Décor Advice and Design Trends for 2017

Melinda Allen is passionate about interior design and decorating. As Quality Homes’ resident Décor and Design Consultant, she brings enthusiasm and talent to her role; helping clients select the features and finishes that will make their new home perfect in every way. Melinda is a graduate of the Interior Decorating program from Georgian College and has a diverse level of industry experience including professional home staging.

Melinda offers sage advice when it comes to selecting the finishes for your home:

“When putting selections together, it is very important to have colour tones and textures complimenting each other. Don’t be afraid to pull in textures that are bold and eye catching as they will bring great attention and appeal to your home! Changing up your selections throughout your home is fantastic! It keeps the home interesting and as long as it is all complementing, your home will flow and come together perfectly!”

One of the most exciting stages of buying your new home from Quality Homes is your décor and design decisions. The selections you will make go far beyond colours. With the customization of your home, you will be selecting everything that goes into the interior and exterior of your home. This process takes a full day, but with the help of consultants like Melinda, it can be filled with fun, excitement, and joy!

Mass-produced homes in subdivisions, give home buyers a timed appointment or two to view and select finishes (with limited choices and options), many other independent builders do not have any décor services included, which may mean you have to do all of the leg work and decision-making on your own. It can be a daunting task.

“Kitchen enhancements are huge. We can add all kinds of added features into a client’s kitchen and this can really put the wow factor into the home. We can add things like pots and pan drawers, garbage pull-outs, tray dividers, spice drawers/pull-outs, cutlery drawers, glass doors, crown mouldings and so much more!”

She can also help you create the exact look and “curb appeal” you want for the outside of your new home. Brick/stone, PVC trim, coloured windows, steel and wood siding, vinyl cedar shakes, shutters, and lighting fixtures, go a long way to achieving your perfect beautiful home.

Wondering what’s trending in 2017?

Melinda offers the most popular design trends and insights of the year. In general, open-concept style layouts rule for 2017.

Other highlights include:

• White or off-white cabinetry with clean lines.
• Colour palettes are soft and subtle.
• Vinyl tile flooring with a variety of colour and design options. Whether you want a tile look with grout, or a plank look the vinyl tile product has all the options. This product is also softer and warmer than ceramic tile, so it a great alternative.
• A 3”x 6” ceramic subway tile is quite popular for backsplashes. It keeps things clean & consistent looking without your kitchen getting too busy, as it pairs great with busy countertops that have a lot of texture or veining to them.
• Quartz countertops are very hot (and durable, scratch and stain resistant).
• Kitchens centre islands in a different colour from the remaining cabinetry.
• Tiled showers are huge! They often include tiled walls with a decorative accent band, a niche to hold shampoos and a glass-pivoting door.