It’s the first day of fall, which means cozy season is coming! As the colder temperatures eventually roll in, we tend to start spending more of our time indoors, tucked away in our homes. If you’re anything like us, this naturally leads to brainstorming ideas for home improvement projects. After all, if we’re going to be cozying up at home, we may as well make it pretty!
If you’re on the same page, let us indulge you a bit with some of our favorite design details we’ve been loving in homes this year!
Quartz/Quartzite Kitchen Backsplash with Ledge
Full-height backsplashes that carry your kitchen countertop material up the wall have been on the rise for the last several years, but more recently, this feature has adapted to include a built-in ledge. Why do we love this feature? For several reasons, but firstly because it’s functional! Having a space to put a few of your most-used spices and/or some dainty decor is something you don’t often get out of a backsplash!
Adding a ledge can also be a cost-saving design solution depending on your kitchen layout. For example, if you know you want to carry your quartz or quartzite up the wall, the ledge provides a natural stopping point as opposed to carrying it up to the ceiling. Since that means less square footage to cover, that should keep material costs down while still achieving the look you’re going for.
Paneled Appliances
With seamless design elements gaining popularity in the last few years, it’s no surprise that the demand for panel-ready appliances has increased. We, along with several of our clients, are loving the look of paneled appliances that blend seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry. Instead of breaking up the overall design, paneled appliances provide a more consistent look. While this feature is often more expensive than regular appliances, you can opt for certain appliances over others for economic flexibility.
Green Cabinetry
You may have noticed the color green taking over interior palettes, and we must admit that we are on board with this trend! Speaking specifically for green cabinetry, there’s something about the hues we’ve been seeing that perform so well in kitchens, offices, and bathrooms. Green tends to pair easily with wood tones, offering an earthy and dynamic alternative to the classic white and wood combo. With so many gorgeous greens to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your style.
Straight Stacked Variegated Tile
In contrast to brick set tile, we are seeing a shift towards straight stacked tiles, often in a single yet variated tone. The slight shift in lightness/darkness of the tile gives a more custom, handmade look for showers and backsplashes. Stacking rectangular tiles vertically has been a popular choice for bathrooms as a new way of using the classic subway tile. Square tiles have also garnered attention for those desiring a clean, polished look. You can choose to stick with neutrals or opt for a more daring tile color depending on your style. Truthfully, we love either route!
Wallpaper
The modern era of wallpaper is here! We are seeing homeowners get more creative with color and pattern, and wallpaper offers the perfect route to do so. From bold florals to subtle plaids, the options are endless! If you’re intrigued by the use of wallpaper but unsure how to incorporate it, start small with a bathroom, office, or laundry room. These designated spaces are typically more enclosed as they are centered around a specific function, which makes them the perfect place to experiment! A little tip if you are DIYing- make sure to paint the walls a similar color to your chosen wallpaper so that any lines that show through don’t stand out and instead blend right in.
Wall Sconces
In terms of lighting, we have been obsessed with wall sconces. Instead of relying on typical ceiling lights or floor lamps, many designers and homeowners alike are opting for more layered lighting schemes. Wall sconces come in so many design styles, making them a versatile option to add to almost any room. Perfect for when you want that little bit of extra light along with a complementary design feature. Whether it’s a picture light to highlight an artwork or double sconces over the vanity, we are here for it all!
Decorative Cabinet Details
This is perhaps a broad way of putting it; however, we simply must mention our love for the little details that make custom cabinetry actually look custom. Whether it’s reeded doors, furniture-style island legs, custom cut-outs, or mixed-matched hardware, these are the elements that set your space apart from the rest. The elements that you may not even have thought of often become the focal point of the whole design. Because there are countless design choices to be made when it comes to cabinetry, having a designer skilled in this area is the best way to ensure you end up with an incredibly tailored design that is as unique as you are.
Feeling inspired to incorporate some of these elements into your own home? Our Central Illinois design team would love to help! We provide 3D renderings for our clients so they can visualize the design details in their own space to make sure they love it! We walk you through the design process from start to finish, offering our expertise along the way. If you have a project in mind, let our team design, order, coordinate, and deliver. Email us at info@gravellanedesign.com to get started!
Not quite ready yet? That’s okay! Keep gathering home design inspiration by following us on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook. We hope to work with you soon!
