Every once in a while, it’s normal to feel the need for something different in your life. This feeling is particularly noticeable at the start of a new year when new goals and visions begin to take shape. Sometimes, a slight shift is all it takes. An updated wardrobe or a change in scenery can make you feel brand new. Other times, you crave something more transformational. Setting your sights on a new home is an exciting milestone that many people aspire to. Another worthy goal is to remodel and redesign the house you’re already living in.
If you’ve ever watched one of the home improvement shows on television, you know how impressive and achievable a total makeover can be. Whether you plan on a few simple decor changes or a complete transformation, the goal is the same – to learn to fall in love with the place you call home all over again.
To help you clarify and plan your vision, we brought in Karin Bennett, one of our top interior designers, to share her expertise. You’ll find her answers to some of your most pressing home design questions below:
Is there an overall design theme for 2023? If so, how is it different from the past?
Karin Bennett: This year, it’s all about paint. It wasn’t long ago that crisp, white walls were all the rage. But lately, we are seeing a deeper saturation of colour and some warmer neutrals showing up in designs.
Cold white walls are being replaced with warmer, creamy walls. We are also starting to see more warm saturated hues like navy and olive instead of grey and black.
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What are some of your favourite design trends this year?
Karin Bennett: There are so many to choose from! It’s hard to narrow it down to a few favourites. However, there are two recent trends that I’m absolutely hooked on.
Number one: Curves. You’ll see them in furniture designs and decor items like mirrors. Curves in decor just offer such a sexy and refined aesthetic.
Number two: I absolutely love statement kitchen counters with lots of veining. The veins in natural stone are so beautiful, and there are so many variants that no two counters ever look alike. The effect can be bold or subtle, depending on what the homeowner wants. It looks sharp in nearly any kitchen design but really stands out amidst a white background.
Are you searching for the perfect home to remodel and decorate? A few of our buyer resources below can help:
- Should You Buy a House in the Winter?
- What to Look Out for When Buying Pre-Construction
- Questions to Ask Your Realtor®
How difficult/involved are these trends to implement?
Karin Bennett: It depends on the depth and scope of the project. But if you’re planning a renovation, you can save time by implementing these designs simultaneously. Plus, many retailers are now offering curved pieces in furniture and decorative accessories which are easy to incorporate into your home.
Designing a home is one thing. But how can a homeowner keep up the look while living their day-to-day life, especially if there are children or pets in the house?
Karin Bennett: Great question! We like to design custom furnishings for our clients, and then we have fabrics treated in a very effective stain guard. Alternatively, many retailers also offer durable fabrics on their upholstery pieces.
And we always recommend going with the best quality paint as this will allow you to wipe down the walls, which is especially important when little hands are present.
What budget range should people expect if they want a redesign in their kitchen or bathroom?
Karin Bennett: Once again, it depends on the scope of the project and on how custom you want to go. In the GTA, a complete kitchen remodel could run from $75,000 to $100,000. A full bathroom renovation would range from $25,000 to $50,000. If you’re looking for minor updates, the cost may be less.
Do you have any simple decor tips that don’t require a significant overhaul?
Karin Bennett: Yes! There are plenty of small tricks that will make your decor pop. For example, investing in new decorative pillows will update your space instantly. For a modern look, go for larger pillows and mix patterns and solid fabrics. But the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade any room in your home is to paint!
Looking for even more home decor ideas? You’ve come to the right place!
- Simple Ways to Elevate Your Home Decor
- How to Build the Perfect Gallery Wall
- 6 Luxury Home Design Trends to Try Right Now
How can homeowners integrate these designs in a way that will still be up to date even when the next trend comes?
Karin Bennett: We don’t even try. Trends come and go so fast that it’s nearly impossible to redesign your home every time something changes. Instead, select the pieces you want and don’t worry about mixing styles.
Design your space to your own tastes and for your own happiness, not to impress the style gurus. Our tagline is “love the space you live in” because, at the end of the day, it’s your home. Your opinion is the only one that counts.
Visit www.karinbennettdesigns.com or email karin@karinbennettdesigns.com to find out more about their interior design services.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Toronto or the west GTA? You’ll want a trusted Realtor with a sharp pulse on the market and who is focused on your success. We are committed to providing personalized, concierge-style service tailored to your unique needs, as everyone deserves a luxury real estate experience. Contact the Tanya Crepulja Team at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 for a complimentary consultation.
Find out what it’s like to work with our team by reading authentic reviews from clients we’ve worked with in the past right here.
All images courtesy of Karin Bennett Designs.
