It’s A New Decade

As the ball dropped at midnight and I looked into the new year (decade) with clearer vision than ever before, I saw into the future and was amazed at some of the newest design trends. It is 2020, and we are entering a new decade! Let’s use this decade to improve our living and work environments. As we start thinking of renovating or adding new spaces, I would like you to understand some of the new home renovation trends for 2020. I hope to incorporate some of these into your spaces.

Kitchen trends 

Kitchens have come a long way. What was once tucked in the back corner and filled with dirty dishes is now the focal point of any home. That’s why we cooked up the top kitchen design trends first and foremost. The simpler, the better: Modern farmhouse is still popular, but things are shifting more toward truly modern. Think clean lines and industrial touches. Open shelving, subway tile and natural stone textures instead of glossy finishes all come together for this look.

Smart kitchens: Tech is everywhere now … even controlling our fridges and faucets. Smart means sustainable, too. From water-saving dishwashers to reflective surfaces paired with big windows to reduce the need for electrical lighting during the day, it’s all a smart choice for Mother Earth.

A pop of color: Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. Pale pink cabinets? An accent wall in the official color of 2020 – classic blue? Tile with flecks of gold? Go on!

Bathroom trends

A shower. A sink. A toilet. What’s so exciting about that? Time to flush that thought away because these 2020 trends demonstrate that the bathroom is the best room. In fact, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2019 State of Home Spending Report, bathrooms are the most common room for renovations and remodeling.

Black is the new black: Black is bold. Black is better. Fixtures like lights, shelving and mirror frames are all coming in this color. When popping off white subway tile (hey, there’s that popular pick again!), it really makes a statement.

Bathrooms of the future: It’s all about smart tech in this space, too. Built-in Bluetooth speakers for shower singing done on another level or tricked out toilets. Of course, eco-friendly is a factor again with showers that save water and aren’t paired with a tub or lighting that uses less electricity.

Better storage = better comfort: If your use every nook and cranny for compact storage and shelving, there’s more space for open showers and big, big tubs. The Netflix generation doesn’t want the lounging to stop on the couch. Getting comfy carries over to the bathroom.

Basement trends
We’re not 5 anymore. We know basements aren’t where the scary things live. Treating it as such is a surefire way to add instant value to any property. Here’s how.

Basement? You mean party place. A theater. A fully stocked bar. A music venue complete with a mini stage. A gym for fitness freaks. A basement can be all this and more in the right design/builder’s hands.

Open concepts. Barrier-free spaces are still trending – especially in basements. Without walls taking away extra square footage, there’s more room for that mini stage we just mentioned.

Outdoor trends

Whole House Renovation Northbrook 2015 Gold Key Award

Summer’s a long way away. However, it’s never too early to start dreaming about the great outdoors with these 2020 home renovation trends.

Prettied up patios: All the creature comforts usually enjoyed indoors have moved outside. Deck out patios with built-in bars, lounging, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and more.

Mixed materials: Brick with natural wood. Copper with birch. Concrete with almost anything. It all looks good. It’s 2020, and the best designs are using an “everything but the kitchen sink” approach when choosing materials.

Landscaping, landscaping, landscaping: You can never have too many flowers, bushes and trees. Arrange them artfully with elaborate walkways and lighting. Your clients will never want to go back inside again.

Home renovation done easy 

It’s a New year, a new decade, and a time for new home design.

It’s the dawn of 2020, and the possibilities are truly endless.

2020 is going to be a time to shine. We can show you how to do it!

Happy New Year!

Michael Menn

Michael Menn

Principal, Architect

AIA, CGR, CAPS, CGP, NCARB

Michael Menn Ltd.