Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Hindsight Is 2020! 10 Design Trends to Ditch in the Coming Year—and How to Decorate Instead

Hindsight Is 2020! 10 Design Trends We’ll Ditch in the Coming Year—and How to Decorate Instead

iStock/sarawuth702/scovad/realtor.com

As the hours count down to a brand-new decade, there’s a good chance you’re reflecting on your choices over the past 10 years. Maybe you’re patting yourself on the back for taking that job across the country. Perhaps you wish you could undo that three-year relationship that sucked the life out of you. Or maybe—just maybe—you’re surveying your home, and you have the sudden urge to get rid of everything in it.

After all, as we head into 2020, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your decor choices. But you don’t have to do it alone. To help, we’ve consulted with the pros about which looks are going by the wayside in 2020—and why. (Disclaimer: If it makes you happy, keep it! Who are we to tell you what to do?)

So if you’re eager to do a bit of purging, read on for what to ditch—and how to decorate instead—to live your best life in 2020.

1. Lone accent wall


Photo by Cantoni 
Let us be clear: We’re definitely not kicking bold looks to the curb (more on that in a minute). Instead, we just want more, more, more of them. That means one measly little accent wall won’t cut it anymore.

“It’s time to boldly enter the new decade by fearlessly experimenting with paint. Washing all the walls in a bold color—including millwork and trim—is much more powerful and sophisticated,” says Amanda Amato-Scotto, CEO and principal designer at AMA Designs & Interiors. “If you love a color enough to paint one wall, go the extra mile by painting the entire room. It’s a design risk worth taking!”

Stephanie Purcell, designer and owner of Redesigned Classics, agrees: “With the rise in popularity of wallpaper—and the huge strides it’s made in ease of use, such as peel-and-stick—we’re starting to see whole rooms in vibrant colors or covered in fun wallpaper. Why should one wall have all the fun?”

2. Minimalist designs


Photo by John Maniscalco Architecture 
If you can’t tell already, the “less is more” mantra is so 2019. That’s right—2020 will be all about ditching your tiny, sleek furniture and going big—everywhere.

“Gone are the days of spaces with as little as possible. Say hello to visual overload,” says Justin Riordan, interior designer, architect, and founder of home staging company Spade and Archer Design Agency. “The darling of the design world is maximalism—try solids mixed with stripes, mixed with plaids, mixed with polka dots. Take all you’ve learned about midcentury modern clean design, and throw it to the wind.”

We’ve spent so much time with monochromatic palettes and neutral interiors, Amato-Scotto says, that we’re ready to take more risks.

“In true roaring ’20s fashion, we are entering a new decade with visible boldness,” she says.

3. Faux natural materials


Photo by Ceramictec 
Faux, no! If you’ve been relying on faking expensive decor, we’ve got bad news: Look-alike materials such as wood-look porcelain plank tile and faux stone will be out in 2020, Amato-Scotto says.

“Of course, there is a time and a place for faux alternatives,” she says, noting that basements and wet areas are prime spots for these products. “However, we live in a time where people desire more authenticity—whether that be on social media, real life, or in the home. Say no to faux, and opt for the real deal, which adds character to your home.”

4. Rose gold


Photo by DS Interior Design 
We’ll continue to see mixed metals in the coming year (and beyond). But one such metal might not make it to the 2020 party.

Rose gold “has seemed to reach its expiration date,” Purcell says. “Soft pinks and blushed hues are starting to see a decline, as this millennial trend is no longer considered a fresh idea.”

This doesn’t mean that pinks will disappear entirely from favor, she notes, but you can expect to see bolder shades of the rosy hue—think magentas and corals—as we transition into the new year.

5. Farmhouse style


Photo by Crescent Homes 
Sorry, Chip and Jo Gaines—the pros are ready to put this one out to pasture. With the meteoric rise of farmhouse design, every retailer big and small has jumped on the bandwagon, producing home goods in the quintessential “Fixer Upper” aesthetic. It was cool for a minute, but designers predict the villagers are getting restless with this ubiquitous look.

