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Home decorating has become a national hobby! You only have to turn on the television to see how crazy we are about domestic makeovers, restorations and revampings. Home-centered fare is a hit on network TV (ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” draws millions of view-ers weekly) and downright inescapable on cable, where the home shows never stop. With old favorites like “Trading Spaces” in spin-off mode and a rash of new shows on the way, decorating doesn’t seem to be going out of style. Designers all over the country are enjoying a surge in business. Whether you’re updating your current home or decorating a new one, there’s much to consider when planning rooms. 2005 offers innovations, flashbacks, fresh color choices and some old friends with updated looks.

KITCHENS Horizontal lines, flush surfaces and high-gloss finishes are the key kitchen trends from Europe this season. There is a greater domi-nance of aluminum, noticeable in trim, han-dles and appliances. But while man-made materials are in favor, there are some strong wood elements, notably highly patterned veneers that appear as accents. These are often repeated in adjacent living areas.

Extending the kitchen into the living area is a trend in itself. Kitchens no longer exist solely on their own. In many homes and apartments, similar cabinetry is designed to accommodate home theater systems and shelving.

Other trends include recessed cabinetry to provide a flush finish, brighter colors (notably red and black with silver) and a new product called Picture Line that enables a screen of any image to be imprinted onto cabinetry - the ultimate customization!

Count on stainless steel to stick around, especially among high-end, professional-grade appliances, where it has become the standard finish. It’s timeless - it’s here to stay!

Even in Europe which tends to lead the United States in trends, stainless steel re-mains a top choice. Some designers and manufacturers thought bold colors (bright reds, blues and greens) might be the next appliance trend, and several companies do offer those sorts of color options. How-ever, applying the colors is expensive and the cost is typically passed along to consum-ers. So far, demand for colored appliances has not been high. Consumers no doubt remember those avocado and harvest-gold appliance hues of the 1970s, and are under-standably wary.

If you want appliance color without a huge commitment, consider models that accept colored panels. Or, confine the bold color to countertop appliances, such as coffeemak-ers or food processors or toasters!

2005 HOME DECORATING TRENDS Volume IX, Issue 8

Personal Note

There is so much more to home trends than decorating! When to buy, when to sell, and

market values are matters you will want to

discuss with a professional REALTOR.

Call me when you, or your family or friends,

need advice. I’ll be happy to help!

Inside this issue: Introduction 1

Kitchens 1 Bathrooms 2 Countertops 2 Lighting 3 Carpet 3 Patios and Pools 3 Market Update - Decatur

4

Phebe Etheredge Jenny Pruitt & Associates petheredge@mindspring.com 404-851-0727

Phebe Etheredge Page 2

COLOR Something about the color green makes it popular in baths. It was true 30 years ago, and it still is today. The explanation is probably sim-ple. Green is such a natural color. We see shades of it in trees, grass, plants, and bodies of water. It makes sense to use it in a space where we go to feel clean and refreshed. Today’s greens are soft and muted. Patterns, if any, are subtle and quiet. The emphasis is on looks that help us wind down at the end of a busy day.

BASINS Sinks made of glass have been around for about 15 years. The popularity of above-counter bowls increased when more materials gave them a boost in visibility. Now you’ll find glass sinks designed to mount above the counter, under the counter, integrate with countertops, or self-rimmed. From a design standpoint, one of the best attributes of a glass sink is that it takes on an artisan quality. Once a pedestal sink in some shade of white was the only choice for homeowners. Now you can do almost anything. Glass makes an immedi-ate impact in a room. When shopping for a glass sink, keep in mind what clear glass will reveal. Special drain systems improve the view, but if you’re not sure you want to see quite so much metal, steer toward colored or opaque glass. Also, look for a finish that minimizes water spots, or plan to dry your sink after each use.

SHOWERS If you’re dealing with a nonstandard space or want a one-of-a-kind look, a custom shower enclosure is the clear choice. They are sized by the installer to your specific situation, so they offer space-planning advantages. You can design a shower that’s larger than factory-built units. Custom enclosures also help you move beyond basic squares and rectangles to accommodate unusual shapes, including those with curves. While framed enclosures use lighter-weight glass, the glass in frameless enclosures is usually 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Tempered glass has a slight greenish cast, and more expensive low-iron glass achieves a clear look. While most glass enclosures are meant to disappear within the design of the bathroom, a shower surround can also function as a focal point. Designed to act as sculpture, a high-end custom enclosure may feature unique texture, pattern, or even edges.

