10 Home Design Trends in 2018

Megan McDonough

10 home design trends to watch out for in 2018, according to Houzz

Believe it or not, New Year’s is just around the corner, and while you’re deciding on your annual resolutions, the design world is setting its sights on what styles will be big in 2018.

The home remodeling and design platform Houzz is ahead of the game, recently having released its top 10 home-design-trend predictions for the new year. The site’s forecast, derived from conversations with industry experts as well as trends noticed among its 40 million monthly users, gives a glimpse of what we might soon see in our homes — and on our social media feeds.

We chatted with Houzz editor and writer Mitchell Parker about Houzz’s conclusions, and why these particular trends are gaining traction.

So whether you’re a first-time homeowner looking to revamp your current home or just want some new design inspiration, here are some home design trends to take note of in 2018.

(Rikki Snyder/Houzz)

1. MORE COLOR IN KITCHENS

Although white will always be a classic color for kitchen design, homeowners are shying away from bland hues and injecting rich colors, such as warm wood tones (example: mahogany) and neutrals (example: grays and blues), into the space to give it a warm, fresh and unique feel.

Social sites such as Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz have exposed homeowners to “what’s possible, what looks fun and what they can personalize themselves,” Parker said, and have encouraged them to be bigger risk-takers when it comes to color.

(Sea Pointe Construction/Houzz)

2. RICH COLORS THROUGHOUT THE HOME

Warm grays paired with “camel, rust, tobacco [and] brown-blacks,” as well as earthy reds and yellows, are expected to edge out cooler neutrals in the coming year.

“These rich colors are not like the avocado green and mustard colors from the 1970s. They won’t date quickly,” Parker said. “They are rich, moody and work well in home environments where you want a soothing and diverse mix of colors and textures.”

(Sheila Mayden Interiors/Houzz)

3. NO MORE WHITE OR STAINLESS STEEL SINKS

The modern Farmhouse style will continue to flourish in 2018 and spread to the bathroom. Parker predicts that there will be “more concrete, stone, copper and granite composite sinks in darker hues of gray, bronze or black.”

“As people set out to personalize their spaces, they are kind of bored with seeing a white sink all of the time,” Parker said. The rustic home decor trend is “waking people up to trying something new and different.”

It “harkens back to simpler times,” he said, “and that feeling of simplicity can be very calming in a home environment.”

(Angela Flournoy/Houzz)

4. FLORALS

The tropical palm print may have flooded your Instagram feeds this year, but people aren’t yet tired of eye-catching, oversized graphic florals. Houzz expects that we’ll see even more interpretations of over-scaled floral patterns, in high-contrast colors, in the new year.

(Kimberley Bryan/Houzz)

5. VINTAGE LIGHTING

Vintage light fixtures, including sconces, lanterns, pendants and chandeliers, are making a comeback as crafty home do-it-yourselfers outfit retro fixtures with new technology.

“I find that vintage fixtures are often better-made than new fixtures, I prefer their patina, and I appreciate the distinctive, one-of-a-kind quality they add to rooms,” designer and “Today” show style expert Elizabeth Mayhew wrote in The Washington Post. “Online shopping platforms such as 1stDibs, Etsy and One Kings Lane have made it easy to find everything from an early-20th-century French crystal chandelier to a ’60s Sputnik.”

(Designstorms /Houzz)

6. TROUGH OR BUCKET SINKS

Another sign the modern Farmhouse trend isn’t dying in 2018: Houzz predicts that deep, wide and durable trough and bucket sinks will continue to be popular in the new year. Used commonly in busy laundry rooms and kids’ bathrooms, these long, narrow and low-maintenance sinks can help create a rustic aesthetic and maximize minimal space.

(Alexandra Crafton/Houzz)

7. CONCRETE ACCENTS

Step aside, white marble — it’s concrete’s time to steal the spotlight.

“It’s a really affordable, high-impact design element,” Parker said.

Already used for floors and countertops, the versatile, accessible material is now being used in more interesting and unexpected ways, including in home accessories, such as pendant lighting and furniture.

“We’re seeing new uses [of it] on all kinds of hardscaping surfaces,” Parker added. “On anything you can think of, people are casting it.”