“These put-together trends lack unique personality. Mass-produced furniture feels impersonal, and many are opting for more unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, meaning you will likely see more eclectic style mixes, with heirlooms and vintage items making a comeback,” Purcell says. “This is great, because it makes for an easy transition—you can still include some of your favorite farmhouse decor; just try mixing it with some more one-of-a kind finds to create a space that is truly your own.”

6. Cool and light neutrals


Photo by Kahrs
Last year, we predicted the end of an era for gray, which had become design’s go-to neutral. And indeed, warmer tones—light browns, toasty beiges, and creamy whites—have begun to beat out those icier hues. Expect more of that in 2020, but here’s a twist: The truly hot 2020 neutral will be saturated and bold. (Are you sensing a theme here?)

“It’s becoming quite popular to see more vibrant colors take the place of standard neutrals, like navy and emerald green,” Purcell says.

“In 2020, there will be a resurgence of warm earth-tone hues, including champagne, mushroom, ochre, amber, and jade,” Amato-Scotto adds.

7. Fast furniture


Photo by Niche reDesign 
The dawn of a new decade is likely to bring a growing awareness of global warming and sustainability. (We’ve already seen a bit of backlash against fast fashion, and the waste it produces.) So you can expect that home furnishings that are not so eco-friendly are decidedly out.

“Let’s be honest, home furnishings that are detrimental to the Earth were never trending,” Amato-Scotto says. “But budget-friendly and short-life-span furniture has been popularized, which in turn end up in our landfills. As consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and reducing waste, products that are eco-friendly will be trending.”

8. Neon word signs


Photo by Javier Bravo 
Ah, the neon sign trend. We’re not talking about the flickering Budweiser homage your husband has in the basement. We’re talking about the catchy neon phrases showcased on Instagram by celebrities such as the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, and Bethenny Frankel, just to name a few.

But in 2020, we’re flipping the switch on this trend—Instagram and Pinterest be damned.

“While neon signs look cool when illuminated at night or in a moody photo, during the day their effect lacks luster,” Amato-Scotto says.

Don’t unplug from this look entirely, though. Instead, Amato-Scotto predicts backlit art—with a twist—will gain popularity in 2020. In particular, she favors the work of Alan Strack, who creates backlit cinematic art with movie film.

“His pieces capture your attention and are truly a conversation piece”—and that’s the kind of energy she says we’ll be seeking in 2020.

9. Bedding in a kit


Photo by Roger Oates Design 
Every one of us is probably guilty of buying bedding in a bag at some point. And why not? It’s so easy! You get designerlike bedding in a kit, typically a comforter, two shams, and a couple of matching accent pillows. Voila! New bed.

But the problem with these effortless bedding packages is that, well, they scream “no effort,” Amato-Scotto says.

“We are entering an age of authenticity, boldness, and personal expression,” she says. “A bedding set doesn’t allow for creative expression like custom bedding does.”

That doesn’t mean you have to break the bank with hand-sewn linens, but try seeking out individual items, adding layers, and mixing patterns and textures for an effect that’s unique to you.

“We spend nearly half of our life in bed, so why not invest in these items?” Amato-Scotto says.

10. Open floor plans


Photo by Skyring Architects 
Say what now? We know, it sounds like blasphemy. For years we haven’t wavered from the idea of being able to see everybody in the kitchen while in the living room or even the dining room. But some of us have begun to tire of all the openness—and we’re craving a little more privacy. That’s especially true for millennials—who will be the single largest demographic of home buyers in 2020 and are eager to put back up some walls.

“The biggest revolt with millennials will be the desire for well-defined spaces for living, working, eating, and cooking,” Riordan says.

The post Hindsight Is 2020! 10 Design Trends to Ditch in the Coming Year—and How to Decorate Instead appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Make Over Your Bedroom—and Your Life—With the 5 Hottest Looks on Instagram

Sinenkiy/iStock

While other parts of the house may still be strewed with holiday chaos, your bedroom can (and should) be a sanctuary for reflection. A place where you can think about everything that’s happened in the past decade, and everything you want from the next one.

