1. Showplace Kitchens. Open-concept kitchens attached to great rooms are here to stay. Because the kitchen is in full view, it's getting a lot of attention. Open shelving, large islands that look like furniture pieces and more modern lines are all big kitchen trends. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association's 2013 trends survey, gray color schemes in kitchens and baths (including cabinets) are big, but they haven't surpassed white or off-white color schemes.
While granite is still the most-used countertop surface, quartz countertops such as Silestone and Caesarstone are a clear trendsetter, according to the NKBA. Their look is more contemporary which fuels their popularity. Solid surface countertops such as Corian, Avonite and LG's Hi-Macs are also gaining fans. Stainless-steel appliances are still king, but there is growing interest in sleeker white and black finishes. Other kitchen trends include technology, such as touch-activated faucets; satin-nickel faucets; and glass backsplashes.
2. iPhone Home. Home automation has been a longtime amenity for luxury homes. You can control your garage doors, thermostats, lights and more from your smartphone or tablet.
For example, the Nest thermostat, which retails for $249, lets you adjust your thermostat remotely via your iPhone. But it also programs itself after "learning" your habits. The Nest was created by Tony Fadell, who is credited with inventing Apple's iPod. It's gaining fans for its sleek, contemporary design and ease of use, and it promises customers it will help save them up to 20 percent on their energy bills. Chamberlain sells a garage-door opener system that comes with all the bells and whistles, including compatibility with an iPhone app that will let you open, close and monitor the garage door. Smarthome.com sells advanced all-home automation systems and a single LED bulb that pairs with an Insteon hub to turn it on and off remotely via the iPhone. The Philips Hue set lets you turn on three lightbulbs with your iPhone or iPad and even change their color.
3. LEDs. Light-emitting diode bulbs are an energy-efficient alternative to mercury-containing compact fluorescents. Just recently, LED bulbs also became affordable. They last for decades and are up to 85 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
4. Energy Efficiency. According to the National Association of Home Builders' latest survey, homebuyers say energy efficiency is the home feature they want most. Specifically, buyers want a well-insulated home with efficient windows and Energy Star appliances that will deliver lower energy bills. A big new thing in energy-efficient building, widely used in Europe and other markets, is the ductless minisplit heating and cooling system. The US Department of Energy blames ductwork for up to 30 percent of heating and cooling losses in central air systems, and minisplits have minimal or no ductwork.
5. Brass/Gold. Antique-brass and gold accents are coming back, especially brass lamps, end tables and coffee tables, bar carts, pillows and accessories. With a vintage feel, it's less shiny and more solid-looking than brass pieces from the 1980s.
6. Flea-Market Chic. There is an increasing nostalgia and craving for handmade and one of a kind items. We crave original artwork, mementos from childhood and knick-knacks that personalize our homes. Repurposing garage-sale or flea-market finds into useful storage options or giving vintage pieces a modern touch with a bold color is a huge trend.
7. Green/Blue. Emerald is still showing up in furniture showrooms and design magazines. AkzoNobel, which makes Glidden paint, named Indigo Night its 2013 color of the year. The deep-blue hue with purple undertones is also showing up in furniture and home-décor stores. And navy has been a go-to new neutral for a while.
8. Spa Baths. Walk-in showers continue to be a construction trend, although a National Association of Home Builders survey says buyers still want a tub in their master bathrooms. The average budget for a full bath remodel, according to the NKBA, is $18,538, down slightly from 2012.
9. Industrial Cool. Industrial metal combined with natural wood is popular in furniture and home finishes and works with both traditional and contemporary décor.
10. Pinterest. Digital Pinterest boards are making all those magazine clips obsolete and physical inspiration boards unnecessary. If you are serious about updating your home décor or just want to keep design ideas organized, try a free Pinterest account.
-From Kara G Morrison, The Arizona Republic
