500 luxury property owners can geek out “the Lamborghini of over-sized Italian refrigerators,” with optional built-in TV. However, before selecting old fashioned stainless steel finishes appliances know that a recent Houzz survey shows almost two-thirds of users are interested in “dark alternatives to shiny silver metal.” The crystal ball suggests retro 70s style kitchens are coming back. Look out for the return of the green, pastel blue, and even pink kitchen appliances by 2017.