If it’s not that kind of space, well then—it’s time to treat yourself to a little makeover magic before the ball drops for 2020! For inspiration, we went shopping (like we do every week) on the internet’s biggest home decor showroom, Instagram, scrolling through hundreds of posts to uncover the designs that’ll inspire your new year.

Not only are we offering a peek at what’s trending with the tastemakers, but we’ve got leads on the items you can buy to get the look yourself. So go ahead—bring that 2020 energy home already!

1. Spirit animal wall prints

Ready to harness your inner beast and take on the new year? Then you might just want one of these gorgeous animal prints featured by @marzena.marideko.

“Indulge your inner wildness and enjoy a small-scale print that goes with anything,” says Leslie Saul, designer and owner of Leslie Saul & Associates. “Creating a space that is calm and meditative, relatively monochromatic might make a space that encourages that spirit animal to come forward! If the space feels too monochromatic, add in a few wild animal print pillows, too.”

Get the look: Decide just how wild you want your new year to be by shopping these collections of animal drawings from Etsy.

2. Meditative candle vases

Even if you don’t plan on doing the whole “new year, new you” thing, it never hurts to have some Zen vibes flowing in your direction. That’s why we just love the chill that’s happening in this room featured by @fridlaa—especially when it comes to those extra-tall candles.

“A taller candle vase creates a warm and inviting ambiance, allowing the light of the flame to glow softly,” says Misty Molloy, founder and lead designer for The CoCreative Home. “With a push toward self-care and meditation, candles add to our environment, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility and helping us unwind, focus, and turn inward.”

Get the look: Jump-start the tranquility in your space by adding a few of these candleholders from Pier1.

3. Handmade mandala throw rug

Mandala designs seem to crop up everywhere these days, but never have they been quite so impressive as in a woven rug like this one (featured by @frankieandgrae).

“Staying in the spiritual design mode, the mandala rug builds on this natural palette trend of creating meditative spaces,” says Saul. “A bedroom is a great place to feel calm, thoughtful, and relaxed.”

Get the look: Get your very own handmade mandala rug from Overstock.

4. Wide-open windows

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Happy winter solstice my friends 🤗❄🌲

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No matter how cozy your heavy winter curtains make you feel, sometimes it just makes sense to toss them aside. Letting in more light will not only make your space feel larger (like we see in this post from @_forthehome), but it will also help your crazy-short winter days feel a little longer and brighter.

“Windows make any space better,” says Saul. “Allowing the bed to be in front of the windows makes the room feel light, sophisticated, and perfect for reading in bed. Don’t forget to buy some bolster pillows to go behind your bed pillows to keep from falling out!”

Get the look: Move your bed closer to the windows, and ditch those heavy drapes for something sheer, like these classic voile curtains from Pottery Barn.

5. All the (mud cloth) pillows

Speaking of pillows, no one expects you to become the best version of yourself without an uber-comfy bed. And what makes a bed better than having all the pillows? If you’ve seen this post from @bethsbookshelf, then you know the answer is nothing. African mud cloth, which is a traditional fabric dyed with fermented mud and plant dyes, reigns supreme here.

“Make a bold and easy update to your bedroom by simply refreshing your throw pillows,” says Sara Ford, founder and designer of Sara Ford Design. “Mud cloth pillows are showing up everywhere these days, so why not mix and match these different patterns for a whole new look? Perhaps you’ll be globally inspired by these patterns and make a resolution to travel more this year!”

Get the look: Upgrade your pillow situation with a set of mud cloth pillow covers from Etsy.

The post Make Over Your Bedroom—and Your Life—With the 5 Hottest Looks on Instagram appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

7 Go-To Design Tricks Tarek and Christina Always Do on ‘Flip or Flop’

HGTV; realtor.com

What a year it’s been for Tarek El Moussa and Christina Anstead! Despite their highly publicized divorce, these house flippers are still going strong—as is “Flip or Flop,” which recently wrapped up its eighth season.

Their hit show has also spawned spinoffs such as “Christina on the Coast”—renewed for a second season that’s starting soon—and some new shows in the works with El Moussa.

