8 Popular Home Design Trends to Look for in 2016!

Home design trends are more than just individual details and fads. They represent changes in lifestyle and the desire to create a home that better fits your needs. In 2016, many home builders have noticed home design trends are being driven by three main themes - functionality, personalizaton, and entertaining. In this article, we will explore how these three themes manifest themselves in the design choices made by 2016 new home buyers.

Functionality

Home buyers who are building a new home in 2016 want to maximize their space by using every square inch and making the home as functional as possible. This desire for functionality has produced the following trends:

- 100% functional design: This means we are seeing fewer hallways and tiny rooms, single staircases because having two takes up too much space, and a decrease in requests for separate, closed off foyers or entrances.

- Smart home technology: Home builders can pre-wire the space with cables so Wi-Fi can be extended throughout the house. This allows the homeowner to conveniently control things like security systems, lights, and thermostats from their smartphone.

- Double islands in the kitchen: Since the kitchen is a key area for entertaining, having two islands allows the homeowner to have one dedicated space for cooking and prep work and a separate space for eating and socializing.

- Landscaping with native plants: Many areas of the country are experiencing drought. By landscaping with native plants, home owners will use less water because these plants are accustomed to the environment but still create an impressive display that adds curb appeal.

Personalization

The main reason why people choose to buy a new home over purchasing a resale home is that it allows them to customize and personalize the space to their needs. This means you can choose your own layout, materials, colors, decorations and more to show off your unique personality. 

Of course personalization is different for everyone, but some of the key personalization trends that home builders are seeing in 2016 include:

- Get away rooms: Homeowners are choosing the open concept layout (which we will discuss in the next section), but they still want a place where they can get away to a more private space. Get away rooms can take the form of wine rooms, libraries, family rooms, recreation rooms, media rooms and more.

- Master suite: Another area where home builders see personalization come to the forefront is in the master suite. Homeowners want to design their perfect bedroom and connected bathroom that let them escape from the hectic world outside. Once again, personalization depends on the homeowner, but spa-like bathrooms that include either a walk-in shower or a stand-alone tub (or both) are particularly popular.

Entertaining

A final theme that is driving 2016 home trends is the desire to create a home that is ideal for at-home entertaining. Some more specific trends that fall into this category include:

- Open concept layout: Home buyers are taking down the walls on the main level of their home to create a space where the kitchen, dining, and living areas can all flow together. This provides a larger area where people have room to mix and mingle yet remain in the same space.

- Indoor-outdoor space: With a main floor that is perfectly set up for entertaining, 2016 new home buyers are going a step further to ensure their outdoor space is set up for entertaining too and that these indoor and outdoor areas flow well together. Many are choosing double or even triple pane sliding glass doors to connect the inside with the outside. They are also making the outdoors an entertaining hotspot by adding features like patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, fire pits, fireplaces, pizza ovens and more.

This article has featured 8 of the most popular home design trends for 2016, and you hopefully now have a deeper-level view of what to expect in 2016.  These trends are becoming popular because they serve the greater needs of homebuyers in 2016 – needs for functionality, personalization, and entertaining. 

As you plan out your ideas for your own new home, take some time to think about your lifestyle and your needs. A good local home builder will then be able to work with you to design a home that perfectly meets those needs.

Guest post- Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016!

Kitchen trends to watch in 2016 encompass simplicity, convenience, and color. Though some design trends come and go, these unite classic elements with an innovative approach.

If you are looking for top design trends for kitchen remodels in 2016, we have gathered the most popular updates and upgrades for a fresh new year of kitchen designs. From built-in technology to kitchen and living room integration, you are sure to find ideas you will love.

Kitchens Become High-Tech Spaces

Innovation is everywhere. Now technology is helping make your life easier in the kitchen.

Access your music or recipes with ease on your iPad or tablet with designated docking stations and chargers for phones or tablets. Watch for appliances to take a whole new level of accessibility and innovation with built-in wine coolers, smart coffee makers, or ovens you can control remotely by your smartphone. Clever storage options will make organizing and storing kitchen supplies easier and more convenient than ever.

