Interior design trends come and go, sometimes with alarming frequency. But some looks have stood the test of time. To simplify decorating or redecorating, here are 5 interior masonry trends for Milford, NH homes in 2020.
Related: USING MASONRY TO BEAUTIFY FRONT ENTRANCES IN AMHERST, NH
1. Neutral Colors on Textured Surfaces Only
Many designers are pulling away from an overabundance neutral colors in the home. Walking into a room that’s various shades of “greige” becomes boring very quickly. However, using colors such as grey, beige, off-white, etc. can be absolutely amazing on textured surfaces like masonry accent walls or fireplaces. For example, you can make a dramatic statement with an off-white, thin, stacked-flagstone veneer fireplace with a grey slate hearth and no mantel. Make it double-sided, and the dramatic effect is amplified. Neutrals on smooth walls can be overwhelming and uninspired; but neutrals on textured surfaces serve to highlight the textures without overwhelming the room. A note on accent walls: they’re out! Unless, that is, you use stone veneer such as the thin, stacked-flagstone look in the example above. Brick in white or gray - or sporting a distressed wash - gives you the allure of neutral colors while emphasizing the visual interest of the brick. The key is to use neutrals on textured surfaces.
2. An Emphasis on Interesting Flooring
If you’re tired of cleaning carpets or refinishing oak floors and want to add a sophisticated allure to your living spaces, consider floor tile or natural stone tile. Floor tiles have come a long way. Today, you can get incredibly durable and water-resistant ceramic tiles made to look like wood planks. With many designers adopting linear plank-like design both indoors and outdoors, you can get the look of weathered wood with the durability and low maintenance of tile. And when it comes to natural stone, nothing provides such a rich atmosphere and character reminiscent of Old World estates and castles. The best news is that while tile and stone floors can be cold, they can be installed on top of in-floor heating systems such as electric mats, for year-round underfoot comfort.
3. Easy on the Granite
Granite has long been a staple for high-end countertops and kitchen islands. However, when the entire kitchen is encased in granite (including backsplashes) it becomes overwhelming. Consider marble for your backsplashes or for a kitchen island. Marble has a reputation for not being durable enough for kitchen use. Many designers encourage homeowners to limit marble to low-traffic areas where it won’t scuff. This is unfortunate, because marble is stunning in a large format such as a kitchen island. Both granite and marble need to be sealed periodically. Even if marble demands a bit more TLC, it will add a brightness to your kitchen that granite can’t match.
4. Seating in the Bathroom
Non-toilet seating in the bathroom is a wonderful luxury, if you have the space. A natural stone-tiled wall with a built-in bench gives your space a spa-like feel. Seating can also be added to a spacious shower, for more comfort and safety.
5. Fireplaces in New Places
If you’re missing out on the warmth and ambience of fire, add a masonry fireplace in your kitchen, dining area or lounging spaces (we’re all done with the “living room” and “family room” division). A brick or stone veneer fireplace is a way to add character and history to your home. A fireplace in the kitchen is the norm in old European houses as a way to keep the heart of the home warm and cozy. Even with central heating, though, a fireplace with a wood-fired pizza oven will completely transform your kitchen into party central! If your kitchen is too small for a fireplace, consider transforming a dated dining room or living room into a space people want to be in. In fact, these spaces are so under-used in today’s lifestyles that favor casual entertaining, that a fireplace can serve as the focal point for turning these spaces into a more secluded getaway such as a library or study.
Related: OUR TOP MASONRY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR AMHERST, NH, LANDSCAPE PROJECT
