Once you decide to do a major renovation, it’s time to choose styles and designs. Make sure your choices look as good in 20 years as today. (Teal bathrooms were a fad that lasted about 6 months.) When renovating, always ask yourself, “Will I still like this in 20 years? Will it still look stylish? Will it increase or lower resale value?”
Consider some of the following ideas that never go out of style.
Hardwood Floors
Almost any style, design, or color combination looks good with hardwood flooring. You can change furniture, colors, wall paint, and artwork without any concerns about the floor. Most hard floors last for decades but real ¾” thick wood can be sanded down, stained, and resealed. Hard flooring is easy to clean, does not hold dirt like carpet, and retains value.
Area Rugs
Area rugs are an inexpensive and popular way to change the feel and color of a room. Rugs keep the floor and your feet warm in the winter. They can cover the entire floor or define a reading area. Best of all, area rugs can be easily replaced if you decide to change or rearrange furniture groupings or want a different color combination.
White Cabinets
White kitchen and bathroom cabinets never go out of style. They match the countertops you have now and will match new ones in 20 years. Dark wooden cabinets are one of the things that make your kitchen look dated. If you are replacing cabinets, make them white. If you are not replacing cabinets, give the old ones a coat of paint and new pull handles and knobs to update your kitchen’s look.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel never goes out of style. It is neutral-colored so it works with all types of wood floors, countertops, backsplashes, wall colors, and cabinet colors and designs. Stainless steel is perceived as a luxury upgrade in most situations.
Marble
Marble provides timeless beauty and elegant looks that never go out of style. Marble is versatile and can be used in various locations in the house.
- Kitchen countertops.
- Vanities.
- Backsplashes.
- Tub and shower walls.
- Flooring.
- Fireplace.
Marble makes a good accent in a room or it can be the focal point.
Neutral Walls, Artwork, and Mirrors
Paint your walls in light neutral colors–like off-white, light grey, or light beige. Then make personal statements about your style with wall hangings and mirror placement. It is easy to change the look and feel of a room by changing artwork or even just hanging it in different locations and at different heights. Mirrors make rooms feel larger and improve lighting.
Are you still going to like a room with a blood-red wall or Star Wars wallpaper in 20 years? Will they hold value if you decide to sell the house?
Fireplaces
A fireplace is invariably the focal point of any room. They provide heat and the comfort of open flames. Even if some elements of the fireplace–like gold door trim–are outdated, fireplaces can be modernized easily and relatively inexpensively. Fireplaces are decorated for holidays and furniture is arranged around the fireplace. They never go out of style and they keep value in the home.
Design For the Future
Most of us are going to get older. Designing for your older self is never a bad idea–especially bathroom remodeling. It costs very little extra to include some of these features when doing a major renovation.
- Walk-in tub.
- Wide shower door.
- Handheld spray.
- Curbless shower stall.
- Grab bars.
None of these items go out of style and they increase the value of your home if you have to sell.
