What is a Flex Room?
Thinking about purchasing a new home in the near future? Starting to remodel your existing home? There are obviously a lot of questions, ideas, and thoughts that go through your mind when deciding to update or purchase a home. One of those questions might be “what are the top trends for interior design for my home?”
With this question in mind we spoke with Jenny Entler, the M/I Homes – Columbus Design Center Manager, to learn what are the top three design center products our customers are choosing when designing their perfect space. Check out her answers below.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has come a long way since it was first introduced in the ‘80’s. Back then, it was notorious for looking “fake” and being thin and hollow-sounding. Today’s Laminates are made of stronger, better materials; covered by a 3D photographic layer that reproduces the look of the wood; and topped with a transparent protective layer that protects the floor from scratches and liquids.
Laminate flooring, made of synthetic fiberboard and designed to simulate hardwood, is currently wildly popular—and here’s why:- Less expensive than hardwood. Current trends in flooring call for 5”-7” wide planks, hand-scraped details and a weathered “beachy” appearance. You’ll pay about a third of the price of real wood to get that same look in a high quality Laminate.
- Easy to install. Laminate “floats” above the sub-floor, so it can be installed over nearly any surface, including concrete, which makes it perfect for basements and lower levels. It comes in tongue and groove planks, which are “clicked” into one another vs. hardwood which must be nailed down.
- Hardwood may look beautiful, but it’s not always a practical choice, especially for an active family. Hardwood will scratch, fade and show wear over time. Since Laminate is not real wood, it is very hard to scratch, and most brands are treated with a UV protectant to help resist fading and wear.
White Kitchen Cabinets
White has always been a popular choice of color for a kitchen—but lately the demand for white cabinets has grown. Why?
- Everything Farmhouse. This trend in design and décor has skyrocketed over the last few years. White cabinets are the cornerstone of this trend, followed by subway tile and apron sinks in the kitchen. Think of your favorite DIY shows – Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, Love it or List it – they all have something in common. They are constantly putting in beautiful white cabinets with this farmhouse look.
- White cabinets provide the perfect neutral foundation for any decorating style, which makes them perfect for redecorating projects too. In addition, white is timeless and classic and your kitchen will never look “dated” like it might with wood stained cabinets.
- Clean and Crisp. The kitchen is the room where you gather with friends and family, and you want that room to be the nicest place in your home. White cabinets have a clean, fresh look that is very appealing and comforting. They can help a small spacer look larger or a dark space look brighter.
Subway Tiles
Subway tile has been around for over a hundred years. The term literally originated from the subways of New York, where small white oblong tile was chosen for the walls of the tunnels simply because it looked clean, was easy to clean and made the underground tunnels seem brighter. Thus the term for this style of tile became “subway.”
The classic Subway Tile—3” x 6” glossy white—is still the most common choice; however the term “Subway Tile” is now used to refer to tiles of many different sizes, colors and materials. Creative installation patterns have also modernized this simple and inexpensive tile.- The shape is still oblong, but sizes can range from 2” x 4” to 6” x 18” and larger and still be termed “Subway” Tile.
- Use White, Ivory or Light Gray for a clean, neutral backdrop in your shower and allow your rugs, towels and bath accents to take center stage. Or choose a bold color for a backsplash to create a focal point in an all-white kitchen.
- Most Subway Tile is either ceramic or porcelain with a glossy finish; however current trends include glass, marble, metal and travertine. A matte finish gives a modern look, and also helps hide fingerprints.
- The traditional installation style is called “running bond” or “brick joint” meaning a horizontal, ½ offset pattern. Subway tile can also be installed vertically in the traditional style; stacked on a “grid” either horizontally or vertically; or in a herringbone or chevron pattern.
The simplicity and versatility of Subway Tile is the key to their popularity. With so many options to choose from, you can always find something to suit your personal style.
These top three interior design selections can all be found when you schedule your tour of our Design Centers throughout the nation. We too love these trends and you will often find them throughout our model homes.
Recommended Stories
Happy Homeowners in Plainfield, IL: The Sakamoto’s Story
