This article was previously published in FFX Now and Reston Now in January 2023.
Home remodel on your New Year’s resolution list? A home remodel is a big financial investment and no one wants to make any changes to their home that won’t stand the test of time when it comes to design choices. We’re here to help! This month, we’re sharing what made our team’s list of trends and things we think we’ll be seeing more of in 2023 when it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodeling and interior design.
Fireplaces in Kitchens
The role of the kitchen has changed in the last few decades. They’ve become multi-functional spaces that serve gathering and entertaining needs as well as their day-to-day cooking/prep function. There is now a move taking this one step further by creating kitchens that are ‘cozy’. We like to think we’re trail blazers on this one, but fireplaces in kitchens are regaining popularity as a way to achieve a more intimate and ‘lived in’ feeling.
A Touchstone recessed electric fireplace was integrated into the island in this home remodel in Reston. See more of this home here. Image courtesy Synergy Design & Construction.
Image Courtesy Jamie Padgett
Pet-Friendly Laundry/Mudrooms
This has been a growing trend in recent years, but adding a pet cleaning station to a mudroom or laundry is now a BIG ticket item. With many of us adding a furry friend to the family during the pandemic, it’s now become a ‘must-have’ for many homeowners when they are building a new home or remodeling an existing one. Nicola, our Director of Marketing, did this in her own home and created not only a dog shower (that also doubles for muddy boot cleaning and other heavy duty cleaning) but also added a built-in dog crate, too.
Image courtesy Nicola Shelley.
Butler’s Pantries as an Extension of Kitchens
In the same way the role of the kitchen has changed, our use of ancillary spaces on the main level has also changed. Historically, Butler’s Pantries were reserved for staff as a primary “landing point” for meal service/clean up as they were located between the kitchen and dining room. These days, Butler’s Pantries are an extension of the kitchen, usually with similar cabinetry or design elements (although not always) for a cohesive feel but with a multifunctional purpose. Not everyone has room for a separate Butler’s Pantry, so mixed-use spaces that combine the Butler’s Pantry/Pantry/Laundry/Mudroom are now high on homeowner’s wishlists.
Ready to give your Butler’s Pantry or Pantry some pep? Then read this!
In this home remodel in Oakton, a room previously used as a playroom was turned into this gorgeous Butler’s Pantry. You can see more of this remodel here. Image courtesy of Synergy Design & Construction.
In this townhome remodel in Reston, an underutilized room off the kitchen was transformed into this pantry with tons of storage. You can see more of this remodel here. Image courtesy of Synergy Design & Construction.
The Un-Bathroom
Emily, one of Synergy’s Interior Designers, has had her eye on this one for a while! But what exactly is an “un-bathroom”? The true un-bathroom has to have more than a fancy vanity and fabric; think an eclectic mix of art on the walls and pieces of furniture that usually don’t go in bathrooms, such as chairs, dressers, fireplaces and, yes, even rugs.
We’d like to be transported to this un-bathroom right now! Image courtesy Corrigan Chateau
Image courtesy TradChap
Reeded/Fluted Cabinetry (especially in Bathrooms) & Chunky Countertops
Not ready for the un-bathroom but interested in trying something different? Camille (also one of Synergy’s Interior Designers), is calling reeded/ fluted cabinetry as one of the new looks we’ll be seeing more of in the next few years. Paired with ‘chunky’ countertops, they are a chic addition to any bathroom.
This bathroom features a honey colored vanity with brass knobs and honed white marble. Image courtesy of Dana Wolter Interiors
Image Courtesy of Bria Hammel Interiors
Bringing the Outside In
This one isn’t a new trend, but the importance of bringing the outdoors in is making a repeat appearance on our list this year. As Mina, Synergy’s CEO & Founder says, “our connection to nature is one of the most important aspects of living in our home.” You don’t have to go big (like switching out your windows to have a better view outside), simple changes like adding botanicals, accessories and wooden elements are a simple way to help you feel more grounded and relaxed.
If you are bringing plants into your space, large plants are perfectly able to hold their own in a room. However, grouping smaller plants is the key to achieving a design-thoughtful look. Mina likes odd numbered groupings (think threes and fives). The example below shows how use of similar hues of plant pot colors on a simple white shelf provides a stunning visual. I feel calm just looking at it!
Image courtesy Garden Trading
New Twists on Traditional Elements
It started with brass, then wallpaper and then, most recently, oak cabinets. There has been a resurgence of more traditional elements BUT with a totally new twist. Polished brass everything is definitely a thing of the past, but brass has reclaimed it’s position as a design element that has longevity when done right or used as part of mixed metal fixtures.
See more of this home remodel in Reston here. Image Courtesy Synergy Design & Construction.
Talking of traditional elements, many of us have furniture or other items handed down by family members that we just don’t know what to do with if the design in the home leans more transitional or contemporary. Barbara, Synergy’s Project Coordinator thinks vintage pieces mixed in with more modern elements is gaining more attention and, when done right, it’s a great way to integrate heirlooms without making a space feel dated.
Missed our previous columns about design elements that might be dating your home? We had a few! Read Part One here and Part Two here!
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest.
Dark, Moody Colors
“Moody” paint color made our list last year, and it’s a trend that grew in popularity over the last twelve months and continues to soar in usage. From walls to trim to ceilings, dark colors continue to pop up everywhere.
Looking for more paint inspiration? Read 2023 Paint Trends and Color Inspiration.
Image courtesy of Studio Magee.
Image courtesy Max Humphrey (Design) /Christopher Dibble (photography)
Tile
OK, we admit it. This one isn’t new, but the ever-changing choices and finishes in tile lights us up so it’s on our list again this year. We called the move toward geometric tile some time ago, and that’s a lasting design element that will be around for years to come. Subway tile is also still a highly popular choice, but the rules have changed when it comes to size and finish. What we love about tile these days is that you don’t have to splurge to get a modern, high-end look.
Geometric tile makes a design statement in this bathroom remodel in Reston. LOVE! See more of this remodel here. Image courtesy of Synergy Design & Construction.
A new twist on subway tile. “Retro” collection subway tile in the color “Leno Gloss” was used on the backsplash in this kitchen remodel in Reston. See more of this home remodel here. Image courtesy Synergy Design & Construction.
“Adriatic Sea” artisan backsplash tile from Fireclay Tile was used in this home remodel in Reston. See more of this remodel here. Image courtesy Synergy Design & Construction
Great interior design should have longevity that lasts for decades and not fall out of fashion by next year. At Synergy, we’re here to help you sort the lasting design trends from the short-lived fads. If you’re ready to work with one of the best home remodeling companies in the area, get in touch and find out what’s possible in your space!