Classy Metal Accents

Natural, classy metals are making a comeback and expanding beyond last year’s trend of metallic faucets, knobs, and lights to range hoods in metallic finishes. Wood range hoods will likely decline as industrial metal hoods or a combination of both elements reach their peak. With neutral tones increasing in popularity, classic metal touches introduce an elegant contrast to your kitchen.

Commercial Appliances for Residential Uses

You may not be the next Iron Chef, but if you enjoy whipping up restaurant quality fare then commercial kitchen appliances could be for you. A commercial range and extra large refrigerator—along with immense counter space will give you the feel of a professional working kitchen in the comfort of your home. 

Muted Color Palettes and Contrasting Textures

This year, color schemes are seeing a big change. Though white remains popular, the new color scheme for backsplashes and cabinets includes grays, charcoal, tinted white tones, or even neutral pastels such as light blue or green.

Watch for variations in texture to be popular in kitchens. Not necessarily mixing and matching of textures, but also varying patterns of texture. For example, stone can be finished in multiple ways and installed to add slight texture differences in the same space.

Less Is More- A Minimalist Approach

Simplicity is the new definition of luxury. Minimalism will remain popular in 2016 designs with predominately white color palettes, wood textures, and counters without clutter. Furniture and designs mimic ‘60s modern or Nordic styles. These styles focus on simplicity while offering functional options for your kitchen.

Maximize Storage Space

Kitchen storage space seems to be an issue for any size room! But it is especially an issue for apartment dwellers and condo or townhome owners. Because of this space issue, manufacturers and renovation contractors are focusing on increasing storage in areas that also do not take up additional square footage.

Multi-tiered drawers and pull outs that fit in the spaces found in corners or next to appliances are a hot trend to add much needed storage in kitchens.

Integration of Kitchen and Living Spaces

Where do most family or friends congregate in the house? The kitchen. That is why many homeowners are foregoing the traditional dining space and outfitting space near the kitchen with comfortable sofas, chairs, lamps, and rugs.

This trend streamlines kitchen designs while uniting this space with a home’s primary living area. Nothing says “stay awhile” than a kitchen and living space that invites friends and family to rest and relax.

Are you interested in remodeling your kitchen in 2016? Check out some of these trendy ideas for inspiration. A great thing about these 2016 ideas is that they should all stay in style well beyond this year!

Guest post- Bathroom Makeover Dilemmas - Radiator or Heated Towel Rail?

Whether you are installing a brand new bathroom or giving your existing one a much needed makeover, there are plenty of decisions to be made. What color scheme should I go for? What kind of shower would look best? Do I need a new toilet and sink? What kind of tiles should I choose?

Another key decision when honing in on your desired look is what kind of heating you are going to go for. Is a standard radiator, designer radiator or a stylish heated towel rail going to best suit the new room? Luckily, there are a great deal of options available, with companies like CNM Online offering a range of styles and finishes in all three.

One thing you should know is that towel rails and radiators basically function in the same way, with water entering from one side and leaving from another, heating the pipes up to give a nice warm output. Even electric radiators and towel rails basically work like this, however, one consideration is that towel rails often would not give off quite as much heat as a radiator, so if it is a bigger bathroom they may not be powerful enough to heat it throughout. 

Both radiators and towel rails can be run from the central heating, and optimized for key points in the day like early mornings and evenings. Similarly can be said for electric options via the use of a timer. Essentially it comes down to personal preference and the size of the room. A towel rail should provide sufficient heat for a smaller room, and the quicker the towel dries, the more hygienic it is.

A radiator will give a bigger output and potentially heat the bathroom a lot quicker, but they often require more wall space and take up more room. Designer radiators are another great option, as they offer the same output as a normal radiator, but have more of a focus on aesthetics and design. They can also go upright in the same way a towel rail does, allowing for a better use of smaller spaces.

