HGTV’s Vern Yip and John Gidding - two of the speakers at this weekend’s 29th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show - and some of the nearly 350 exhibitors at Georgia’s largest home show shared a sneak peak into trends, which can be helpful if you’re selling, buying or renovating.
1. Going bold
“When the economy first took a noise dive, what we saw in home décor was an immediate retreat into all things safe and neutral,” said Yip, host of “Deserving Design with Vern Yip” and “Bang for Your Buck” and a judge on “HGTV Design Star.” “The past couple of years … they’re looking for something a little more hopeful. We’ve seen that reflected in fashion, and of course, reflected in home décor trends.” A common way to bring in a bright hue is through pillows and throws, but Yip says other choices are paint and upholstery. For example, CB2’s atomic sofa comes in tangerine.
2. Reusing and rediscovering
Bring a little “American Pickers” attitude into your home. Juliet Jones, owner of Juliet Jones Studio, based in Roswell, said folks can take old items and put them together in unusual way. For example, barn wood or planks can be used to create a room divider. Old pieces of tin can become artwork.
3. Saying hi to the front yard
If you’ve focused time and money on your backyard, consider adding seating to the front yard, said Gidding, host of “Curb Appeal: The Block” and “Designed to Sell.” “Front yards have regained their identity. Before it was all about the backyard,” he said. If adding a retaining wall, add a built-in bench in the design. If not, Gidding suggests heading to the flea market and looking for an old bench that can be updated. If you’re buying items - for the front or back yard - in an outdoor furniture sale, free yourself from the idea that it has to come all from one set, Yip said. “Ultimately, when you mix and match pieces, it gives you a more sophisticated look.” He suggests finding pieces made of the same materials, such as teak or wicker, or color, such as white.
4. Home automation
With smartphones and tablets, homeowners can control lighting, irrigation, thermostats, sound systems, TVs, security systems, pools and water features, at home or from afar. “With the success of the iPhone and the iPad, it has really pushed people to want to have more and more control of their life and their homes,” said Phillip Ampel, owner of Atlanta Audio & Automation, based in Marietta. He estimates that home automation systems can range from $5,000-$30,000, depending on how many components the homeowner wants to control.
5. Kitchen renovations galore
Refacing cabinets, adding new hardware, replacing the vent hood and changing the countertops are just a few ways people can change the look of their kitchen, even when on a budget. Another interesting idea that Jones has seen: adding a sushi bar, as a glass top attached to a bar or island countertop.
6. Bringing in the animal print
Animal print continues to be a huge trend. “It’s part of this overall idea of having lots of different cultures in one space and in one room,” Yip said. “They can be introduced in any setting, which is really kind of fun.” To keep a house or room from looking like it has an animal theme, show restraint by using it as a rug or throw. Using African-inspired décor also bring a more transitional look to a traditional home, Yip said. Animal prints are being reinterpreted, with gray and off white, or even hot pink.
7. Preparing for aging
In the bathrooms, senior adults seeking to be prepared for future needs should consider the vanity. Using a wheelchair requires having room to reach the sink, Jones said, without touching the plumbing because of the potential for danger if the pipes are hot.
8. Moving to mulch
For winter, Gidding suggests using mulch as a decorative, and protective, touch. “Going with a sharp black color or red color brings a nice crisp line to the landscape where things are starting to die off,” said Gidding, who has an office in Atlanta.
9. Investing in art
Yip, whose design company is based in Atlanta, wants more homeowners to move away from “decorative art,” selected just because it matches the room color. Buying fine art that you love is an investment that can be attainable and affordable, he said.
10. Connecting with social media
Some exhibitors are showing their products and designs on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Houzz and Pinterest. Yip said Pinterest is a great way to share ideas. “I love that people feel so much more empowered now to make those kinds of decisions,” he said. “Not that long ago people felt they had to hire an interior designer. Now I feel like we’re at the precipice in Atlanta where people are beginning to feel like, I can have a beautiful home and it can be unique and reflect me.”
If You Go
What: 2012 Fall Atlanta Home Show
When: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 21-23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta
Cost: $10 general admission; free for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Free for members of the Atlanta housing industry (with business card) on Friday, Sept. 21.
Info: www.AtlantaHomeShow.com or 770-798-1997
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