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5 Hot Home Trends for Summer 2017

Jul 21, 2017 6:00:00 PM

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School is out. Vacations are all booked. The cherry blossoms have bloomed in Washington DC and the annual walking tours of the monuments have begun. With the longer days and bright sunshine beckoning, you might have begun to look at your home through a new set of eyes. Is your home in need of an interior or exterior facelift?

The summer season is a bustling time for homeowners in Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia. If your home needs a little love this summer you might be thinking about completing a DIY project or hiring a multi-dimensional contractor. Either way, be sure to keep the following top trends in mind as you decide if you want to update the windows and shutters or transform the garage. 

Be Bold Without Being Pushy

Summer is one of the top seasons to complete a kitchen remodel for Northern Virginia homeowners. It is the perfect season because families can enjoy cooking out on the grill, heading to their favorite restaurants, or schedule the work for when the kids are away at summer camp. This year, the new trend for kitchen remodels is to create a space that is bold, without being pushy. What does this mean? It means that shiny appliances are being replaced with matte finishes. The matte finish allows the appliance to speak for itself, rather than forcing the eye through an attention-seeking surface sheen. Splashes of color are also being added through detailed tile work on kitchen walls. Finally marble is making a huge comeback as the "go-to" countertop. The swirling pattern that is typical with marble is making its way into indoor and outdoor kitchen settings. 

Smart Home Features Are Taking Over

You have probably heard of Nest, the smart home thermostat, video cameras, and smoke detectors, that can be monitored inside and outside of the home. Nest represents the beginning of smart home features that have taken over homes. This summer, one of the hottest "quick home makeover trends" is to incorporate smart home features into every day objects. Smartphone controlled light bulbs, doorbells that let you have a video conference with the Amazon delivery guy, and other technology-savvy gadgets have taken over homes. These smart home features are beginning to work their way into every day appliances, wall outlets, and even furniture. Be on the lookout for smart home products that will increase the quality of life for your entire family. 

Transforming The Garage

Have you thought about using your garage in new, innovative ways? While the garage is a great place to safely house your car, bikes, and random knickknacks, it is also one of the top spaces that should be cleaned and revamped during the summer. Using these four tips, you can easily clean out your garage to make it more functional. However, if you want to truly transform the garage then you should think about remodeling it into your home gym. Start by replacing the windows to increase air flow. Next, add storage units that can neatly display your free weights, medicine balls, stretching bands, jump ropes, and any other small pieces of equipment that you use. Install a pulley system on the ceiling to create additional storage space for lesser used equipment, such as heavy rope or a punching bag. You can even use the system to store your bicycle for the days that you need a cardio workout. 

Give Your Home a Shutter Facelift

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The beauty of Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia is that the areas have four amazing seasons. However, the winter snows and spring rain storms can wreak havoc on your shutters. Summer is the perfect time of year to replace the shutters. Look for colors that will be complimentary to your home for the entire year; this means colors that will make your home seem bright and cheery when it is covered in snow, as well as when the trees are blooming in the spring. Keep in mind that your shutters can be both decorative and functional. Replacing or restoring your shutters will also give you a chance to assess the condition of your windows. 

Improve Curb Appeal With Landscaping

Summer landscaping is a great way to improve your home's functionality and curb appeal. Revitalize your lawn with the addition of an automated sprinkler system. Add mulch to your trees or landscaped areas. Plant a vegetable garden and enjoy the benefits of homegrown food. You could also create a new patio or deck space. Adding a deck to your home is best left to a licensed contractor who can help you to choose a design that will be enjoyed for years to come by your family and friends. Raised decks with two levels can leave you with the space needed to add a Jacuzzi, while a spacious single-level deck can be the perfect place to also add a fire pit. Wood? Marble finishes? A designated outdoor grilling space? With a little bit of professional guidance the options are endless. 

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to transform your home into a space that makes you fall in love all over again? Whether you want to complete one of the above five trending projects, or have an entirely different idea in mind, contact us to discover how you can reinvent your Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland home today!

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