Staging Trends: 2017 Bath and Kitchens

By Pam Christensen

 

Predictions are in for kitchens and baths trends for 2017 and not surprising they are not too different from last year. In general, open spaces that are functional for all ages, but take our baby boomer populations needs into consideration are hot. Clean lines and transitional styles are replacing traditional designs.


Kitchens are being designed to provide unobtrusive appliances, lots of storage and low maintenance surfaces. Bobby Berk, principal of Bobby Berk Interiors +Design, in Los Angeles, says, ''We're seeing a huge demand for mid century and farmhouse-inspired home designs in both production and custom homes. These styles have trickled down from the custom home building industry and are now incredibly popular in production home building." Continuing from last year, gray cabinets continue to be popular, and designers are also using more two tone cabinets. Woods that have a straight tight grain and take color well such as quarter sawn oak and walnut are being used more and more.


The great room designs with open-plan kitchens that blend cooking, dining, and entertaining in one large area continue to be preferred by most buyers. That design is changing appliance-finish preferences. It is popularly referred to as "stainless fatigue," where homeowners now want appliances with panels that match the cabinets and blend with the kitchen. Another common request: less-prominent ventilation hoods that blend in with cabinetry, and on the east coast, steam cooking is becoming a must-have. An island with power strips, an HDMI connection and drawers for bills and paperwork is replacing the kitchen desk, creating a space for recipes, homework and just hanging out.


The design trends we are seeing in kitchens are carrying over into bathrooms as well. Transitional styles that lean toward clean and open designs with shaker style cabinets in white, gray or "greige" are in. Master bathrooms are following an open concept with freestanding or no tubs and walk in showers with storage and bench seats for comfort for all age groups. Cabinets with an "appliance garage" with a concealed outlet for hair dryers and curling irons along with his and her vanities are becoming common in the master bath. Quartz, marble and granite are still preferred, and designers seem to be torn between chrome, brushed brass, and gold faucet finishes. Under mount sinks are favorites, with trough sinks gaining in popularity.


LED integrated mirrors are on the rise to provide lighting that is closer to the face to reduce shadows when applying makeup or shaving. That isn't saying that wall sconces and overhead lighting are going away, lighted mirrors are JUSt a preferred addition.


Okay here's a trend I found that's one of my personal favorites and I can see it being something I must have this year: self-cleaning toilets! I want one! The model I found is by American Standard and it's called Acti-Clean.


Here's how it works: A flip-up door in the tank's lid reveals a control panel with touch buttons for a quick (one minute) or deep (10-minute) clean. After the selection is made, the cleaning solution travels through its own channel within the tank, is diluted with some water and then released into the bowl using VorMax jets, which help scour the bowl from top to bottom. The one- and 10-minute options pertain to soaking period of the cleaner, after which the toilet siphons the cleaner and rinses the bowl with clean water once more. The ActiClean solution cartridge, which fits a compartment in the tank, lasts for up to nine weeks before needing a change. I found one at Lowes for $350, and the solution is available on Amazon for $19.99. It was being promoted by well know germaphobe Howie Mandel so it must be good!


Please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ stagingforchatisma and post a comment. I'd love to hear your questions or challenges, if I don't know the answer I'll find an expert who does!


About the author..

Pam Christensen is an Accredited Staging Professional Master, a Certified Real Estate Instructor and teaches an Advanced Home Staging Certification course. Her company, Staging for Charisma, is one of the leading home staging companies in the greater Seattle area, and one of the few that specializes in working with investors to help them maximize their return on investment by providing high quality staging that get results!


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