So what’s the secret to their enduring success, and the fact that they seem to bat way more flips (with a nice profit) than flops?

Well, some might argue that their tabloid-ready marital drama didn’t hurt their ratings, but we’d like to point out that the true proof is in their signature style. Not that these flippers are unoriginal with their renovations—they’re always taking risks and trying new looks—but they certainly have some go-to renovation tricks to make their flips such a success.

Here are El Moussa and Anstead’s signature moves you’re sure to see in just about every episode of “Flip or Flop.”

1. They use a whole lot of black, white, and gray

If there’s anything El Moussa and Anstead are known for, it’s their color palette. Or, perhaps their lack of one. They use a lot of black, white, and gray. These colors make their flips look chic and modern while providing buyers with a clean look almost anyone will love.

You’ll find them using black and white tile in almost every episode (whether it be the kitchen, the bathroom, or both), and they love choosing gray paint colors. Then, when renovation is done, you’ll see them embrace their favorite colors with some more black, white, and gray staging. The result is always sleek and glamorous.

black and white kitchen
A signature “Flip or Flop” kitchen

HGTV

2. They love geometric tiles

Anstead and El Moussa use a lot of tiles with busy, geometric shapes. When used as an accent for a kitchen or as a feature for the floor of a bathroom, these distinct shapes give their flips a modern vibe. Every “Flip or Flop” house is sure to have a fun tile pattern somewhere.

bathroom
Tarek El Moussa and Christina Anstead’s signature tile style

HGTV

3. They use flashy light fixtures

Anstead and El Moussa love glam light fixtures, so that’s why these two always top off a remodel with statement light pieces. Sometimes they put a sparkly chandelier in the living room, other times it’s a more understated, modern piece in the kitchen—but their flips are sure to always include some attention-grabbing lights.

kitchen
Shabby-chic lights bring this kitchen’s look together.

HGTV

4. They take down the kitchen wall

Anstead and El Moussa take down walls in almost all of their flips, especially when a wall in question blocks off the kitchen from the living area.

But bringing down a wall isn’t always as simple as busting down some plywood. Sometimes a kitchen wall is structural and these flippers have to get creative (and usually shovel out some more cash) to open up the space. Still, El Moussa and Anstead will do just about anything to open up the kitchen in their flips, and in the end, it always works to their advantage. The result is amazing sightlines and open-concept living.

demo
Anstead is getting ready to take down another wall.

HGTV

5. They make over the fireplace

It’s always a huge bonus when a flip comes with a working fireplace, but there’s no way Anstead and El Moussa are going to let any fireplace keep its original look. They demo the existing exterior (usually outdated brickwork), then give the fireplace new life with sleek tile and a bold color to bring the room together. With such great style, these fireplaces always make for an unforgettable feature.

flip or flop fireplace
This updated fireplace is a “Flip or Flop” classic.

HGTV

6. They glam up the kitchen backsplash

Anstead and El Moussa use plenty of white in almost all of their kitchens. They put in either white cabinets or white countertops, or—more often—both. This choice always turns out well, with the white making the kitchen feel open, clean, and welcoming. Plus, it leaves room for lots of creativity when it comes to a colorful, textured backsplash. Which is perfect because these two clearly love putting their tiling talents to good use!

white cabinets
White cabinets with a unique backsplash is a signature design by El Moussa and Anstead.

HGTV

7. They add some surprises to the pool

In Southern California, backyard pools are certainly a crowd pleaser. So, it’s no wonder that El Moussa and Anstead go all-out when it comes to a pool renovation. They’ve been known to install fabulous water features, large spas, and unique pool designs that make their flips really stand out—sometimes with a dinosaur skeleton!

pool feature
These star flippers always make the backyard memorable.

HGTV

The post 7 Go-To Design Tricks Tarek and Christina Always Do on ‘Flip or Flop’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

10 Things Your Bathroom Really Needs Right Now: Do You Have Them All?

Is there any room more essential to our everyday lives than the bathroom? We think not. Sure, kitchens and living rooms might get all the love. But the lowly bathroom is where most of us spend the first and last few minutes of our day—and many important minutes in between. It’s important to make the most of the place.