There are both pros and cons to all of the different models, so the decision is entirely a matter of room size and personal preference.

What to do if your toilet is blocked?

If your toilet is flushing really slowly, is not clearing properly, or even worse, is not clearing at all, you obviously need to solve the problem quickly. If you do not take action as soon as the problem starts then it is only going to get worse. Find out what is causing the problem, and make sure your toilet is back in full working order as soon as possible.

On many occasions you will be able to resolve the problem yourself. If this does not happen then you will need to contact experienced professionals for help; learn more here. 

Here is what to look for and what action to take if you want to try and return your toilet to full function yourself before calling in the experts.

Is your toilet definitely blocked?

First, you need to be sure that the problem is a blockage. If your toilet is flushing slowly it may be because there is not enough water in the toilet tank. You will need to lift the lid on the tank to check this. There may be an indicator on the side of the inside of the tank to show you where the water level should be. If there isn’t, you need to check the water is approximately half an inch below the vertical pipe in the center of the tank. If the water is too low you simply need to adjust either the ballcock or fill valve.

If the water level is fine, and you discover that there is a blockage in your toilet there are actions you can take to resolve the situation.

How to resolve a blockage?

The easiest way of attempting to clear a blockage in your toilet is by using a plunger. One useful tip, if you do not have a plunger is to grab a mop, a coat hanger or a similar object, and securely tie a plastic bag over the end. This homemade device has the same effect as a plunger.

If you are not able to clear the blockage then it may be that a toilet auger is required. This usually happens when something has been accidentally flushed down the toilet, and is stuck. An auger has a flexible cable which you are able to send down the drain. This sturdy cable can dislodge any items that are stuck, and leave you with a clear toilet.

If you do not have this tool, you may want to call a plumber to take a look at the problem. One thing you should never do is just ignore the problem. If it is not flushing as it normally does then something is causing the issue. If you do not take steps to remedy the situation then it is only going to get worse, and you could be left with an overflowing toilet. 

JCPenny's Valentine's Day Look Book 2016 and Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer review!

Every Valentine's Day, hubby and I would celebrate the special day with a nice dinner, flowers and gift exchanges. This year, I managed to surprise hubby with an early gift, thanks to Alana and William for sending me a sample from the JCPenny's Valentine's Day Look Book 2016!

Such sweet and thoughtful products! Needless to say, I am naturally drawn to the home products such as the fabulous Kalorik Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker, the fantastic Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer the pretty Chantal® 2-qt. Enamel-on-Steel Vintage Teakettle, the lovely Cake Boss™ 12-Cup Molded Nonstick Cookie Pan-Heart, the charming Nostalgia Electrics™ Coca-Cola® Series Kettle Popcorn Maker and the whimsical Tabletops Unlimited® 5-pc. Popcorn Serving Stoneware Bowl Set. 

Picking a Valentine's Day sample to surprise my hubby in this case is definitely a no-brainer! The Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer is an obvious choice because hubby is such a big coffee drinker. I have also noticed that he has been checking out these awesome units in the stores recently so getting one for ourselves is only a matter of time. I have been thinking of gifting my hubby a Keurig brewer for Valentine's Day or in his upcoming birthday so receiving this sample to review is truly a blessing!

One of the best thing about the Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer is it comes in 8 colors so you can select one that matches your decor and appliances. I picked the white unit to lighten up my not-so-bright kitchen. Here it is!

A sleek, compact and wonderful brewing machine that won't take up a lot of counter space, a perfect size for my small kitchen.

As a bonus, a water filter starter kit, a Keurig descaling solution and these goodies were included with my Keurig brewer.

This brewer comes with a touch-screen LCD to make operation simpler.

There's a removable water reservoir at the back of the brewer to allow easy refilling. Additionally, there's also a water level window that lets you see how much water is available. The drip tray is easily removable to simplify cleaning.