(Michaela Dodd/Houzz)

8. MILLWORK FEATURE WALLS AND DETAILING

The ease and availability of millwork has helped increase its demand and popularity in the design world. “Before, if you wanted to find millwork or reclaimed wood, you really had to know where to go and find somebody who was good at working with it,” Parker said. “Now, you can DIY it, and put it right against the drywall behind your bed to create a feature wall.”

(Rachel Loewen Photography/Houzz)

9. WALLPAPER-LIKE BACKSPLASH

Looking to refresh your kitchen or bathroom? Stay away from subway or hexagon tiles and instead consider contemporary tiles that look like wood, concrete, resin, fabric or even wallpaper.

(Nanette Wong/Houzz)

10. CASUAL AND CALM MODERN BEDROOMS

Homeowners are running with the “less is more” notion in the master bedroom and opting for more modern and minimalist furnishings. Instead of bold and busy colors, soothing, neutral color palettes are expected to reign supreme, along with soft fabrics and simple furniture pieces.

www.teambluesky.ca

Best Driveway Surfaces for Canada

David Bounsall

When it comes to deciding which surface is best for your driveway, most Canadians choose between three good options: Asphalt, Concrete and Interlocking Stones (also known as paving stones or pavers). We spoke to the experts to find out the details every Canadian needs to know before deciding on a new driveway. Here’s a comparison of the most popular options:

A fourth option is gravel driveways, which are the cheapest but they are very dusty and require regular maintenance to redistribute gravel. In snowy Canadian winters, whether you shovel snow or use a snowblower, gravel is simply not a practical driveway. However, a gravel driveway can last a century because it doesn’t crack, sink or soften – it just moves around.

A Solid Foundation

The key for any new driveway is the careful preparation of the foundation or sub-grade. As water freezes, it expands, which can heave the ground upward causing cracks in the surface. A deep foundation that is properly compacted then filled with coarse gravel will allow water to drain effectively and extend the life of the driveway.

Asphalt

Asphalt is the most affordable surface. According to Joe Auguello, owner of Beaver Paving in Toronto, preparing the foundation is key: “For asphalt driveways, the foundation should be dug 12 to 15 inches deep, then 3/4-inch crushed gravel is poured in up to 2 inches below grade. Then a 3-inch layer of hot asphalt is applied, which is then rolled and compacted one full inch to bring it down to grade. But beware of some paving companies that may cut corners on the depth of the foundation or the thickness of the asphalt.”

Beaver Paving of Toronto borders asphalt with stone

There are two main types of asphalt: HL3 and HL3A. HL3A is preferred for most driveways because it is smoother, but softer especially in summer. HL3 is preferred for streets and highways since it lasts longer. It has more aggregate and less sand in the mix making it more durable, but not as smooth as HL3A.

The edge of asphalt must be angled slightly, not perpendicular to the ground. Mr. Auguello recommends bordering the asphalt with interlocking stone as seen in this photo to the right. To prevent the stones from creeping onto the lawn, he uses ‘BrickStop’ at the edge of the lawn, which is a long pre-fabricated plastic piece nailed in the ground with 10-inch spikes. It can also be curved to match the edge of the driveway.

Concrete

Patterned concrete by Elite Concrete of Toronto

There are many aesthetic options with concrete that aren’t possible with asphalt. You can have it stamped, patterned and stained in a wide variety of colours. While a smooth finish is great for covered garage floors, it is slippery outside when it snows. For most driveways, especially sloped ones, a ‘broom finish’ creates a rougher surface to improve traction.

Concrete should last 30-40 years, unless it cracks. And unlike asphalt, cracked concrete is very difficult to repair. The best way to fix it is to remove the old driveway and pour a new one in its place.

There are several reasons why concrete can crackbut shrinkage is the main cause. As concrete dries and hardens it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be. Concrete slabs can shrink as much as one-half inch per 100 feet. This shrinkage can literally pull the slab apart and cause cracks.

Control joints and exposed aggregate by Concrete Innovations of Calgary

The best way to prevent cracking is to install control joints, which allow a concrete slab to contract as it hardens. A control joint can be the full depth of the slab or at minimum, sawcut to a depth equaling one-fourth the slab thickness (or 1 inch for a 4-inch slab).  Control joints should be spaced apart by approximately 30 times the thickness of the concrete. For example, a 4-inch thick concrete slab should have control joints no more than 120 inches (10 feet) apart, preferably less. The control joints divide your driveway into several smaller slabs, each of which can contract without affecting the adjacent slab, to minimize the risk of cracking.

