marble

2017 Interior Trends Follow-Up

/ Heather Helms / 2 Comments

Every year I relentlessly scour my favorite magazines, manufacturers and online resources for new introductions in search of the next years “Next Big Thing”. It is that time of year again when we take a look back at our Interior Design Trends to see how well we did with our 2017 predictions. Stay tuned for our 2018 Forecast coming in January!

MIXING & MATCHING PATTERNS – While we did see mixing and matching it was mostly a textural difference than the bright, vibrant interiors featured below. As we continue to move through the gray and white craze we will certainly start to see some of these pops of colors making their way into our homes in 2018. HINT – Mixing and matching patterns becomes easier when anchored by a monochromatic or neutral backdrop.

ART-INSPIRED WALLPAPER – I should have said ALL WALLPAPER! 2017 was the year of wallpaper at Schaub + Srote. Large scale prints, grasscloth, and metallic finishes/embellishments made their way into almost every one of our projects. If you haven’t considered using a wallpaper recently I encourage you to take a look. It seems we all have a wallpaper memory of our childhood. Mine happens to be of my kitchen covered in country blue bows with ducks(and matching canisters for the countertop). I promise you these are not the papers that haunt your past!

NAVY AND DARK GREEN INTERIORS – It would be an understatement to say that Navy was a HIT! I really hope that the Dark Green picks up in popularity as we make our way through 2018. Both work great as a neutral and create a drama that can’t be found in brighter tones of the same colors. Although these were not selected as the color of the year by the leading paint companies they will be EVERYWHERE!

DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!

Here are a few of the design trends we will say goodbye to in 2017 –

POLISHED METALS – So many amazing finishes were introduced to the market in 2017- all with a matte or brushed finish. Aged Pewter, Carbon, Architectural Bronze and Shadow are just a few that are featured in the new Waterworks catalog. Polished finishes haven’t completely disappeared they are just being layered with other finishes for visual interest.

“Warm metals like copper, brass and rose gold will continue to be on trend for autumn/winter 2016, but as we move into summer 2017 you’ll see a shift away from this super polished look,” says Diane Cocksey, Senior Interior Decorator at Freedom. “I expect you’ll see a more industrial aesthetic, with black steel and burnished metals taking over the home.”

MARBLE HOUSEWARES – While I do not see the marble countertop trend coming to an end anytime soon, I think we have cycled through the marble-everywhere phase. I have to admit I am a sucker for a marble and wood serving platter or cutting board but I am ready for the next big thing in housewares. Stay tuned for our 2018 Trend Forecast to see what that will be.

While marble is all the rage in the mass-produced homewares market, we can soon expect a sharp decline in interest. In 2017, be on the lookout for earthy textures like timber, clay and wicker to take its place.

FIDDLE LEAF FIGS ARE OUT, OLIVE TREES ARE IN – The trend is certainly still leaning toward bringing the outside in. I  find the Fiddle Leaf Fig to be extremely popular and I happen to be a fan. Incorporating natural elements in your space is a designer must have. Just be sure to pick whatever reflects your style and fits the scale of your space. Those are the only rules.

I am struggling with this one! Fiddle Leaf Figs are EVERYWHERE. EVERY. WHERE. Cost, maintenance and lifespan are cited as the major factors for the decline in popularity.

How do you think we did on these predictions for 2017.

Which trends did you love or leave?

Any prediction for 2018?

Choosing The Right Countertop

/ Heather Helms / Leave a comment

Selecting the correct countertop material is one of the most important decisions in your kitchen or bath project. With so many materials available today it can be overwhelming when it comes time to make this selection. In today’s post we explore some of the most commonly used materials and the expectations associated with them.

GRANITE

Granite is, by far, the most popular material specified in kitchen and bath remodels.  It is a strong, durable and long lasting material. Granite is scratch-resistant, and when sealed, impervious to stain, heat and water.  Slabs are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Granite requires sealing at the time of installation and over the life of the material, typically once a year.granite countertop close-up

QUARTZ

Quartz countertops are a man-made product consisting of almost 90% quartz, making it an extremely durable non-porous material perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.  It does not require sealing, will not chip or crack and is stain and bacteria resistant. Quartz is available in wide variety of colors and patterns. In general, it is more expensive and not as heat tolerant as granite. quartz kitchen counter

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is sandstone that has been subjected to heat and pressure due to tectonic compression. This resulting material is hard, dense and extremely resistant to abrasion and chemicals. Quartzite, like granite, does require sealing at the time of install and over the life of the material, typically once a year. This hard working material comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and is idea for kitchens and bathrooms.quartzite counter

MARBLE

Marble is a relatively hard material composed mostly of calcite. It is highly resistant to heat, cracks and breakage, however, marble is very porous and susceptible to staining and etching.  Marble is best used in areas where it will not be exposed to chemicals, citric or acidic substances. Even with the use of a sealer, clean-ups should be handled immediately. If you are in the market for a kitchen countertop and want the look of marble I suggest looking at a quartz or quartzite product that will give you look of marble and the performance of a granite without the maintenance and upkeep.marble bath vanity top

WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Appearance is the number one reason people select wood for their countertops. It adds natural beauty and warmth to any kitchen and works well with several design styles. There is considerable maintenance required to keep your wood tops looking like new. Proper sealing is a must to ensure a non-porous surface and protect the tops from water damage. Wood is much softer than other materials typically used in a kitchen so scratches and dents are inevitable. Additionally, your wood top may require sanding and refinishing over it’s lifetime depending on use.

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS

Concrete countertops offer a wide range or colors and finishes and are lightweight and durable. Concrete is naturally very heat resistant but also porous so a sealer is a must. The use of a sealer on your tops may cause discoloration if hot pans or pots are placed directly on the surface. Imperfections in the surface are a common occurrence due to the molding process and after time hairline fractures may occur. Concrete is gaining popularity in modern and rustic designs and works well in kitchens and bathrooms when properly maintained.modern kitchen with concrete countertop

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless is already the go-to countertop material in most restaurants. And for good reason – they perform amazing! They are non-porous, resistant to water, heat, stains, mold, bacteria and other household germs. Additionally, you can place hot pots and pans directly on top them with no worries. However, stainless countertops will scratch and dent and tend to show smudge marks and fingerprints. If you can live with that they are suitable in any application.modern kitchen with stainless steel counters