When the water level is low, the LCD display will remind you to refill water.

After the water is refilled, you will see a "Lift to Begin" message, indicating it's ready for you to place your K-cup inside the unit.

Once you have put your K-cup inside, it's time to pick the size of your cup (4oz, 6oz, 8oz or 10oz) and beverage "strength" setting. After you have made your selections, you can start brewing your beverage by clicking on the blinking brew button.

Hubby loves his coffee strong so he selected the strong option. 

Just push the brew button and let the brewing magic begins!

Brewing in action!

Brewing almost complete!

Mission accomplished!

Ta-dah! Hubby's cup of freshly brewed coffee is ready!

My hubby loves his brand new Keurig brewer! Usually, he only limits himself to a cup of joe but I saw him having two cups of coffee over the weekend because the Keurig brewer makes everything so easy and convenient for him.

Because hubby is the sole coffee drinker in our household at the moment, this unit is perfect for brewing a single-serve cup. This coffeemaker is quite efficient, taking less than 3 minutes to heat up the water in the reservoir or brew a cup of great tasting coffee. 

I also like how the sleek and compact design doesn't take up much counter space, ideal for tiny kitchens with limited counter space like mine. By incorporating a smart and user-friendly touch-screen LCD, it takes the operation guesswork out of you with its easy step-by-step instructions. The strength control setting for brewing is a wonderful addition. If you need a cup of hot water, you can activate the process without inserting the k-cup in the machine, which is a plus. 

The only downside of the brewer is it splashes a little on the unit every time you brew a cup of beverage but it can be easily fixed with a quick wipe from a damp paper towel, a minor inconvenience I would say.

Overall, I think this brewer is a brilliant product especially for coffee drinkers leading a fast-paced, busy lifestyle. Easy to set up and clean up, offers great flexibility for your preferred beverage (with over 50 brands and 350+ varieties to choose from), convenient to use and delivers a great tasting coffee (according to hubby), what's not to love about this well-designed coffeemaker? 

*I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Are you a Keurig owner too? I would love to know your experience with Keurig brewer!

Don't forget to get your own Keurig brewing unit here! Check out the rest of the products in the look book here.

Countertops are the perfect way to add stunning beauty to your kitchen!

Kitchen renovation is an exciting as well as a difficult task on the part of homeowners. However, when done properly with the help of professionals, the work can be truly beautiful and of course, long lasting. So, has the number of family members increased and you feel that there is not adequate space for accommodation? Well, if you answered yes, then installing countertops in the kitchen can be of great help for your loved ones. This is a great way to increase space and value to your property. In case you want to sell off your home, you will be able to make good profit in future.

Adding countertops- Choose the right shape and size for your kitchen

Are you planning to add countertops in the cooking area? Well, if your answer is yes, then it is extremely important that you find the right one for your needs. Since they are available in different shapes and sizes, you should be careful before buying them for installation. Countertops should complement the color of the cabinet in order to provide a cohesive look to the kitchen. 

Installing quartz countertops by Caesarstone is a great option because they add stunning beauty to the kitchen and are meant to last for several years. Find the right one for your kitchen so that you will not need to replace them within a short span of time. 

Unique design- Select one that complements your cooking space

When installing countertops, homeowners should consider a design that will complements the interior décor of the space. You can pick up the same color that has been used for the cabinets and countertops. However, if you choose a different color, then you must pick a design that is compatible with your kitchen. You should consider countertops with your kitchen’s theme to give a sophisticated look to this particular area. Installing Caesarstone countertops will change the entire look of your kitchen!

More about Countertops

Adding countertops is a great way to have more working area in the kitchen and additionally, you get more space for storage. 

Great countertops will increase your property’s value if you want to sell your home in the future. More often than not, buyers prefer to purchase houses where countertops are already installed since this will lessen their cost and they do not have to take on the trouble to install them themselves.