To ensure that your concrete driveway will look good for many years to come, there are important steps your contractor should follow during installation.

Interlocking Stone

Colourful interlocking stone by Forever Stone Design

Aesthetically speaking, interlocking stone offers the most options, with a wide variety of stone colours, sizes and materials. The least expensive are formed concrete pavers, while natural cobblestone pavers made of granite are the most expensive. They can be cut into many shapes and assembled using multiple colours to make different patterns – placed straight in a row, diagonally to create angles or in a circle. As mentioned above, ‘BrickStop’ is essential to maintain a crisp border between the stones and adjacent garden or grass.

The small spaces between interlocking stones cause two problems. The slightly uneven surface makes shovelling snow difficult. And weeds can grow between stones, which may require periodic spraying with herbicide or a homemade blend of vinegar, salt and dish soap. Just be sure not to spill it on grass or flowers!

Polymeric jointing sand will improve the durability and stability of an interlocking driveway and can limit weed growth on a new or existing interlocking driveway. If weeds are already present, they must be removed either by hand, with a herbicide or a vinegar/salt/soap blend described above. You can also use a pressure washer to remove all plant material from the joints, but do not disturb the bedding layer the paving stones are resting on. Let the entire surface dry completely and then cover it with polymeric jointing sand.  Carefully sweep sand into all joints and crevasses, then use a leaf blower to remove excess sand. Carefully shower with water to create a polymer seal that prevents seedlings from falling between the pavers, where they can germinate and grow.

www.teambluesky.ca

7 Home Trends that you think are a Good Idea but not really

Connor Cherry

When decorating a home, style is definitely a top priority. Despite that, there are many trendy interior features that look great in photos, but in reality are a real pain in the behind. Take a look at this list to see the fads that are better left on the blogs, than in your home.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Although this surface tends to give off an industrial and carefree vibe, it is really quite the opposite. Not only is stainless steel very expensive to install, but it is also really difficult to maintain. Scratches, dents, and smudges are really tough to avoid, making this an unfavorable choice for an avid chef, or someone not willing to put the time and effort into its maintenance.

Image courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Chalkboard Wall Paint

Although it may sound like a fun idea at the time, chalkboard paint tends to be very thick and nearly impossible to paint over. Rethink the paint and just buy a chalkboard for the kids, as it will save you a lot of time and effort once you decide to get rid of it in a few years.

Image courtesy of Room For Tuesday

Stiff Backed Couches

Sure these couches look amazing, but who doesn’t like a comfy place to lay down after a long, hard day? These couches don’t allow for such a thing, and because of that aren’t very practical. There are so many couches that provide comfort and style, so why settle for one that you don’t enjoy lounging on?

Image courtesy of Nell Hills

Open Pantry

Open pantries are so hot right now, and for good reason. When done right, they are very aesthetically pleasing. The problem is with this trend is also the benefit of it: everything is in plain sight, meaning that in order for it to look good, it has to be kept orderly and clean, which isn’t always easy.

Image courtesy of Heather Bullard

Marble

It is no secret that marble is a difficult stone to upkeep in your home. It may be beautiful, but it is known to easily scratch and stain as it is a soft and absorbent stone. In order to try and avoid problems, marble must be properly sealed every 6-12 months.

Some will refrain from using it in the kitchen, but believe the bathroom is a better place for it. That isn’t the case. Because of the fact that marble contains minerals, there is a chance that the iron will rust when constantly in contact with water (especially when used in the shower).

