February is the month of Love and we’re loving all the new trends for 2024. From colours to materials to design/remodelling features, we’ve got you covered.

In this fast-paced world, people want to slow life down by creating warm nurturing homes with a style that will last through time. Perhaps you can incorporate some of the following tips and trends…

Kitchens:

1. Timeless style. Old is new again! Traditional details and materials incorporate ‘old’ elements such as brick, handmade clay tiles, wood elements and arches for a look of “quiet luxury”. Many homeowners wish to stay in their homes into their retirement years, so they prefer materials and features they won’t grow tired of.
 

2. Handmade features such as tiles, wood furniture and other bespoke elements create a feeling of something unique and special. Items with custom/personalized features need to be cherished such as plasterwork, caning and wallcoverings with a hand-painted or watercolour feel. Chiselled, tumbled, zellige and hand-cut tiles have an organic feel and texture that is pleasing.
 

3. Wood cabinets, flooring and fluted/reeded accents are classic, especially in natural and stained wood cabinetry – walnut, quartersawn oak and rift-sawn oak. Fluting is very popular for kitchen islands, range hoods, cabinetry or a feature wall to add texture and interest. [Reeded curves have a bulging outward appearance while fluted designs curve inward to reveal channel-like details.]

4. Blended backsplashes create a cohesive look. When the backsplash is in the same material as countertops, it gives the kitchen a vertical display of graphic veining or other interesting details to create a striking focal point. A tiled area can also be included for mixed materials.

5. Upper cabinets. The trend of open shelves in lieu of uppers may be on the way out. Although shelving offers storage, display space and an open feel…it also gathers too much dust and requires constant curating. Hence, upper cabinets are sprouting once again to maximize storage and keep dishware out of sight. Light coloured cabinetry and a few glass-front are ways to help lighten the look.

6. Show-stopping island countertops becomea focal point by incorporating dramatic colours and patterns (veins) with waterfall details that put the slabs on full display for jaw-dropping effect.

 7. Multi-purpose islands are the hub of a kitchen where people naturally congregate to be near food and drinks. To create a communal atmosphere, the island can have seating all around, a sink, chopping station and a beverage fridge for guests to grab a drink without getting in the way of the cook.

8. Butler’s pantries (or scullery) helps minimize clutter in the main kitchen by creating space for pantry items, small appliances and extra countertops. An elevated butler pantry can include a beverage/wine fridge, open and closed storage, extra countertop space, a sink and even a speed oven.

9. Appliance garages conceal countertop appliances such as blenders, coffee makers and toasters while keeping them easily accessible and organized. A great way to declutter and yet incorporate more gadgets into a kitchen.

Bathrooms:

12. Wood-look bathroom vanities. For years, white bathroom vanities were the preferred choice, but wood-textures and finishes have become popular due to the warmth it lends to an otherwise sterile looking room.

13. Bottom drawers on vanities. It’s nearly impossible to get a full-size drawer directly below (and in front) of a bathroom sink due to plumbing. Hence, a full-size drawer below a cabinet is useful for storage, instead of having a faux drawer at the top that can’t be used because of the sink. An open shelf is also a popular option.

14. Built-in makeup vanities/desks is a small luxury that makes a big difference for daily beauty routines. Specialized storage, seating, lighting, mirrors and other elements can be custom-tailored for the homeowner’s specific regimens.

Colours:

15. Warm neutrals like beige, mushroom, taupe, creamy off-white and rich brown create a calm, cozy and comforting environment. Incorporate different tones, textures and patterns for a layered look.

16. Blue provides a sense of calm at home, whether it’s a sky-inspired hue or a deep watery tone. Why not consider blue in your kitchen as a secondary colour…either as an island base or a bank of cabinets.

17. Jewel tones. Bold saturated jewel tones and moody deep colours are taking the spotlight (green, burgundy, plum, mustard yellow, etc). Use hits of colour in your décor to punch up a room. Sofas, pillows, rugs and wallpaper are an easy way to inject colour. Cabinetry can also be in a rich hue. For example, a dark plum/brown would be sophisticated for a mudroom.

Other Rooms:

25. A mud/laundry room combo is a great set-up for homes that see a lot of mess at the entry. Throw dirty clothing directly into the wash (or utility sink) before dirt is tracked farther into the home. Cabinets, hooks and cubbies help organize all the clean gear. A bench is practical to sit on for taking shoes off and putting them on.

26. Home offices that look more like “home” than “office.” Impressive built-ins, desks and features can also help hide office equipment and unsightly electrical cords.

27. Architectural details in bedrooms add style to this sanctuary of comfort.  Details like wall panelling, ceiling beams and canopies can introduce graphic lines and shapes that make a strong statement.

Sustainability:

28. Energy efficiency is a hot topic these days!There’s more interest in sustainable upgrades for comfort, convenience and cost savings. This includes insulation, solar panels, battery backups, car-charging equipment, heat pumps, natural ventilation, air filtering and so on. We can all do our part in contributing to the health of our environment and the planet. There is no “Planet B”.