With thousands of options at a click, people are more educated about home remodeling than ever before.
To gain some insight into what’s been trending in 2018, we talked with Irina MacPhee of Pastiche of Cape Cod Interior Design, Craig Riley of CJ Riley Builder, Inc., and Mark Bogosian of Longfellow Design Build. We learned that, these days, people want hi-tech and convenience, and that their design choices reflect their personal styles more than ever.
Technologically inclined
Irina MacPhee, owner/principal, Pastiche of Cape Cod Interior Design & Custom Kitchens
MacPhee specializes in transforming people’s living spaces, and she said that while designing interiors has always inherently been about personal style, she’s seen an increase in “personalization.” She said that people are increasingly into hi-tech and seek custom solutions to fit their new tastes, such as smart technology.
“All the lights and technology in your home can be personalized and put on your iPhone or iPad, and you can be in control of your home from wherever you are,” she said.
When it comes to the kitchen, MacPhee said it’s all about convenience.
“People don’t want to just replace things. They want solutions,” she said. MacPhee said she’s seen an increase in technology in the kitchen, with appliances such as the German-made steam oven that lets you program personalized meal plans. Large kitchen islands may also have built-in extras, like seats.
“More convenient” and “less fussy” are the trends, she said, which is also true of the color palettes people are choosing. Clean lines are in, and while classic neutral palettes of black, white, and grays will never go out of style, people are incorporating splashes of color, leaning toward their personal tastes.
Pastiche of Cape Cod
8 South St., Dennis Port
508-362-8006
www.pasticheofcapecod.com
Ultra-organization
Craig Riley, owner, CJ Riley Builder Inc.
Riley specializes in new construction and remodeling in the seven villages of Barnstable, and he said that one thing that’s trending more today than ever is that people are selling their off-Cape homes and making the permanent move to the Cape, either purchasing a home or remodeling their summer homes.
Riley said that when it comes to remodeling, people want comfort and convenience, utilizing the latest in style and technology — organization and hi-tech are what’s hot.
He said that in the kitchen, it’s all about ultra-organization.
“It’s no longer just putting things on shelves,” he said.
He added that today’s kitchens are about making maximum use of space, and that in most kitchens, the focal point is the oven, with spaces designed around it. Technology such as soft-open-and-close cabinets is increasingly popular, as well as touch faucets. For countertops, granite remains popular, but people are moving toward quartz, and Riley said that options abound.
“There are so many different types of sial stone you can use,” he said.
Finished basements are also becoming more popular, said Riley, in regards to making maximum use of space for comfort and personal style. Color palettes are remaining neutral, he said.
CJ Riley Builder, Inc.
749 Main St., Osterville
508-428-6376
www.cjriley.com
Quality spaces
Mark Bogosian, owner, Longfellow Design Build
More and more people from the Greater Boston Area are building second homes on the Cape, according to Mark Bogosian, owner of Longfellow Design Build, with offices in Falmouth, Osterville, and Chatham.
“It’s increasingly about spending high-quality time in high-quality spaces,” said Bogosian. He said that while the open floor plan has been around for some time, it seems to be more integrated than ever, with custom built-ins such as sitting areas and window seats.
Large kitchen islands also have more custom built-ins, such as wine and beverage coolers and microwaves, for a “hidden and clean” look. Quartz countertops are on the rise. So are pendant lamps that hang from the ceiling and come in a wide variety of styles. These extra touches personalize the space.
“Every house has a different style, and touches like these are like the punctuation. They signify the house’s style,” said Bogosian. The elegance is in the details, he said, and custom millwork on molding and trim has been on the rise. Also, in houses that large enough, coffered ceilings create a very high-end look.
Longfellow Design Build
367 Main St., Falmouth
774-255-1709
578 Main St., Chatham
508-945-1710
866 Main St., Osterville
508-428-3999
www.longfellowdb.com
Barnstable Patriot, September 2018: https://www.barnstablepatriot.com/news/20180929/home-remodeling-trends-for-2018