To set up your bathroom to serve as both function and sanctuary, you need to stock it with some key essentials. Whether you want to spiffy up your guest bathroom or just deck your own out to feel a bit more luxe, here are a few things we think all bathrooms need.

1. Plush bath towels

Soft bath towels add a luxe touch to any space.

walmart.com

Plush bath towels add a sense of luxuriousness to any bathroom, says Tracy Turco, interior designer and founder of T&T Design in New York. She suggests mixing and matching colors, rolling them to display in a basket or on a shelf.

The Better Homes & Gardens line of towels comes in a variety of colors and are affordable ($1 to $24.99, walmart.com).

Sarah Barnard, a WELL- and LEED-accredited professional and interior designer, prefers natural fibers over synthetic blends, for a “resortlike bath experience.” Natural cotton towels are “soft, absorbent, and endure over time,” she says.

2. Portable storage cart

This cart adds instant bathroom storage.

wayfair.com

One thing most bathrooms could use more of: storage, according to Stephanie Purcell, creator and owner of Redesigned Classics.

A portable cart with shelves ($69.22, wayfair.com) is “truly ideal,” she says. “It’s stylish, easy to use, and has wheels that make it even more versatile.”

Barnard suggests using it to store towels, accessories, products, or houseplants.

Janet Lorusso, owner and principal designer at Boston-based JRL Interiors, says the cart would be perfectly placed next to a deep, free-standing soaking tub to hold your bath essentials.

3. Stylish accessories

Coordinated accessories bring bathroom decor together.

anthropologie.com

“Having a cohesive design to your bath collection set can go a long way to bringing the entire bathroom together,” says Allen Michael, founder and editor of HomeViable.com.

The porcelain Raffia Bath Collection, featuring a tissue holder, soap dish, lotion dispenser, tumbler, and canister ($16 to $50, anthropologie.com), brings the right balance of style and simplicity with understated details, he says.

Barnard adds that the “cool gray lines (and) their imperfections” enhance the design appeal, and “everyone needs a stylish hideaway for cotton balls, tissue boxes, and other utilitarian objects.”

4. Electric towel warmer

A towel warmer adds a touch of cozy to your bathroom.

wayfair.com

On a cold morning, there are few things more luxurious than stepping out of the shower and grabbing a warm towel. You can create that experience in your own bathroom with a free-standing electric towel warmer ($139.99, wayfair.com).

“This is one of those smaller, achievable items that will make you or any houseguest feel truly pampered,” Purcell says.

Along with the coziness, the towel warmer will also reduce mold and mildew growth, says Cristina Miguelez, a Wilmington, DE–based remodeling specialist at home remodeling information site FIXR. It will also dry towels quickly, she says, meaning you can wash them less often, which will offset the cost of the added electricity.

5. Soft, nonslip rug

A soft, nonslip bathmat is a true essential.

wayfair.com

Rugs in the bathroom “add a level of warmth and cozy to a generally cool space,” says Sherri Monte, a Seattle-based interior designer, home organizer, and co-owner of Elegant Simplicity. She prefers rugs that add texture, color, or pattern underfoot.

Stepping onto a plush chenille rug ($23.99, wayfair.com) after your shower or bath feels great on your bare feet, Lorusso says. Plus, it features nonskid backing to keep you from slipping.

A deep, plush rug also absorbs water, so you don’t leave puddles or wet footprints on your bathroom floor—and, they usually dry quickly, Miguelez says.

6. Stylish and functional toilet brush

This toilet brush blends style and function.

walmart.com

A sparkling clean bathroom is like having a luxury spa right in your home. But, whether to keep the cleaning tools in plain sight is up for debate in the design world, Michael says.

This stylish toilet bowl brush and holder ($7.12, walmart.com) is not only functional, but it also has a minimalist look that will mesh with your other decor.

