Real Estate Tastes Change
Whether you are planning to sell your home and considering some changes to make it more attractive to prospective buyers, or thinking of updates to your residence, it might be worthwhile to consider present trends in home exteriors and interiors.
| Desirable | Less desirable |
| Flooring | |
| Hardwood | Parquet |
| Bamboo | Laminate |
| Finished (polished) concrete | Broadloom |
| Distressed wood floors | Vinyl tiles |
| Large, rustic tiles | Shiny, white ceramic floors |
| Sandstone, slate | |
| Wall finishes | |
| Soft colours | Deep colours |
| Flat paint finishes | Shiny paint |
| Exposed brick | Faux finishes |
| Wallpaper | |
| Tin or tin-alike ceilings | Popcorn ceiling |
| Framed large mirrors | Mirrored walls or doors |
| Lighting | |
| Wall sconces | Central ceiling fixture |
| Halogen pot lights | Large track lights |
| Under-counter lighting | |
| Retro light fixtures | |
| Bathroom fixtures | |
| Oversized sinks | Cultured marble |
| Glass bowls | |
| Stone sinks | |
| Free-standing tubs | |
| Oversized showerheads | |
| Distressed wood cabinetry | |
| Window treatments | |
| Light cotton, linen, silk draperies | Heavy drapes |
| Retro wood blinds | Mini blinds |
Lots of storage, family rooms that are combined with open-concept kitchens, good access to outdoors, with French doors being more popular than sliding glass doors, good kitchen work surfaces, wide baseboards and door trim, historic paint colours on the outside, front porches, and energy-efficient windows and appliances are all in demand.
It is good to keep in mind that any man-made product that imitates natural material is not really stylish. It is better to use innovative materials in their natural condition. I have seen beautiful floors made of large plywood squares (2' to 3' squares), stained in two tones to form checkered pattern. Of course such floor treatment will not suit every decor, but the effect was stunning.
Good House, Cheap House book by Kira Obolensky, available in bookstores for $34.95 provides a range of ideas for innovative and inexpensive renovations. My family's personal friend, architect Jeffery Stinson, UofT Architecture Professor Emeritus, always comes up with a multitude of such ideas, whether for commercial or residential applications.
When planning a renovation, be sure to visit Toronto's on-line home improvement directory, at www.homestars.ca, where you can check the ratings of various renovation-related professionals and supliers.
