Spruce up your home in just a few days. Spruce up every room in your home with our collection of quick and easy do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Each one can be completed in just a weekend and increases the function—and style!—of your home. Make Your Entrance Inviting A cheery front-door color and a touch of landscaping can…
3 Steps to a Perfectly Lit Kitchen, According to a Pro A lighting expert shares must-know tips for designing a functional kitchen. Published on November 16, 2024 Photo: John Merkl The right lighting is one of the most important elements of kitchen design. It needs to provide enough illumination for a variety of tasks in multiple areas, while also adding a stylish touch and complementing the overall room design. To help you get your kitchen lighting just right, Kerry Cochran, senior merchandise manager for Lumens, shares three steps to follow for a functional—and beautiful—space. Whether you’re simply refreshing your space or planning a full remodel, implement these three expert-recommended lighting tips to create a perfectly lit kitchen. Read McKendree 1. Use the Principle of Three-Level Lighting “The modern kitchen serves more than one purpose, which necessitates a careful combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting,” Cochran says. While striking the right balance can be a challenge, she shares how you can create layers using the principle of three-level lighting. “A combination of independently-controlled ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting makes for an ideal blend of function and aesthetics, and helps create a smoother transition from day to night,” Cochran says. John Granen 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Styles and Materials People often get caught up in creating a matching lighting scheme, but Cochran says there is no hard and fast rule that says you need match all your kitchen light fixtures. “In fact, some of the most well-designed kitchens incorporate a thoughtful mix of both styles and materials,” she says. Don’t be afraid of mixing metals, because it can actually make a space feel more layered and dynamic, as long as they’re complementary in tone. “For example, pairing a warm-toned brass or copper with a cool-toned stainless steel or chrome can make a room sing, while two different metals that are similar in tone, like nickel and chrome, will clash,” Cochran says. As a general rule of thumb, she recommends sticking to two to three different finishes to avoid the kitchen feeling disjointed and haphazard. Elizabeth Howard 3. Add Personality Through Light Fixtures Light fixtures offer a great opportunity to infuse personality into your kitchen. Cochran compares choosing kitchen lighting to adding jewelry to an outfit. “It should reflect your personality and style, and complement your outfit—the kitchen—without overwhelming it or competing for attention,” she says. Focus on functional lighting first, such as track lighting over a kitchen island. Then, add in decorative pieces, like a flashy pendant light or colorful wall sconces.
Early feedback suggests that electric wallpaper could be an eco-friendly, efficient and affordable alternative to traditional heating systems. We spoke to a leading electric wallpaper manufacturer to understand more about the encouraging results of the product’s pilot trials and how this new technology could benefit your home. What Is Electric Wallpaper? Electric wallpaper is typically installed on ceilings. It contains thin strips of copper and graphene, which utilize infrared technology to produce heat. Michelle Ansell, Project Manager for electric wallpaper manufacturer NexGen, explains that this low-level, invisible-to-the-naked-eye light works similarly to how the sun provides warmth. Traditional convection systems heat the surrounding air, but infrared heats people and objects directly. “The energy from infrared sinks directly into us humans first,” Ansell explains. “Then it’s absorbed into and stored within the furniture and fabric of the building. So walls, floors, and everything you touch has a comfortable, even temperature.” Ansell explains that the NexGen investors wanted to tackle fuel poverty and provide a low-cost, low-carbon, efficient and green heating technology. “Currently, in the UK, we’re targeting social housing,” she says. “We’ve got pilots running up and up and down the country.” One of the major pilots involves a collaboration between researchers at Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities, Glasgow City Council and the West of Scotland Housing Association, with funding from Scotland Beyond Net Zero. Scotland has an ambitious target to reach net zero greenhouse gases by 2045. Given 84 percent of Scottish homes use gas heating, clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels are a priority. The trials are focusing on social housing in old, poorly insulated, mold-prone tenement buildings in Glasgow, and so far, the feedback and results have been positive. Benefits of Electric Wallpaper Below are some reasons why silent, inconspicuous electric wallpaper has the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional home heating methods. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly Electric wallpaper is an energy-efficient, low-carbon home heating option that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. Hooking the electrics up to roof solar panels makes it even more eco-friendly and cuts your heating bills further. Electric wallpaper heats rooms quickly (within minutes), and because the heat sinks into the objects, the room retains warmth well after you switch it off. Electric wallpaper also covers a large surface area, producing a consistent temperature across the room. Ansell says this avoids those cold spots you get from convection heaters, making it especially useful for hard-to-heat homes. “Every time you open a window or a door, that warm air is not escaping because we’re not heating the air,” she says. “The efficiencies also come because you don’t have to heat the whole home,” Ansell says. “Each room becomes its own targeted individual zone.” Protects against mold Mold thrives on damp surfaces prone to gathering condensation. Because the infrared technology of electric wallpaper generates warmth on and within the surfaces of your home, it can effectively wick away mold-encouraging moisture. Ansell explains that smart technology monitors humidity levels. “If it senses you’re at a point where condensation, damp and mold can form, there is an override switch that can automatically kick in to raise the room’s temperature,” she says. Affordable to buy and install Exact prices are not yet available in the U.S. However, despite electric wallpaper being a new-to-the-market product, you don’t have to worry about it costing an arm and a leg. “In the UK at the moment, we are cheaper than an air source heat pump in terms of physical product and installation,” Ansell says. “We are on par or cheaper than a gas boiler.” Easy to install You don’t want to DIY install electric wallpaper unless you’re a licensed electrician. However, it’s usually easier and quicker