Purcell says she has this toilet brush in her own home: “It is a staple that any bathroom has to have, and this one is supercompact, cheap, and fits perfectly under my sink,” she says.

7. Cotton waffle shower curtain

A cotton waffle shower curtain adds spa vibes.

anthropologie.com

“To die for” is how Monte describes this organic Turkish cotton waffle shower curtain by Coyuchi ($98, anthropologie.com).

“It’s modern textural pattern and monochromatic look gives all those spalike feels,” she says, adding that the best part is that it’s machine-washable.

The classic design works well in traditional and contemporary spaces and is a “beautiful basic,” Barnard says.

8. Shower caddy

A shower caddy creates extra storage space.

walmart.com

If you love to try out new bath and shower products, it’s easy to run out of space for them all. Adding an in-shower tension pole caddy ($87.98, walmart.com) increases storage space without requiring any permanent changes to your bathroom, Miguelez says.

“The more shelving I can get in the shower, the better,” Purcell says. She likes this unit for its rust-free aluminum, which means it will look fresh after repeated water exposure, and the bamboo accents offer a sophisticated look.

9. Rain shower head

A rain shower head adds luxury to your bathroom.

wayfair.com

There’s nothing like a refreshing shower to get your day off to a good start, and a good shower head makes it happen. This rain shower head by Moen ($64.99, wayfair.com) will attach to your existing shower arm.

Monte says the Moen brand is a “standard setter,” which provides high-quality products that really “class up the joint.”

This shower head is also EPA WaterSense–certified and uses about 20% less water than the federal standard. Miguelez, also a Moen fan, says even with the commitment to water conservation, the shower head still offers a full spray so you don’t feel deprived.

10. Motion-sensor trash can

A wave of the hand opens the lid to this trash can, keeping germs at bay.

walmart.com

A trash can is a bathroom essential.

“Having one with a cover that you don’t have to come in contact with is definitely a perk for the germophobes among us,” Lorusso says.

This water-resistant, motion-sensor trash can ($22, walmart.com) features a lid that opens with the wave of your hand. Plus, the slim design makes it blend into your bathroom decor, or it could fit in a cabinet or closet, Purcell says.

The motion sensor is an “added bonus,” she says, “so when your hands are full, you can easily open and close the lid without getting it messy.”

The post 10 Things Your Bathroom Really Needs Right Now: Do You Have Them All? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Top 10 Flooring Trends for 2020: Tile, Terrazzo, and Beyond

zayatssv/iStock

Still have shag carpet in your spare bedroom? Cracked bathroom tile or scratched-up hardwood? Hey, it’s probably time to get new floors.

More than 30% of homeowners cited flooring as what they dislike most about their homes, according to a survey by LightStream, the online lending division of SunTrust Bank. And, 73% of homeowners were planning some type of improvement project—so, it’s a safe bet that new floors will be high on many home improvement to-do lists.

New floors are a significant design refresher, as well as a solid investment that can increase your home’s value, says Dan DiClerico, home expert at HomeAdvisor.

“Putting down new flooring is a smart investment,” he says. “But more importantly, it can dramatically transform the look and feel of the home, while making it safer and more functional.”

But with so many flooring options out there today, what’s best? We asked DiClerico and other home design and improvement experts to share their top picks for the biggest flooring trends of 2020.

1. Wood-look porcelain tile

Photo by Porcelain Tile Store
Porcelain tiles that look like wood? It may sound too good to be true, but wood-look tiles are all the rage these days.

“The designs are very convincing, so you could mistake them for real wood, without any wear and tear or risk of scratching,” DiClerico says. “In general, we’re seeing increased interest in engineered flooring over natural wood, mainly because it’s easier to maintain, without too much sacrificing of style.”

Cost: Installing ceramic or porcelain tile can run $3,000 to $4,000 for a 200-square-foot area, according to HomeAdvisor.

2. Marble-look porcelain tiles


Photo by Claudia Interior Design
Porcelain tiles that look like marble, instead of real marble, is another flooring trend, says Debbie Lori Travin of DLT Interiors, based in New York and South Florida.