You will find innumerable designs and styles of countertops in the market these days. However, it is essential that you consider its price and durability factor. It is advisable to select countertops that suit your budget and lifestyle. Research is key for finding your dream countertops.

And the winner of the giveaway is ..........

I am excited to announce the winner of the recent giveaway brought to you by Betty Crocker!

I used random.org to pick the winner and here it is! The lucky winner who will be receiving a $20 PayPal cash is

D Schmidt mummytotwoboys!

Congratulations! I will email you soon. Thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway. Happy New Year, my lovelies!

Guest post- Hand Care Essentials for DIYer’s!

Oh DIY. The satisfaction of creating something crafty, chic, and beautiful all on your own is undoubtedly rewarding. But so often, amongst the exiting results we are also left with tried, dry hands. If you notice this trend, know that you are not alone, and that there are some fabulous habits you can participate in to avoid the post-project dryness.

Essential 1 – Prevention is Key! 

The best way to beat dehydrated hands is to prevent them in the first place. So of course, a nourishing hand cream will be necessary. Make it a goal to start your project with moisturized hands, and be sure to reapply your moisturizer after hand washing or during the breaks in your project. Lollia, created by amazing designer Margot Elena has a fabulous variety of shea butter hand creams that looking, feel, and smell absolutely amazing.

Essential 2 – Keep Them Covered!

If you are working with any materials that could possibly wick the moisture away from your skin (paper, cardboard, and certain woods are especially good at this), simply insert a barrier between your hands and the material. I am talking about wearing gloves, so long as it does not hinder your project! Wearing gloves might also protect you from any potential irritants or chemicals that may cause you to wash your hands more frequently, which is yet another common culprit of dryness.

Essential 3 – Give Yourself a Treat!

At the end of a long day, do not be afraid to spoil your hands a bit. If your hands are dry, but in pretty good shape (i.e. not irritated), treating yourself to a nourishing sugar scrub can be a very good idea. This will eliminate dead skin cells while infusing moisture into the skin, and prepping your hands to better absorb and product you slather on following your scrub treatment.

For intense moisture, apply your favorite product on your hands, and cover with cotton gloves for the night or evening. This will help to lock the moisture into your skin. Lastly, if you find your hands are both dry, and uncomfortable, look for treatments that are specifically designed for this occasion. It is important to remember that even your most agreeable products might cause excess irritation when applied to skin that is broken or inflamed.

Essential 4 – Do Not Be Afraid to DIY Hack It!

If you are a DIYer, odds are you are an avid lover of Pinterest. If at the end of a long craft day you notice your hands are dry and uncomfortable, and you do not have any hand cream “on hand”, do not be afraid to search up a fun DIY at-home recipe. You can enjoy this by yourself, or turn it into a fun event the entire family can enjoy. As always, exercise caution and use judgment when putting together at-home treatments.

4 Tips For Designing The Perfect Home Office!

Working from home is a dream come true for a lot of us. No need to commute, no one to tell you what to do, no set hours, and you can head to the office in your pjs. However, many remote workers find that it is fairly easy to get distracted when working from home. There are so many things to sidetrack you. From the television to the kitchen with all the snacks, you can easily be sidetracked for hours at a time. To try and minimize the amount of distractions, many recommend creating a home office.

A home office is essentially a space where you go to complete work. It should be an area that is isolated from the common distractions. What is great about having a home office is that you are in charge of the design. You can make the space as chic or eclectic as you desire. If you are creating an office space, you might enjoy some of these design ideas listed below:

1. Location

One of the most important steps to creating a home office is the location. It needs to be someplace that is far from distractions. If your home has the space, placing the office in a spare room, the basement, attic, or even in a garage or shed is a great idea. This gives you enough room to house all of your office equipment and furniture but keeps you free and clear from having easy access to the living room television or the kitchen cabinets.

