This year has been one of change and will continue to be one of change. The way people live in their homes has changed so it seems logical that the way they design their homes will change also. Here we will look at some of those design trends for 2020.
In the Kitchen
- Three-tone kitchens. Ok so apparently, I missed the trend last year where the two-tone kitchen was the thing. This year it is three-toned kitchens. With a three-tone kitchen, one additional color or material is added to the kitchen to create asymmetry with the palette but define special zones or functions. This mixture keeps the eye looking around the room.
- Refaced cabinets. Homeowners are increasingly turning to reface cabinets in their kitchens. They keep the original cabinet boxes while replacing the drawer and door fronts. This can be a less expensive way to dramatically change up your kitchen.
- Blue cabinets. Experts predict that Blue will catch on even more in 2020. Black and Navy continue to be popular. Pantone Color Institute picked Classic Blue as its 2020 color of the year. Balance out the blue with warm whites or warm neutrals. The warmth will keep them crisp-looking while presenting an overall clean feel.
- Wood cabinets. We might be on the edge of a full-wood kitchen renaissance. Designers are incorporating more wood into redesigned kitchens. The wood to watch this year would be walnut. It is rich, warm, elegant, and inviting and pairs wonderfully with whites, grays, blues, and brass tones. All colors being used in modern-day kitchens.
- Slabs. Instead of going through the pains of mounting tiles in your backsplashes and having to worry about grout lines and cleaning them. Think about using a slab of granite or marble. You can continue the feel of your countertops or make a statement by using a different piece.
- Countertops. In an interesting turn, designers are looking for alternatives that are durable with a polished look. Enter porcelain. You get vivid patterns and stain and heat resistant qualities. Porcelain is comparable to quartz, but a bit more expensive and does a better job with veining.
- Butcher block or wood topped counters. It may be a throwback to Grandmas’ house, but it seems that wood-topped Butcher blocks or islands are coming back in style. Homeowners are wanting some type of contrasting material and wood is it. If we dip back to the walnut being used in cabinets, why not use it for this purpose?
- Personalized features. Kohler has introduced its Tailor customizable farmhouse sink which has a changeable front decorative panel. You can choose one of Kohler’s six decorate panels. You can also insert your material like a piece of countertop or tile into the panel slot.
- Custom-colored appliances. Launched by Dacor, they allow homeowners to get their Heritage ranges and wall ovens in any color they choose.
- Mixed metal finishes. Moen has introduced a faucet with a matte black finish and brushed gold, chrome, stainless steel, or black stainless steel on the handle.
- Wood Accents. Wood is making its way onto range hoods. It is showing up as a detail on paneled range hoods. Mention walnut again? It brings a splash of warmth and texture, breaks up one color expanses, and keeps the eye moving.
- Islands. I mentioned this earlier with the Butcher block, but multifunctional island centers are in. Islands are evolving to include storage, seating, microwaves, dishwashers, a second sink, garbage disposal, cooktop, beverage fridge, and so on. They are getting bigger and becoming the hub of the kitchen with zones for cooking, prepping, and cleaning.
Well, we spent a lot of time on kitchen trends for 2020. Next week we will look at the bathroom and living room trends.
Greenville Area Update
There is a $1 billion plan to develop County Square in downtown Greenville, SC. This encompasses the land south of University Ridge and bounded by Augusta Street to the west and south and then Church St to the east. Next, they will have a traffic consultant look. The plan will have four major points: integrate new development sites into a physical vision for south downtown, create walkable and bicycle-friendly connections to parks and adjacent districts, reinforce the character of Augusta Street building patterns, and ensure that new building patterns also reflect the character of the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood which has County Square on its north end.
Real Estate News
The Mortgage Bankers’ Association reports that since July, the real estate market has remained consistent every week. However, this still reflects a double-digit increase from one year ago. The August 12 report shows a large 22 percent increase over last year.
Zillow reports each week on the percent change in the number of homes going under contract nationwide. That level, like what we reported above, is well ahead of the level seen last year. Zillow’s last report revealed that pending deals were 16.9 percent greater than this time last year.
With both indicators being above the previous year, it can only prove that the housing market has recovered from any set back that happened during the shelter in place orders. It also shows that Americans have realized how important their homes really are and are buying more houses now than they did pre-pandemic.
People are on the move and I am ready to help you buy or sell in the Greenville area. Please contact Victoria Cottle by email thevictoriacottlegroup@gmail.com or call (864) 275-3953 for your real estate needs in the Upstate of South Carolina!
Victoria Cottle is a Realtor® in the Greenville South Carolina area and if you, a friend, or a family member need assistance with selling or buying a home I can help. Referrals and people needing relocation assistance are welcome! Search Single Family homes in Greenville. Search Condos and Townhomes in Greenville.