BATHROOMS

Volume IX, Issue 8

GLASS TILE A countertop made of glass tile may seem like an extravagance, but its durability, uniformity, and smooth surface make it a natural for both the kitchen and bath. The latest looks will turn your head and brighten the personality of either room. Glass is a nonporous, stain resistant material that holds its own among other high-end options. Wondering about its transparent nature? A textured layer of glass beneath a clear layer of glass obscures a view of the cabinet interior or plumbing below. Capable of stretching 11 feet without a seam, glass countertops are installed with templates similar to those used for stone tops. The cost per square for glass countertops can run from $60-$100. The price increases with each cut out, such as a hole for a sink. Although glass looks good on sur-faces from walls to floors, be sure the check the manufacturer’s recommended applications before purchasing. Some may be suitable for countertops and floors, others are recommended only for vertical applications. In addition to its beauty, glass has the appealing characteristic of low mainte-nance. Simply clean with a soft cloth and glass cleaner!

CERAMIC GLASS COOKTOPS Ceramic glass cooktops assume a sleek profile that can’t be found with gas or electric-coil cooktops. The sleek, smooth design disappears along the countertop and offers an extra work surface when not in use. The lack of coil elements or gas burners also makes the units easy to clean. Glass cooktops lack the control of gas, and the burners take slightly longer to heat and cool, glowing red while they are still hot. By contrast, induction cooktops - today’s hottest topic in cooking - use a magnetic field to heat the food inside pans quickly, while their surface stays relatively cool.

OTHER POPULAR CHOICE Planning for a new or remodeled kitchen or bath means making long-lasting decisions. You’ll need to consider the different properties of materials available, including durability, stain resistance, color and style options, and cost! Granite offers a wide array of colors and finishes, is known for its durability, and is extremely resistant to scratching and staining. Slate is a very hard surface, though not as hard as granite.

continued on page 3

COUNTERTOPS

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It should be sealed regularly according to the level of use. Limestone is a form of marble that offers a softer look - usually in tones of gray or beige. Because limestone is much more porous and also much softer than granite, it does have a tendency to scratch and stain more easily and does require regular sealing. It will obtain a natural patina over time which many people find very attractive. Concrete is a natu-ral material that can be stained in an almost unlimited range of colors. In addition, shapes or designs can be inlaid into the concrete or im-printed on its surface. It is very low-maintenance and extremely durable. It is generally less expensive than granite. Quartz is naturally an extremely hard mineral, making quartz surfaces very resistant to scratching. It is virtually nonporous, so it has a high degree of stain resis-tance. Some popular brands in the Atlanta area include Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq, and Caesarstone.

COUNTERTOPS (continued)

Volume IX, Issue 8

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of design. Not only should you plan a combination of general, task and accent lights, but you will likely also want lights with distinguishing style. Glass pendants, ,sconces, and chande-liers artfully handle that duty. The variety of available decorative glass light fixtures has exploded in the last few years, making your color and style choices as vast as your budget allows. But, you can get a lot of design effect for your money! You can tie all your colors together in one fell swoop. A suggestion: make an immediate impact in the kitchen by handing a series of dramatic lights over an island or peninsula. In addition, sconces are a great way to reflect your personality. It is easy to find a look to suit your taste. Bathrooms are a great place for such light-ing. They can compliment overhead lights, which have a tendency to create shadows. Besides providing a balance of light to morning and evening routines, they also add high style to petite powder rooms.