to install than a gas boiler or furnace. A decorator can install the rolls of wallpaper to your ceiling with a standard adhesive, and then an electrician will wire it in. “When we install it, all the cables get hidden behind coving or trunking in rooms, just to tidy them away,” Ansell says. You can then paint the ceiling as you would normally. “The only caveat is you can’t put black paint on it,” Ansell says. “It affects the efficiency of the infrared energy coming into the room.” Low-maintenance Another cost-saving and convenient benefit of electric wallpaper is that it’s low maintenance. Ansell describes it as “fit-and-forget.” “We give a 15-year guarantee, but really, it’s the lifetime of the house because there are no moving parts to it, and it’s out of reach,” she says. “The paper is fireproof and water-resistant as well.” Space-saving Electric wallpaper can be beneficial in small, multifunctional rooms with limited wall space. Ansell says the ceiling installation gives people back the space in front of the radiators. Drawbacks of Electric Wallpaper While the trial results are encouraging, electric wallpaper is a new product. Data on true longevity, running costs, and efficiency are still being scrutinized. Plus, if you’re installing electric wallpaper in an existing home rather than a new build construction, you need to factor in the costs associated with removing the existing heating system, and you’ll also need a water heating system. Ansell explains that, with the ceiling installation, electric wallpaper is less prone to damage. However, she cautions, “If you’re moving tall furniture around that might scrape the ceiling, that might damage it.” Is Electric Wallpaper Available in the U.S.? Electric wallpaper isn’t currently widely available in the U.S. However
Over the past year, homeowners focused on creating environments that nurture well-being, provide comfort and serenity, and reflect their personal values. The home renovation trends of 2024 were all about creating intentional and personalized spaces. Whether it was enhancing the home with wellness features, embracing nature and the simplicity of Japanese-inspired interiors, or crafting spaces for family fun and relaxation, these trends emphasize a shift towards meaningful, mindful living. Drawing on insights from experts at the leading design platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, we reveal how the top trends are shaping the future of home interiors and how homeowners are transforming their living spaces into personalized retreats. Annie Schlechter Organic Modern Style In 2024, organic modern emerged as the design style of choice, seamlessly blending modern simplicity with nature-inspired elements and materials. By incorporating elements like stone, wood, and organic fabrics, organic modernism fosters a calming, cohesive, and well-balanced space. “With searches on Houzz for ‘organic modern bedroom’ jumping nearly 3.5x year-over-year, homeowners may be looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor of Houzz. But it’s not just the bedroom where this style shines. Organic modern is also trending across dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, underscoring its versatility and widespread appeal. Japanese Design Influence “Japanese design, which embraces simplicity, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces, is experiencing a resurgence, reflected in notable increases in searches related to kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms,” Parker says. Searches for ‘Japandi living rooms’ (a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality) have risen 48% on Houzz, while Pinterest searches for ‘Japanese living room design’ are up by 135%. Popular Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi and zen gardens also saw notable search growth, suggesting homeowners seek peaceful, sanctuary-like spaces inside and outside their homes. Better Homes & Gardens Leisure Spaces The pursuit of work-life balance is reshaping how we use our homes, with homeowners carving out dedicated leisure spaces. Searches for ‘listening rooms’ have more than doubled on Houzz, and interest in ‘living room pianos’ is up by 39%, reflecting a trend towards creating spaces for music and relaxation. Social areas for group activities have also gained momentum, with searches for ‘bowling alley,’ ‘game room,’ and ‘bocce court’ increasing as well. These areas enable homeowners to enjoy downtime with family and friends, enhancing the home’s role as a haven for entertainment and connection. Wellness Features Wellness remains a priority in home renovations as homeowners strive to create spa-like retreats within their living spaces. Searches for cold plunge pools, indoor saunas, home spas, and steam showers surged on Houzz in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in transforming bathrooms into sanctuaries of relaxation. Shower rooms, which offer an enclosed, intimate space and feature steam and sauna capabilities, are increasingly popular. According to Parker, homeowners are tapping professionals to bring nature indoors in subtle yet impactful ways, such as increasing natural light with large windows and skylights to support wellness and align with circadian rhythms. Ali Harper Dark and Moody Color Palettes Deep paint colors reigned this year, as we saw with many of the 2024 Colors of the Year. Searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘moody kitchen’ more than doubled on Houzz compared to the year prior, signaling a shift away from light grays and whites. “Designers on Houzz use dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate or bold and dramatic,” Parker says. According to Pinterest’s Autumn 2024 Trend Report, searches for ‘moody purple bedroom’ and ‘dark green bathroom’ rose by 350%, highlighting these spaces as focal points for exploring more daring, experimental, and personal color preferences. Even ceilings are joining the trend, with searches for ‘dark ceiling’ on Houzz more than doubling, proving that the fifth wall is now a canvas for homeowners looking to make a statement. Kids’ Zones Creating playful, personalized spaces for kids is another trend that took hold in 2024 as parents sought inspiration to cater to their children’s evolving needs. On Houzz, searches spiked for ‘Jack-and-Jill bathrooms’ and ‘teen lounge.’ These searches reflect a desire to design spaces where kids can express themselves and feel a sense of ownership within the home and a forward-thinking approach to home renovation. Cameron Sadeghpour Outdoor Kitchens Dining al fresco took on an entirely new meaning in 2024, with homeowners expanding their outdoor kitchens far beyond the classic grill. According to the 2024 Houzz U.S. Outdoor Trends Study, nearly 9 in 10 homeowners include a grill in their outdoor remodels, but new additions like pizza ovens, smokers, kamado-style barbecues, and Argentinian-style gaucho grills have also become increasingly popular this year. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to alfresco living, with homeowners creating versatile spaces that cater to diverse cooking styles and outdoor gatherings.