Image courtesy of Houzz

White Furnishings

There is no doubt that white furniture looks great in a home, but the question is, how long will it stay all clean and pristine? Probably not long, especially if you happen to share your furniture with children or a furry friend. We are warning you to steer clear!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

 Vaulted Ceilings

Everyone is always looking for a way to make a room feel larger, and vaulted ceilings are an amazing solution to that. In addition to the illusion that they provide, they also add a sense of character and architectural detail that cannot be overlooked. With that being said, vaulted ceilings make a home significantly less energy efficient in cooler months, as the heat tends to rise out of reach. They also make it impossible to clean cobwebs as they are inaccessible without specific tools.

www.teambluesky.ca

New Year - The 5 Best Colours to Paint your Bedroom

Connor Cherrie

A good night’s sleep: something so necessary, but so hard to come by. There are many little things that you can do to ensure you get your much needed beauty rest, such as painting the colour of your bedroom. According to a study done by Travelodge , these 5 colours can positively affect your sleeping habits.

 

Blue

It is said that people associate blue with calmness and tranquility, making it the perfect hue for the bedroom. This was further proven by the Travelodge study that concluded that those with a blue bedroom clock in an average 7 hours and 52 minutes of sleep each night.

Photo courtesy of Decor Pad

Yellow

Yellow is said to be the second best colour for your bedroom as it evokes a comfy, inviting feeling. The study gathered that those with yellow bedrooms get an average 7 hours and 40 minutes of sleep every night.

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Green

In third place is green with an average of 7 hours and 36 minutes of sleep each night. The study also found that 22% of those who have a green bedroom wake up in a positive and upbeat mood. The best shades of green for relaxation are moss green and olive green.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Silver

Shades of silvers and grey have proven to induce a feeling of relaxation, with an average night’s sleep of 7 hours and 33 minutes. Travelodge’s research also happened to prove that 21% of those with silver decor in their bedroom feel more inclined to exercise in their bedroom.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Orange

Orange is an incredibly warm colour, and for that reason it makes the list at number 5. Those with an orange room average 7 hours and 28 minutes of sleep per night. Orange tends to be a hue that people think is a bit crazy, but when done right, it can particularly soothing.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

The trick with all of these colours is to use them in a subtle way. Soft and subtle shades of these colours promote serenity, while bright and bold shades can increase the amount of energy in a room, making it hard to relax.

According the the study, the two worst colours for your bedroom are brown and purple.

So it is true, the colour of your bedroom really can have a significant affect on your sleeping patterns. Don’t believe us? Try for yourself and hire a painter to transform your bedroom into a personal oasis.

www.teambluesky.ca

7 Frequently asked question about Home Inspections

Connor Cherrie

Purchasing a house is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, so it is important that you are fully aware of what you are putting your life savings into. Hiring a home inspector is a key part of the home buying process and can sometimes even be mandatory if your funding source so chooses.

Don’t know much about how home inspections work and what to expect? We have come up with a list of 7 frequently asked questions from homeowners like you.

Where can I find a home inspector?

The best way to find a reliable and certified home inspector is through HomeStars and word of mouth. Check with your friends and family if they have recommendations and if they do, be sure to check their reviews. Having a recommended inspector takes away from the potential stresses that can come with an incompetent and unknown contractor. Doing your research at this stage will allow you to dodge costly and unexpected issues with your new home.

How long does a home inspection take?

Home inspections generally take around 2-4 hours. Obviously this question does not have a set answer as the duration of the inspection depends on many factors such as: square footage of the house, the age of the house, the condition of the house, the number of the systems to inspect (HVAC, plumbing, drains etc.), and the ability to access certain portions of the house (roof, crawl space, attic, etc.). It is important that you, the inspector, and the current homeowner set aside a significant chunk of your days for this affair in case it goes longer than usual.

Should I attend the home inspection?

Yes, if possible. It is very beneficial for the potential buyer to attend a home inspection. By accompanying your inspector, you will have the ability to ask questions as they come up (especially important for first time home buyers), and learn where everything is and how it all works. Solely reading the inspector’s report will not give you the same clarity and insight into the property that being present would.

What will a home inspection reveal?

The whole point of doing a home inspection is to reveal potential or current problems with a property prior to the purchase of it. During the inspection, the inspector should determine if all of the systems within the house are functioning at full capacity if there are any damages to the property and if there are any repairs that are necessary. A few days post inspection, your inspector will either give you a hard copy of their report or email it to you. This report, usually many pages long, will also advise you if/how to continue on in the purchasing process including suggestions of how to renegotiate the price.

What happens if problems with the house are discovered with the home inspection?

