…and what to do instead!
With so many of us seeing record appreciation in our home values, 2023 will be another banner year for home renovations. Whether you bought during the pandemic and need to give the space a facelift or you’ve pulled equity out of your home and finally want to redo the kitchen, make sure you make smart choices and avoid Trend Traps. Below you’ll find our 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating In 2023.
Wondering which project will give you the best return on investment. Download the 2023 ROI Renovation Guide to give you estimates of what a project might cost and how much of that money you can expect to get back!
Download The ROI Renovation Guide
1. Subway Tile
Subway tile for kitchen backsplashes has been a classic choice for over a century, but it had a major resurgence in the 2010s. So much so that it’s been overdone. *Tip when you’re seeing a design trend in nearly every home flip or HGTV renovation, it’s “jumped the shark”. Subway tile will never lose its classic utility…
Instead…think about a statement backsplash. NO! Not glass mosaic tiles! Expect to see many more kitchens with solid backsplashes, whether vertical slabs of marble or even-more-durable Porcelain. Really want to up the ante? Ditch the under counter lighting and install LEDs behind a lighter piece of onyx or quartz for a show-stopping look.
2. 90 Degree Angles ONLY!
Minimalism isn’t going anywhere. With the chaos of daily life nowadays, there’s peace in coming home to a well organized, uncluttered space. But, after a few decades of sharp angles and clean lines, we’re realizing there’s comfort in curves.
Instead…look to incorporate Arches & Alcoves. From doorways to built-ins and even windows (yes Palladian windows are making a return) arches add an interesting architectural element that’s relaxed and timeless. Don’t overdo it! These should be accents, not every doorway and window.
3. Brand New Everything
When renovating a space it’s common to want a complete overhaul. Giving a space a fresh look doesn’t mean NEW everything. Think of the best designed spaces you drool over. There’s often a juxtaposition; the new with the old. And, that doesn’t mean you already have to own “the old”.
Instead…repurpose a flea-market-find or more rustic piece to provide a casual counterpoint to the fresh, new items in your space. And, watch how much more inviting the space becomes!
4. Shiplap
I know. I know. This is like blasphemy these days. That’s why I didn’t start off with this as #1. You’d likely have written me off forever. Let’s agree, there’s such a thing as “too much of a good thing”. What started in the humblest of places as a nautical material has become the trendiest of home renovation traps. I’m not telling you to rip it out of your house, but…
Instead…incorporate statement wallpaper or sophisticated paneling. Textured wallpapers are much easier to find now and can truly elevate a space as can delicate trim detailing. Intricately designed wall trim painted the same color is an increasingly popular trend.
5. Grey & White
Raise your hand if you’re “done” with Grey and White everywhere. Overwhelmingly popular for the last decade, this became the Staples “Easy Button” of interior design. Paint the walls all the same “Harbor Mist” and put white cabinets and vanities throughout the house, and MAGIC. Whether it was the time we spent in our homes during COVID or just time for something new, Grey and White is out…
Instead…look to incorporate warmer neutrals and darker hues. Rather than white-washing and entire room or the whole house, mix in a slight hint of beige to warm up the space. And, don’t be afraid to go bold. Paint your office space all a dark, moody green. Just stay away from Accent Walls (painting just one wall in a room) which was part of last years Dying Design Trends list.
6. Open Kitchen Shelving
Pretty? Yes, but not functional. If your kitchen is a show kitchen and you don’t use it to cook in most days, then you can ignore this one. But, if you’re short on time and not looking for extra items to constantly clean, ditch the open-shelving. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to make sure every cup is perfect rotated and in-line, nor constantly dust.
Instead…if you like the idea of displaying items without all the work, opt for a glass-front display cabinet, full glass upper-stacked cabinets, a glass-front display case built into your kitchen cabinetry.
