| | Published August 8th, 2018
| Current trends in home remodels
| | | By Jenn Freedman |  | | Old and new kitchen Photos provided |
Whether you're looking for inspiration for a much-needed remodel, considering buying a freshly renovated home, or are simply intrigued, "modern farmhouse" and "updated rancher" are the terms commonly used in today's modern home design.
Darrick and Erin Martin wear two hats, both as real estate agents and home renovators. Their business, Martin Homes, specializes in buying, selling, and remodeling homes in Lamorinda and Walnut Creek.
"There is a trend in updated rancher homes painted white with black or bronze highlights and high-end finishes like build-in refrigerators and commercial ovens (e.g. Wolf or Viking). White is the color most millennials prefer for its clean, neutral look," Darrick Martin explains.
Finola Fellner of Compass Real Estate agrees. "That farmhouse style is super in right now. These young kids buying today love homes that are done with clean lines, kind of on the modern side of design."
Some of the specific details within this current design trend include: an open floor plan, creating a brighter, more inviting space where people want to spend more of their time; an oversized kitchen island, establishing a sense of place where fami- lies can entertain, eat meals together, complete homework, and work; smooth walls that eliminate the dated "orange peel" texture of the '70s and '80s; and hardwood floors throughout the home, creating uniform flooring that is easy to maintain.
Homeowners also like simple trim options that fit with the overall home aesthetic, like shiplap walls (interlocking wooden boards), shaker style trim and doors (a simple, flat-panel door with a slightly raised border), and clean, squared corners.
White walls and trim create a timeless look and blank slate. Black hardware is most common for the whitest white shades while bronze hardware is prevalent with slightly off shades of white.
One of the Martin team's recent Lafayette remodels showcases many of these details: walls were knocked down to create an open floor plan between the living room, dining room, kitchen, and straight through to the family room. Carpets and various tiles were replaced with uniform hardwood floors, and walls, ceilings, and fireplace were simplified to white.
Another of the Martin team's Lafayette renovations involved a complete overhaul of the kitchen with high-end appliances, shiplap walls, a large kitchen island, shaker cabinets, and white surfaces. The updated bathroom illustrates details like bronze hardware, shiplap walls, wood flooring - and of course white.
With such simple, clean choices, remodel updates like this may even transcend trendiness and last forever.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA