Everyone has different aesthetic preferences and with no shortage of varying options, cookie-cutter copies are in the past.

Home design is ultimately an art form. Especially on social media, the only unifying element among trending room arrangements is their out-of-the-box creativity. While eccentricity isn't for everyone, DIY home designers can take inspiration from the theme of unrestrained personalization at their own level and pace. A space truly comes together when different pieces harmonize with one another, which can spark ideas for additional coordinating elements or a fitting color palette. Details and accessories are an integral part of elevating a room, and consequentially the experience one has within it.

"Incorporating personal touches is the first step in spicing up their bedroom," affirms Julianne Hidirsah, president of The Main Street Workroom. "Adding artwork and decor items from your travels or that really represent your personality brings love into your space. I suggest to clients to tie custom drapery in with the artwork. Pulling colors from your artwork or even your rug will tie in your drapery perfectly. These small touches make your space unique."

Luxury, too, is now more "feel" than "look." From smartphone-controlled appliances to tastefully selected ambient lighting, opulence can be achieved with spatial cognizance and consideration of applicability. Take, for instance, a refrigerator with the technology to keep track of a grocery list, or heated bathroom floors to enjoy a spa experience right at home.

"Showers are also important: body sprays, handhelds, rain showers ... these are some of the things that are emerging as you get into the younger generation as well. Of course, they tend to want something a little bit more contemporary, and they're a little bit more avant-garde with some more specialty lighting that we might do," says Dave Cerami, owner of HomeTech Renovations.

"Budget has a lot to do with what we will offer and recommend, but there's no shortage of great ideas and great things to do."
When people envision luxury, they may picture an all-white open layout (á la the viral photos of Kim Kardashian's spotless, minimalist open-space layout mansion). This contemporary style, however, is already antiquated. Furthermore, white surfaces easily collect dirt, stains and other imperfections.

"White is clearly out," explains Cerami. "People still like white cabinetry, but it's sort of been put on the back burner. We still do some of it, but certainly rather than white, we're doing more eggshells, cream off-whites, more natural wood that would feature some grain—whether it's white oak or shades of muted grays [which allow] wood grains to certainly emanate."

Luxury vinyl plank is still an optimal choice on a budget or with the need for damage-resistant flooring, such as owning pets that will inevitably scratch it up. However, luxury vinyl plank is losing traction from its popularity last year, and homeowners are opting instead for premium-quality, genuine materials like porcelain, stone or wood.

Pops of color have been incorporated more frequently than ever before, even within predominantly muted or neutral color schemes. Greens and blues are often used because of their capability to both look vivid and harmonize with natural tones. Experimenting with different vibrancies and shades within a blue or green spectrum may also produce phenomenal results.
"People like color and are realizing that putting color on the walls can easily be changed—it's just paint," says Dennis Gehman, president of Gehman Design Remodeling.

Another trend in functionality is transforming a home into a multigenerational living space. Sometimes, each section of the home is a single, cohesive aesthetic, and sometimes each member of the household chooses their own design according to preference. With an open-floor plan, it is less likely that the design will change from room to room. It really just depends on what the space and lifestyle considerations allow.

"It depends on how shared the multiple generational living spaces are. If they're basically living in the same space then it seems that the younger generation chooses the style of the space," explains Gehman. "With separate living spaces, each generation chooses what they want the space to be. It also depends on who's moving in with who. Whoever had the house first generally gets the most say about style."

As the cost of living increases, homeowners find it most practical and cost-effective to work with what they have rather than move to a new location. Even small changes can breathe new life into a home and the people residing there.

Home renovation projects are certainly exciting, but they can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring an expert to guide the process not only ensures that the vision is possible, but also can help homeowners obtain similar, alternate plans if the space or budget cannot accommodate one's imagination. Consulting a professional doesn't diminish personalization, but rather expands and curates individual preferences.

"When making your home unique to you and your family, my biggest piece of advice is to not keep up with the Joneses," says Hidirsah. "I always say to clients, my opinion doesn't matter at the end of the day, you have to live in the space and you have to love it."

RESOURCES
Gehman Design Remodeling
Harleysville, Pa.
(215) 515-2020
GehmanRemodeling.com

HomeTech Renovations
Gwynedd, Pa.
(215) 876-8413
HTRenovations.com

The Main Street Workroom
Hackensack, N.J.
(201) 487-1626
TheMainStreetWorkroom.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
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