“They look extremely realistic compared to their genuine counterparts, making it difficult to tell the difference but getting the same beautiful look at a fraction of the cost,” she says.

Cost: Tile flooring ranges from $13.50 to $83 per square foot.

3. Waterproof vinyl plank flooring

Photo by Flooret 
Waterproof vinyl floors are overtaking laminate in the flooring industry, says Nikki Watson, owner of the Design Quad, a home staging, design, and flooring firm in Dallas.

Like laminate, vinyl can have a wood look and is comparable in price, but it’s more durable. And since it’s water-resistant, it can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms and is more durable than laminate, she says.

Cost: Vinyl flooring costs can range from 50 cents to $5 per square foot, with installation an extra $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the exact type of flooring.

4. Stained concrete


Photo by Cornerstone Architects 

Stained concrete works well in homes that “lean modern, industrial, or midcentury” and with “a clean, minimalist design scheme,” DiClerico says. The concrete is usually mixed, poured, and polished by hand.

Cost: Cost can be $2,000 for a 200-square-foot space.

5. Terrazzo


Photo by Moss Yaw Design studio 
“What’s old is new and new again,” says designer Sarah Barnard. And, terrazzo flooring is popular again.

Terrazzo is made from stone fragments, crushed glass, shells or other organic materials embedded in concrete and polished until smooth. It is best known as “large-format flooring in midcentury modern buildings,” she says, adding that it is an environmentally responsible material.

Cost: Terrazzo floors average $7,000 for a 200-square-foot space.

6. Large-format tiles

Photo by Squire Development Group 

“Homeowners and designers alike appreciate the scale of large tiles, plus the format minimizes the number of grout lines, for easy cleaning and maintenance,” DiClerico says.

Large format refers to 12-by-12-inch tiles or larger, up to 40 by 120 inches. Porcelain is a popular material, but ceramic and stone tiles are also popular, he says.

Cost: According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, homeowners can expect to spend $3,000 to $4,000 on installing ceramic or porcelain tile for a 200-square-foot area.

7. Black-and-white patterned tile


Photo by Christa Pirl Interiors

Black and white tiles are popping up in a variety of home styles, including transitional styles and the modern farmhouse, says Julie Chrissis, a Boston-based home stager and interior designer.

“It gives a great bold look and can be paired with almost anything for a very custom finish,” she says.

Cost: Tile floors can cost $3,000 to $4,000 for a 200-square-foot space.

8. Slip-resistant flooring


Photo by Direct Tile Warehouse 

As aging in place in their existing homes becomes more common with older homeowners, DiClerico says more home improvement projects are focusing on safety, including installing slip-resistant flooring. Falls are the main cause of injury among older adults.

Slip-resistant flooring often comes in less expensive materials, such as vinyl or linoleum, making it a cost-effective project, he says.

Cost: Floors can cost $1 to $3 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor, with installation an additional $500 to $1,000 depending on the space.

9. Engineered wood


Photo by The New & Reclaimed Flooring Company 

Engineered wood with a plywood core is a top choice for homeowners, says Nancy Ruddy of architecture and interiors firm CetraRuddy.

“They’re strong and come in many veneer finishes, and use wood very economically and sustainably,” she says.

Oak, mahogany, and ash are the most on-trend finishes, Ruddy says, because they’re hard and less photosensitive than other woods, meaning they’ll last longer.

Cost: Engineered wood costs range from $4 to $13 a square foot.

10. Responsibly sourced and natural materials


Photo by Garrison Collection 
As homeowners grow more environmentally conscious, Barnard says, natural wood floors are becoming more popular.

More homeowners are seeking natural wood floors certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which sets standards for responsible forest management, and floors that are finished with nontoxic wax or oil.

“Utilizing nontoxic finishes contributes to clean indoor air and a healthier family,” Barnard says.

Cost: Wood flooring can range from $3 to $14, depending on the type of wood chosen, but homeowners spend an average of nearly $4,400 to install wood floors, HomeAdvisor reports.

The post Top 10 Flooring Trends for 2020: Tile, Terrazzo, and Beyond appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.