Home Design Trends for 2014

Happy 2014 faithful Halifax readers! We hope the New Year brings you happiness and success. While you work on that prosperity we will be busy helping you transform your home in 2014. Today we will talk about design trends for the coming year. The theme is transitions – how do we transition a home that was built in (and meant for) the late 1900s to today? For us, it’s about refocusing our homes to fit with the pace and technology of modern life without losing the comfort and tradition we are used to. Here’s how new trends can be applied to two rooms of your home! 

The Kitchen 

The kitchen is the hub of the home. Now that many Canadians are eating healthier and focusing on where our food comes from and how it is prepared, we’ve returned to a kitchen-centric life. However, not everyone has time to enjoy a slow-cooked, prolonged meal in their dining room each night, as lovely as that would be. For those with a fast-paced life, consider the kitchen table as your main dining area, and decorate it as such. Try to go not too sparse or too formal; it should be a casual eating space that you wouldn’t mind entertaining at if you were dropped in on. Be sure to embrace technology as well. From iPads as cookbooks to checking your schedule as you make breakfast, having gadgets in the kitchen can really boost your productivity. 

Traditional Kitchen with Dinning Area by Case Design/Remodeling Inc.

Traditional Kitchen by Case Design/Remodeling Inc. 

The Everyroom 

Is it a living room? A library? A play area? Gone are the days of strict room functionality. We’re sure that you remember the “guest living room” in your parents or grandparents house. It was the one you were never allowed to go in, and it was by far the nicest. What’s the point? 

Instead, try to view rooms outside of your traditional mindset. A large room could easily feature a media center at one wall and a desk for a home office on another. The laundry room could hide away the kid’s arts and craft supplies, or the kitchen could have a book shelf with a reading nook. Be creative but remember that practicality is king. 

Traditional Living Room by Case Design/Remodeling Inc.

Traditional Laundry Room by Case Design/Remodeling Inc.

We hope you enjoyed our take on 2014 design trends. We’ll be sure to update you later in the year with new hot trends and to see how our predictions are shaking out. Meanwhile, what would you like to see in home design trends this year? 

Let us know: Follow Case Design on Twitter Facebook, YouTube, Houzz and Pinterest for more helpful tips and ideas! - See more at:http://www.casehalifax.com/

Call today for your free Design Consultation (902) 454 - CASE (2273)

Case Design/Remodeling Halifax NS

Deciding on Kitchen Countertops. You Need to Pick More than Kitchen Cabinets for your Kitchen Remodel.

Deciding on Kitchen Countertops. You Need to Pick More than Kitchen Cabinets for your Kitchen Remodel.

Thinking about a kitchen remodel? Figured out your kitchen cabinets? You have a lot of selections to make with your kitchen update, and one of the most crucial is choosing the correct surfaces. What is often a snap decision based entirely on color and price should be a planned process to make sure your new countertops meet your requirements. Case Remodeling of Halifax can help you with your choices.

How Do you Pick Countertops?

Consider Price and Budget

Gather some local pricing information before narrowing down your kitchen renovation decisions. Pricing ranges are wide, from $50 to hundreds per square foot.


Consider Durability

How long do you plan on staying in the home? If you are remodeling your kitchen strictly to improve resale, you can go with a less durable option. Conrete and glass are hard but may nick or chip if struck by a something hard. Stainless steel is very long lasting but can dent and scratch. Granite is probably the most resistant material for your countertops, but does require some maintenance.

Understand Installation Requirements

Installation for your countertops can affect the final pricing in your Kitchen update. Talk to a local company to discuss installation.

Weigh Environmental Impact

Countertops are becoming renewable. If you are planning an ecofriendly renovation of your kitchen, don’t forget about the counters. Bamboo is a renewable resource, though it is often freighted long distances, which can affect its environmental rating. Butcher block counters can be made from certified sustainable wood, and glass counters can include recycled materials. Concrete counters can contain local materials, like sand and gravel, and can be poured nearby, minimizes transport.

Choose Your Color

How do you choose color? Think down the road. The bold countertops of the 1970's can look out of date in today’s home. Earthy colors like black, brown, and sand have good staying power and will keep a kitchen looking modern in the future. Other things to consider cabinet color, backsplashes, and floor coverings. Pick up some samples and try out the color for a few days.

Plan for Maintenance

Consider how you use your countertops and choose an selection based on the amount of time you want to spend maintaining them.

Find a local kitchen renovation company near you today. Our remodeling and design specialists are ready to help.


Maurice Meagher
Case Handyman and Remodeling Halifax
Phone: (902) 454-CASE (2273)
Fax: (902) 832-3286
Email: mmeagher@CaseRemodeling.com

Website: http://halifax.caseremodeling.com