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Tag: trends

5 lighting trends we love

Lighting is something that you typically notice when it’s really good or really bad.  Many homeowners make the mistake of not having enough when it comes to lighting.  Sometimes, certain events at your home call for different lighting.  (Think an evening cocktail party.)  People often wonder if they can mix finishes in their rooms (do the light fixtures in my kitchen need to match the cabinet pulls?).  With so much to consider, we thought we’d highlight some of the trends we are loving now!

Chandeliers:  Lighting with big impact

The classic overhead fixture has come a long way!  Chandeliers can be had in contemporary designs with updated finishes.Warm metals are popping up everywhere!  Think of fixtures made of rich copper (hammered or raw copper exude a natural beauty, while a satin finish feels luxurious) or brass.  Brass fixtures can be polished, aged or burnished.  The varying patinas give totally different looks!  Brass is definitely making a comeback.  A few weeks back, we shared an awesome photo of a powder room with a mosaic tile floor and brass bath fixtures.  Check it out on our Instagram account!Gold tones (especially rose gold) are also hot this year.  Like its brass counterpart, gold doesn’t always have to be shiny and bright.

Vintage Vibe:  Upgraded

“Vintage” is one of those oft-overused words.  When it applies to this year’s lighting trends, there’s a little “upgrade” from the typical looks that celebrate an older, industrial age.  This year’s fixtures really showcase sleeker materials and modern technology.  Sure, fans will still see the natural colors, rustic finishes and simple designs that have come to define vintage lighting.The sleeker materials make the lights feel more thoughtful in design and less “I found this old bucket, hung it upside down and screwed a lightbulb in it!”.  Vintage lights work well in the kitchen (think above the island or work space) and as wall lights or sconces. (Image:  Library Pendant by Troy Lighting, via Bellacor.)

Mixed Metals

It’s like wondering if you can wear a brown belt with black shoes.  Can you mix metals when it comes to your lighting choices?  The short answer is yes.  Mixing metallic design elements can be achieved by doing it within a single lighting fixture or even within a larger design environment (an entire room).The key?  Make your choices look intentional.  Put some thought into it.  One of the areas you can look to “mix” it up is the actual texture of the fixtures.  Consider mixing hammered, matte and even polished finishes for a layered, rich look.  You might also consider mixing warm metals (gold, copper) and cold (silver, chrome) metals.

Energy-Saving bulbs

As with many areas of their lives, homeowners are choosing to go green and conserve energy wherever possible.  It comes as no surprise that choosing energy-saving lightbulbs helps homeowners create a more earth-friendly home.  LED and CFL bulbs are currently the most efficient choices.  These use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs.  Before purchasing bulbs, make sure you light fixture is compatible!

Star light, Star BRIGHT!

Starburst fixtures catapulted onto the scene last year and they are still making major statements everywhere you look.  You can see this bold fixture combines the WOWS of the gold and the starburst. (Image:  luxxu.com)Often, like a quick paint makeover, lighting is an inexpensive way to dramatically update your home.  We often have sellers look at their lighting before we list and a) make sure there’s enough to highlight the home, and b) that it is updated and works with the aesthetic of the home.  Read more about staging here.The Cami Jones Collaborative team is committed to helping our sellers realize top dollar for their homes!  We offer best-in-class marketing support, and you can expect things like professional staging services, photography, expertly-made flyers, postcards, and a smart social media strategy.  Contact us here or call us today at 913-402-2550 and let us show you how we use the latest and most effective technology to market it in a variety of ways.*Photo Credit:  allen + roth Collinwick Pendant lanterns over the island via Lowe’s

5 Top Trends for Basement Design in 2018

If you’ve got children (especially teenagers) then you well know that everyone likes a bit of privacy.  Some like to spread out in the basement, and have their own space to plug in, tune out and unwind.  Maybe your family just grew by a set of in-laws who moved in, or a recent college graduate who you thought was officially on their own only to return!Any of these scenarios might have you contemplating a basement remodel.  You might even be finishing the basement as part of a new construction.  Either way, we’ve poked around and thought we’d share some of 2018’s top trends when it comes to basements.Rewind a few years, and a basement remodel was basically done to add storage.  Maybe the remodel added on another bedroom (or pseudo-bedroom) or created a toy room or game room.  Today’s basements and lower levels are far more functional, featuring usable space that even adds value to a home in the process.  Here’s what is trending for this year:

Basement Theater/Media Rooms

In general, you have two options.  You can enclose a theater or media room, making almost a mini movie theater.  The other option is to have a more open TV space.  The open space is obviously more casual and more cost-effective.  It’s a good option if your kiddos are smaller and you don’t necessarily want them out of your sight when they’re watching TV!   A theater room is a great upgrade to a basement and can include everything from a HUGE projection screen to reclining seats, surround sound and custom lighting.  If theater’s not your thing, game rooms are also big!

In-Law Suites

For in-laws that visit often, or have become permanent fixtures in your home, an in-law suite might be a good investment.  At the basic level, you’d want to include a nice bedroom and on-suite bathroom.  Have the space and budget?  Include a kitchenette and even a reading nook or small study.  As our parents live longer and many choose to age in place, an in-law suite is a great optino for many families.

Open Concept, Lots of Public Spaces

Open concept is exactly what it sounds like:  open spaces with very few walls separating living spaces.  Many homeowners choose to go open concept in the main living areas, and then continue that to the basement.  A plus for smaller basements is that you don’t lose valuable floor space by creating lots of walls.  You can maximize usable space while making a modern, open feel.   As an extension of this, many people choose to carry the same finishes through to the basement.  If they’ve gone with an espresso hardwood or glazed cabinetry upstairs, they carry that through to the basement.  The end result?  The basement feels like the rest of the house, not an afterthought.  Many choose to forego the basement door and just have an open staircase going down.

Home Gym

People have always been on board with using the basement to work out and store exercise equipment.  Some are even taking the gym concept a bit further and creating mini spas.  We’ve seen infrared saunas and shower areas installed expressly for use in the exercise area.  As with any areas, the sky is the limit when deciding how luxurious you want to go…and what the budget will allow!

Multi-use Spaces

We’ve seen lots of areas that are multi-purposed for busy families.  For example, an area with a large built-in counter could double as a craft room and a homework nook.  People like convertible spaces so they’re not “locked in” to having one thing in one place.  Convertible spaces are good for resale, as the space allows a potential buyer to envision her “stuff” there.*image courtesy of Just Basements / Houzz