Remodel Trends

Here’s what some of the region’s top pros had to say about what’s hot right now.

“I think we’re seeing a trend toward more products that are recycled. We’re doing more green projects. People are learning they can do some things in their home in the going green movement. Also, there’s a trend toward contemporary design with straight lines and different wall treatments. Many people are tired of faux painting; they want different textural treatments on their walls. And there’s definitely a move toward garden things in the home, bringing the feeling of the outdoors inside.”
Suzan Decker Ross
Decker Ross Interiors in Clearwater
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“In the last year I’ve seen cabinet manufacturers put more effort and thought into the functionality and quality of cabinetry with internal features, especially in kitchens, such as pot and plate racks, peg systems and storage for spices and canned goods. And concepts in the kitchens are maybe rolling over into the bathrooms, with specialty cabinets, a grooming organizer, bins and trays.”
Jeff Ulbrich
Dream Renovations in Tampa
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“I see people turning to energy-efficient, renewable and sustainable products—solar water heating, soy-based spray foam insulation—to deal with their increasing electric bills. Federal tax incentives will make these products more attractive.”
Corey Watson
EcoTechnologies Inc.

“Changing windows out for hurricane glass-that’s the trend. Everyone is bringing windows up to date for energy reasons and it also protects them from storms. They’re good for security, noise reduction, energy efficiency and hurricane protection, so they have multiple benefits.”
Ernie Wilding
FAS Windows and Doors

Holding from 26 to up to 132 bottles, Sub-Zero’s pleasingly pretty wine refrigerators—with roller glide shelves and low voltage lighting—are available with stainless-steel or wood overlay exteriors to accommodate any d?or.

Lutron Electronics has combined two products, the Grafik Eye QS preset lighting control system and Sivoia QS Roller Shades, to create window treatments that can be programmed to go up and down automatically. Available locally at Lutron Electronics.

FAS Windows and Doors offers some of the safest, most reliable yet aesthetically beautiful weather-safe hurricane windows and doors, building-code-rated for Florida’s storm-prone weather.

Frog Design in California has created an LED bulb designed to last 30 years. It also offers better energy efficiency than compact fluorescent lights and doesn’t contain the mercury found in those squiggly, coiled bulbs.

This combination coffee table and lamp, co-developed by Paris-based Saazs and Saint-Gobain Innovations, uses Planilum, a multi-layered glass containing a plasma gas that can provide roughly 500,000 hours of light. The units, made from 90 percent recyclable material, will be available in the United States next year.

Not just for offices anymore, attractive retractable power receptacles are being seen in kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere numerous plugs are required.