Remodeling 101

CUSTOMIZED LIVING

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT MATTERS IS THAT SPACES ACCOMMODATE YOUR LIFESTYLE.

BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

CUSTOMIZED LIVING IS the driving force behind most of today’s remodeling projects. “It’s about how a home can fit your needs, and every situation is different,” says Daniel Hurst, a master certified remodeler and certified lead carpenter, Hurst Design Build Remodel. “People are more open to what suits their lifestyle, how they live in their homes and how to maximize that.”

While cookie-cutter is “out,” according to Hurst, there are dominant renovation and style trends that are inspiring change. Here, Hurst shares what’s on the remodeling forefront.

Maxi Mud Room: Beyond an entryway drop-spot, homes that were constructed before the time of functional mud rooms are lacking a key transition zone in the home where organizational features lead. “Maybe there was a coat closet or small hallway to kick off your shoes, but for a busy family, that doesn’t suit well,” Hurst says.

Warming Trend: “Gray is slowly phasing out, and we are entering some of the earth tones — browns, greens,” Hurst says, though adding that the gray-and-white clean look is still desired and dominant. Wood tones are returning, and in fixtures there are more golds. Blues are still in. And now a splash of color is welcomed into updates, keeping with the earthy accents.

Mix-and-Match Metals: Satin nickel fixtures were the main game for years. Now, we’re branching out into black, gold, chrome and — still satin nickel. What’s different is including a range of metals in one room to juxtapose cabinet door finishes or other surfaces — and uniform metals in rooms but not throughout the entire house. “Maybe one room we’re doing gold and another room we are doing black finishes,” Hurst says. “What’s interesting is the variety available that makes designing spaces fun because you can mix and match a bit.”

Walls with Purpose: The open floor plan is still a request, but it does have drawbacks. “With the pandemic, we are doing more with creating spaces by having walls that offer privacy and intimacy,” Hurst says. “With an open floor plan, everything is seen and heard.”