When choosing a location, you also want to keep your Internet connection in mind. Since you will be accessing most of your work virtually, you want to make sure that the connection is strong enough in the space where you are going to design your office. If you do not have a strong internet connection, this should be one of the first things you invest in. Companies like Frontier offer Ann Arbor internet packages as well as other qualifying locations. Comparing the speeds and rates is a great way to see what matches your needs.

2. Functionality

It can be easy to get caught up in the aesthetic appeal of your home office; however, functionality is most important. Sure you can make your office look beautiful, but if the chair you chose has a hard back that is horrible for sitting, it is not going to do you much good. As you begin to think about the layout of the office and the types of furnishings you will choose, remember you need to be able to function comfortably. Never choose items based on looks alone.

3. Lighting Is Inspiring

Did you know that proper lighting can actually motivate you to be a better worker? Whether your home office is in a poorly lit area or not, investing in lighting is ideal. Using window treatments like ventilation blinds allows you to control the amount of natural light that comes into the office at any given time. If this is not an option or there are no windows in your office, going with bright, energy-efficient bulbs is a great alternative.

4. Add Your Own Personality

You are going to be spending a great deal of time in your home office. Therefore, you do want to make it a place that you feel great about walking into every day. While keeping comfort and functionality in mind, you should add a few design elements to the space that really interest you. 

For instance, if you are into nature, adding some plants around the room can liven up the place. If you enjoy bright and vibrant colors, apply bold color paint to the walls or create a feature wall that encompasses all the colors you like.

It may take time for your home office to come together like you imagined. Remember, while the aesthetics are interesting, it is imperative that you remember to create an office space that allows you to be productive at all times. Hopefully these design tips will get you started in creating a space that you enjoy working in on a daily basis.  

Guest post- What causes foundations and slabs to start to sink?

Whether your home is new or old, there is a possibility that the foundation (or slab) can start to sink into the ground.  The reasons for this are many. Settlement or movement can be caused by expansion in the clay, improper compaction in the soil or improperly maintained ground surrounding the foundation. Regardless of the cause of the settling, this scenario can be very serious for the homeowner. Settlement can not only reduce the value of your home, it can also render it dangerous to live in.

In most cases, the underlying cause of foundation settling is water. Certain components in soil tend to swell or shrink with varying levels of moisture. The result is varying degrees of movement in the soil. High clay content in soil is more susceptible to settling than those types of clay that have less clay. The degree of settlement can vary from very slight (which is still an issue worth addressing) to quite pronounced- a dangerous situation.

When the foundation of a home or building is laid upon unstable soil, there is much higher likelihood that the foundation will move, shift, and settle. Because there is no real degree of uniformity to each type of soil’s movement, virtually every foundation is subject to movement. This is true of all kinds of foundations, whether it is slab, pier-style or beam-style foundations. In some cases, the soil underneath a home will swell uniformly, in which case there is no issue as the foundation will also move uniformly. The problems arise when the soil swells unevenly, causing the slab to settle unevenly. That differential movement can cause cracks, fissures and other problems.

When slab settlement occurs, a host of problems can arise.  The structure can be at risk of being damaged, which can cause a variety of hazards and make the home unsafe.  Drainage problems, tripping hazards, cracks and other issues can also arise from slab settlement.

How do you know that your home may have settlement issues? There are some signs to look for.  These include:

Exterior Warning Signs

Rotation in the walls

Separation around windows or garage door

Noticeable cracks in bricks or surrounding mortar

Moldings that have fallen off or shifted

Interior Warning Signs

Doors and windows that fall out of alignment

Cracks in drywall or sheetrock

Floor cracks

Generally, settlement cracks will appear vertically, as opposed to the kind of cracks that will occur as a result of a wall being subject to lateral movement from soil pressure.

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not hesitate; call a foundation specialist such as SMR Supplies Inc. They can assess the issue and devise a solution to remedy the problem. Shifting foundations can be a serious issue, posing a threat not only to the value of your home but also to its structural integrity. Do not take that risk. Call in the experts to fix the problem and keep your home and your family safe.