GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2018 29 Catching a case of spring fever? Updating your home is the best medicine. Infuse the indoors with fashionable finishes and amped-up accents, and beautify the backyard with outdoor kitchens and luxury living environments. Whether it’s storage drawers or stunning floors, outdoor spaces or fireplaces, there are countless ways to rejuvenate your home for you and your family to enjoy now and to add resale value for the future. Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate and Partner, Performance Partners at RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, sees a range of general trends in her line of work and suggests focusing on key updates like flooring, color and accents. “I’m seeing a trend toward tile that looks like wood floors for the kitchen and bathroom, as well as mixing tiles in a geometric pattern or adding a wooden stone inlay in tile,” says O’Blenes. O’Blenes notes that while last year’s neutral color scheme is still prevalent, homeowners are adding a pop of bold bright color through artwork and pillows. Color is also created by florals, with orchids being the most popular. O’Blenes says that flowers are found in every room of the home; most are artificial yet can be very realistic looking. “Succulents are also a huge trend and you can find the most real looking ones that are actually faux,” she says. “No house should be without them.” Another way to update your home is by replacing hardware. O’Blenes notes that brass has made a huge comeback – predominantly brushed/satin brass – on hoods and cabinet or door hardware. Also popular is the introduction of copper or rose gold finishes that feature a pinkish hue. In the kitchen, wood-topped islands similar to butcher block of the past have reemerged, and mixing wood countertops with a stone island has increased in popularity. Bathrooms are showcasing an artistic flair, with mosaic tiles in interesting patterns climbing the one accent wall, typically behind the vanity. O’Blenes says the addition of wainscoting adds depth and textural interest, and it's a great way to update a bathroom inexpensively. Acrylic is still a big trend in everything from furniture legs and hardware on cabinets to mirrors and lighting. “You can actually buy interchangeable acrylic legs to update your furniture,” says O’Blenes. “The use of acrylic has gotten bigger than it was last year. It’s just huge!” The take away: the options for updating your home range from simple, inexpensive fixes to complete remodels. Whatever you decide, you’ll reap the benefits of immediate enjoyment as well as the long-term value of your property. On the pages to follow, you will find some of our favorite and most trusted resources to get your spring revamp in full bloom. Source: Ann O’Blenes, Performance Partners at RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs 972.898.6600 REAWAKEN YOUR HOME WITH UPGRADES THAT ADD ENJOYMENT AND BOOST ITS VALUE by Karyn Brodsky “Updating your home will add value to your family life now and resale value down the road.” - Ann O’Blenes, Realtor, Performance Partners at RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs Enhance, Enliven and Energize by Karyn Brodsky