by Gary Lewis

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: May 17, 2011

For this year, 2010,  the fresh design portfolios are including kitchen and bath renovation. Some new items that many people are looking at include tubular skylights, solar vent fans and motion sensor lighting to assist the homeowner in going green. Radiant heat systems under Bamboo Wheat Flooring that will not only enhance the look and feel of the living space, it will add to energy conservation. Light colors in your painting schemes will reflect light and expand the living area visually.

 Eliminating thick carpets and cloth drapes lower dust levels to cut down indoor air pollution while solar powered vent fans are used to remove pollutants from the air. The same microbe filters used in central vacuum systems can clean the air in the home.

 Kitchen remodels still include granite counters. Islands incorporating sinks, chopping blocks and rotary storage shelving. Stainless appliances include refers, wine storage cabinets and microwaves. The trend is to bring light into all the dark corners using skylights, opening space by cutting down on articles of furniture using Feng Shui design ideas and reflecting light from all surfaces to brighten every living space.

 Some bath renewal ideas begin with radiant heat under stone tile, skylights, instant hot water systems, motion sensor lighting and window treatments that reflect heat away from the house during summer months while retaining heat during the winter chill. Dual-pane or better windows cut heating and cooling cost. Effective water conservation in the bath goes a long way to cutting the bill each month. Using a low flow shower head is an easy way to do this.

 Solar powered fans and air filter systems can help eliminate high humidity and mold situations within the home. Many people have used their outdoor living spaces to enhance and expand their indoors using tents and canvas drops to cover patio areas and living in the great outdoors in good weather. This allows removal of excess moisture by giving it a way to escape.

 Window treatments include using light wood latticework shutters or Polystyrene bead systems to control lighting, temperature and privacy. Black-out shades work well in home theater situations.

 Certain areas of the country lend themselves to panic rooms. Hidden rooms to be used in the event of home invasion to be safe until help arrives. Stocked with emergency lighting, food, blankets, silent security alarm to alert authorities, and a disposable cell phone to call friends or relatives. Design of some of these rooms have incorporated closed circuit television systems and separate air vents. Commodes and sinks are sometimes used to disguise panic rooms as a bath until needed to conceal the homeowner.

 With the emphasis on water conservation throughout the country,drought tolerant landscapes are including tall ornamental grasses, deciduous shrubbery that shed their leaves in the fall and succulents that retain moisture. Some examples include Ice plant,  Aizoaceae, Aloes and Agaves. Tall ornamental tree-like Yucca will also afford shade in the summer. There are so many types of succulents available that will lend themselves to mix well with rock gardens and small backyard recirculating ponds producing a colorful and yet drought tolerant and low maintenance landscape that will produce lush looking, eye pleasing places you will wish to include in your living area.

 With the trends moving toward brightening up every area of the home, cutting energy costs by going green while removing harmful pollutants, we can enhance our lives while giving  places to unwind that help the homeowner feel better both mentally and physically.

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