It is quite likely that at least a few problems will come to light during the home inspection. The seller of the property is not obligated to fix any of these problems at their expense, but you the buyer can negotiate this within the contract. If they refuse, you then have the option to continue on in the purchasing process and pay for these repairs yourself, or completely terminate the contract and back away from the transaction.

How much does a home inspection cost?

Prices can vary depending on many factors including, the area of service, size of the property, and age of the property, but home inspections generally cost around $500. Keep in mind that some inspectors may include additional charges for inspecting crawl spaces, attic, basement suites etc.

What are some helpful questions to ask in a home inspection?

Being present in a home inspection allows you to ask as questions, and you might as well get as much as you can out of your money and time, so ask away. Here are a few that we think are beneficial to you as a homeowner.

Who should I get to fix this?

How do I work this?

If this were your house what are the repairs that you would do now, and what are the repairs that you would do later?

It is important to ask specific questions as the inspector’s advice is helpful in understanding the condition of the property and its worth. If you do not understand something they are saying to you, do not be afraid to ask them to clarify it.

Hiring a home inspector gives you clarity as a homeowner and can allow you to make an informed and confident decision regarding the property, whatever it may be. Although not necessary, doing a home inspection is never a bad idea.

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Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Scott Kirkwood RBC Mortgage Specialist

As you navigate the home-buying process, it’s important to understand the steps as well as the terms used by mortgage lenders, which are very likely to include pre-qualification and pre-approval.

Pre-qualified or pre-approved — what’s the difference?

Mortgage pre-qualification is generally a quick, simple process. You provide a mortgage lender personal financial information, including your income, debt and assets. Based on your information, the lender will give you a tentative assessment as to how much they’d be willing to lend you toward a home purchase. Pre-qualification can usually be done over the phone or online and often at no cost. A pre-qualification is not a guaranteed loan. With our True House Affordability tool, you'll get a personalized calculation of the purchase price you may be able to afford since we use your credit rating - it only takes a few minutes and won't affect your credit score.

Mortgage pre-approval is a more significant milestone in the process because a lender is actually checking your credit and verifying your financial information. If you’re pre-approved, a lender is making an actual commitment (subject to conditions such as a property valuation) to loan you money. Pre-approval is not necessarily a guarantee that you will receive a specific rate or mortgage from that lender because circumstances may change from the time you get-preapproved until the time you’re ready to make a purchase.

How pre-approval works

Getting a mortgage pre-approval means you’re preparing to take the next step in the home-buying process. Consider working with a mortgage specialist to help guide you through the pre-approval process. Once you have selected one:

• You and your mortgage specialist will discuss your financial strategy and needs, mortgage amount, down payment, purchase price, etc.
• You'll learn about the various available mortgage options (fixed vs. variable rate, interest terms, payment options, amortization, etc.) and discuss which of them best suit your needs.
• With your consent, your mortgage specialist will take an application, which will require you to provide details on such items as employment, income, assets, down payment (if applicable) and liabilities.
• You'll give the lender permission to obtain a credit bureau report.
• Your mortgage specialist will advise you about the documentation (income confirmation, down payment confirmation, etc.) you'll need to supply upon conditional approval of your mortgage. Any conditions must be met for your mortgage to be fully approved.

Pre-approvals are subject to your continued good credit and are usually good for 60, 90 or 120 days depending on the lender.

Why get pre-approved?

• You'll save time house-hunting, seeing only homes you can afford.
• You’ll have a better idea of your monthly payment amounts, as well as how much your down payment will be.
• Real estate agents may serve you better because they know you're serious and ready to buy.
• When you make an offer to purchase, the seller may be more likely to give it serious consideration because you have solid financial backing.
• Your pre-approved status may give you more negotiating power with a seller.
• Some lenders may give you a rate lock so you don’t have to worry about rising interest rates while you look for a new home.
• There's no cost to you and you're not obligated to accept the mortgage.

Get your financial paperwork in order

You are under no obligation by getting pre-approved, but you want to be comfortable with the amount and terms of your pre-approved mortgage. That's why it's essential that you review all your personal expenses and have a good idea of your future expenses before you talk with a mortgage broker or lender about pre-approval. Learn more about knowing how much you can afford.

www.teambluesky.ca