Hi Blake and Eric,
After years of minimalism in interior design we're finally seeing a shift towards bolder, maximalist decor. Here are the top trends that designers expect this year, along with "Fad Factor" predictions for each one.
By the way, please feel free to forward this on to anyone you know who might find the information useful.
Marion Sanders
Your Brokerage Co.
555-555-5555
 Popular Remodel and Design Trends

 
 
Darker Kitchens
 
White and greige kitchens are on their way out, according to many interior design experts. More homeowners are opting for nature-based greens and blues in the kitchen, as well as natural wood cabinets.
 
Fad Factor: Probably low, with a caveat. Warm colors tend to make people feel good, but when things get too dark the mood can become oppressive.
 
 
Dramatic (Yet Practical) Kitchen Islands
 
  
 
A recent survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) found that 57% of homeowners preferred a kitchen island over a formal dining area. Popular trends noted by designers were the desire to make the island a bold decor statement while keeping it as multi-purpose as possible.
 
Fad Factor: Low, as long as functionality remains a high priority.  (For home value purposes, the ideal situation is to also have a separate dining area.)
 
 
Natural, Earthy Colors
 
Last year's trend towards warmer hues continues to grow stronger. Designers say that nature-inspired shades of blue, green, and earth tones are in store for 2024. Designer Kathy Kuo expects to see them paired with jewel tones such as amethyst and sapphire.
 
Fad Factor: Low to moderate, depending on the intensity and choice of colors.
 
 
Spa-Like Bathrooms (And Bigger Showers)
 
 
The "bathroom as sanctuary" trend is still going strong, with a few shifts.
 
A few years ago a luxurious soaking tub was a high priority, but the NKBA reported that the most popular bath renovation now is removing a bathtub to increase the shower size.
 
The most desired shower feature in their study was built-in seating, followed by handheld and rain shower heads, steam showers, and touch pads for controls.
 
Fad Factor: Low to moderate. Anything that improves accessibility, such as built-in seating, is likely to have strong staying power. (For home value purposes it's helpful to have at least one bathtub in the home.)
 
 
Smart and AI-Assisted Home Management

From voice-activated lighting to smart heating and home security systems, technology and Artificial Intelligence are expected to play bigger roles in 2024. Systems and appliances will learn and adapt to users' habits in order to make personalized recommendations.
 
Fad Factor: Low, seeing as this technology appears to be here to stay. Hopefully the refrigerator limits itself to grocery list recommendations rather than asking us if we really need that third piece of pizza.
 
 
Bigger Lighting, In Layers
 

In line with 2024's theme of bigger and bolder decor, experts are noticing a trend towards more flamboyant lighting, especially when it comes to pendants and chandeliers.
 
Also very popular is "layered lighting" that allows for many different moods in the same space.
 
Fad Factor: Low to moderate. Wild-looking chandeliers will probably make a home look dated at some point, but mood lighting increases functionality (and therefore home value) by making rooms more versatile.
 
 
Eye-Catching Range Hoods
 
Stove range hoods that make a statement are hot items when it comes to personalizing kitchen decor. Available materials range from steel to copper and even wood, so the sky's the limit when it comes to customization options.
 
Fad Factor: Low to high, depending on the style choice. 
 
 
Very Quiet Appliances

The NKBA study found that 65% of designers had clients who chose ultra-quiet dishwashers.
 
Fad Factor: Very low. Quiet appliances not only make spaces more pleasant, they increase a room's functionality by allowing activities that require a noise-free environment.
 
 
Sustainability and Water Conservation
 

Homeowners are choosing sustainability-focused features that reduce waste and conserve energy and water. Installations of solar panels and energy-efficient water heaters are on the rise, along with water-saving low-flow toilets, shower and faucet heads.
 
According to the NKBA, not yet popular but on the horizon is the practice of diverting bathroom sink drain water to fill the toilet tank.
 
Fad Factor: Low.
 
 
An Unusual Addition to Bathroom Amenities
 
One surprise from the NKBA survey was that 21% of designers said their clients had expressed interest in installing a refrigerator in the primary bathroom.
 
"Virtually unheard of" several years ago, according to the study, homeowners now want them for drinks, medication and cosmetics. 
 
Fad Factor: Potentially high, although the jury is still out on this one. :)
 
 
 
Trends That Are On Their Way Out
 
- Curvy furniture and decor.
 
The curves of 2023 are still popular, but many experts believe they're starting their trek out of the trend zone.
 
- Zellige tile.
 
This is not a huge surprise because the rough surface of Zellige tiles makes them harder to clean. (This is another reminder that functionality and ease of use are core features of design trends that last.)
 
- Extremely open floor plans.
 
When millions of people started working from home in 2020 it became obvious that a completely open floor plan isn't always convenient.
 
While an unrestricted feel and good flow are still important, more homeowners are incorporating options for at-home work and relaxation spaces that offer privacy.
 
Recent Market Highlights

U.S. home prices rose 5.2% year-to-year in November 2023, according to CoreLogic, a data and analytics company. They increased 0.2% month-to-month.

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is in the low 7-percent range.

The November Pending Home Sales Index decreased 5.2% year-to-year, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Pending sales remained unchanged month-to-month.
Contact Me for Market Information
Would you like to know your home's market value, or do you have a home buying question? Just reply to this email or call me at 555-555-5555.
 Links that Make Life Easier

Sometimes real estate-related, sometimes not... these are assorted links that come in handy:

25 Living Rooms With Roaring Fireplaces
Get fireplace design ideas from this wide-ranging photo gallery.

25 Budget-Friendly Cleaning Hacks
Polish metal with ketchup and use potatoes to clean a window? These are just a few of the creative cleaning tips shared by HGTV.

Pumpkin Chili
An easy-to-make, hearty stew that's perfect for warming up the winter months.

 
The Lighter Side


Screenshot courtesy of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand.

Sometimes all it takes to portray true happiness is a previously caged former zoo tiger having a snoozy float with a red ball.
 
Click here or on the image above to watch the video on Wildlife Friend Foundation Thailand's Facebook page. (If you don't have a Facebook account just close the pop-up window that asks you to log in and you'll be able to view the video.)
 
 
Your Resource for Real Estate
Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in the next year, or could you use some remodeling advice? I welcome the opportunity to serve you, your friends and associates.

Please give me a call at 555-555-5555 whenever I can be of assistance!
All the best,
Marion Sanders
(Optional professional designations here)

Real Estate Company
www.YourWebsiteHere.com
You@YourEmailAddress
555-555-5555
 
 
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