People are spending more of their discretionary income on their homes, tapping into the increased equity resulting from home value appreciation to transform their homes into their private showcases. The design trends reveal that Midwesterners are spending more time at home, plan to keep their current homes longer, and care deeply about living in harmony with neighbors and the environment.

“We’re seeing a trend toward larger bathrooms, master suites and kitchens, as well as the creation of outdoor living spaces,” confirms Jennifer Murnan, a designer with award-winning College City Remodeling, Inc. which does work throughout the Twin Cities. She adds that people are also using more environmentally-friendly products, and are asking more about Universal Design to help ensure their homes remain accessible as extended families mature or should a family member become disabled in the future.

A College City Remodeling team will participate in a remodeling trends panel discussion during the Mid-America Remodeling & Design Expo, taking place November 4-5, 2006 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Produced in partnership with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the expo will feature only home improvement-related exhibitors. Homeowners are encouraged to bring their remodeling ideas and plans to the expo so that they may discuss them with the experts.

Murnan outlines some of today’s most revealing design trends as:

• Larger spaces: “Kitchens and master bedroom/bathroom areas are receiving the most attention. For example, the bathrooms are becoming dressing room retreats with closets so that one person can get ready without disturbing another.”
• Organic products: “There is more call for green and sustainable flooring like cork and bamboo, as well as radiant in-floor heating because it is very efficient to operate. Most clients who are interested in environmentally friendly products have already done their research on the Internet and know exactly what they want.”
• More outdoor living spaces: “People are asking for large patios and decks, or wrap around porches for more outdoor living. These create a stronger sense of community and a friendlier neighborhood feel.”  
• Increase of Universal Design: “With our aging population, accessibility is increasingly important. Clients are asking for wider doorways with no thresholds that might be a problem for wheelchairs. There’s also a push toward single-level living. Even people with two-story homes are moving their laundry rooms and master bedrooms to the main level in case stairs become a problem for them in the future.”

• Keep materials and colors simple:  “Choose classic, simple cabinet styles.  Stay away from trendy countertop and flooring colors. Earth tones are never outdated but at some point you’ll probably get sick of seeing a royal blue counter.”
• Use trendy colors for accents. “Paint, furnishings and decorations can more easily be changed in the future.”
• Consider function and performance. “Granite counters will always maintain their value, as will solid surface and quartz counter materials. Wall tile is not only stylish in bathrooms. It is easy to care for and maintain.”
• Steer clear of primary colors in the bathroom. “Go muted and neutral for a more classy, elegant look. Natural stone in bathrooms will stand the test of time in terms of durability as well as style.
• Express your style with plumbing fixtures. “There’s such a range of wonderful styles right now! Satin nickel and oil rubbed bronze finishes have staying power.”