LIGHTING

What’s the hot look in the world of rugs right now? Oriental rugs, braided rugs, and hooked rugs are still at the top of the list, but shag rugs which have been in hiding for a while, are back in the spotlight. What’s causing the resur-gence of shag? From furniture to appliances, retro looks are making a comeback, and rugs are no exception. One of the best attributes of shag is the luxurious feel - it’s hard to resist wiggling your toes in a soft, fluffy rug. They also have other advantages over flat rugs. One benefit is that they hide everything. Their ability to hide things may be why shag rugs are especially popular in kids’ rooms. They are also used in kitchens and great rooms as well as any other place a touch of color is needed. The vivid colors often used in shag also may be bringing it back into the spotlight. People are looking for clean, simple looks and are using more solid colors in their decorating. And since shag is fairly inexpensive and extremely easy to care for, it’s one trend that will probably stick around for a while.

CARPET

Although concrete’s durability and strength are indisputable, attractiveness might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering the material. With today’s innovative techniques, the centuries-old material can have new life and a new look. New developments have made it a modern material of choice for eye-catching pool decks, driveways, walks and more. One popular technique is stamp-ing, in which a rubber tool is used to literally stamp impressions into concrete. Stamping can result in a slate or granite look. When color is used, the stamp adds a second color which becomes the “grout lines”. Adding color is another beautifying technique. Acid staining is one current trend where stain is applied to bare con-crete, causing a chemical reaction that results in a decorative look. For an even snazzier look, try an acrylic modified cement overlay system, which is put on top of existing concrete. An advantage of overlay systems is that it is not necessary to tear out existing concrete to give your pool and patio a fresh new look. The over-lays can create the appearance of more expensive materials such as stone, slate and brick pavers. Concrete pavers present another option. Very popular in Europe,

the preformed “bricks” of concrete are gaining recognition in the United States. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can be textured, weathered or antiqued. Although pavers might be a bit more expensive than slab concrete, they still are more cost effective than natural stone. Whether it is used indoors or outdoors, concrete stands as both a durable and beautiful option. Staining, stamping and other decorative options create unique looks that can turn any slab into a virtual masterpiece.

PATIOS AND POOLS

Information for this newsletter was obtained from Kitchens and Baths Magazine, and Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine.

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Decatur prides itself for having a small town atmosphere while being surrounded by the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. Decatur has beautiful tree lined streets and historic neighborhoods; among them are the MAK (McDonough, Adams and Kings Highway) neighborhood. In 1907 John Mason and Poleman Weeks purchased property that was to become Decatur’s first residential subdivision. One of their architects was Leila Ross Wilburn, a woman who had attended Agnes Scott College, and was one of only two women registered as an architect in Atlanta in the 1920s. The MAK neighborhood retains many Wilburn designed homes and offers excellent examples of Craftsman style homes that were popular during the first three decades of the century.

Decatur City Schools are an important part of the community. Nationally recognized, the school system is a state leader in national test scores. There are three schools that house K through 3, Oakhurst, Winonna Park and Clairemont. Glenwood Academy houses grades 4 and 5. Pre-K attend Westchester. Renfroe Middle School begins at grade 6 and goes through grade 8. Many people are not aware of this change and more infor-mation can be found on the school board web site.

The housing market in Decatur continues to be strong. Older neighborhoods like Glendale Estates were largely developed in the 30s and 40s, as was the Great Lakes. Winonna Park was developed after World War II and is the only neighborhood in the city with an historic designation. Clairemont Avenue is a four lane boulevard that runs from North Decatur Road and dead-ends at the Courthouse on the Square. West Ponce de Leon Avenue is the four lane boulevard entering the city from the West.

There has been some new construction in these neighborhoods where lots were available and tear downs have become more frequent. In the downtown area housing is more dense. Towne Square was the first con-dominium project built about six years ago on East Ponce de Leon Avenue with retail below and the condos above. Currently there are two new projects; Decatur Renaissance and West Ponce. Both are condominium projects with retail at street level. Prices in Decatur range from a low of $132,000 to a high of $1,200,000. Homes here, as in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, are being torn down and larger more expensive homes are being built in their place.

The Morse family donated seven acres at the corner of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Avenue to the city to be used as green space. The Decatur Preservation Alliance has secured a several million dollar grant from the Woodruff Foundation to develop this property into a park and nature center for the Decatur community and the greater metro Atlanta community.

MARKET UPDATE - DECATUR

Volume IX, Issue 8

Old Courthouse on the Square Agnes Scott College City Hall