Upscaling livability in a remodel

By Jamie Gold Special to the U-T1 p.m.Jan. 30, 2015Updated7:49 p.m.

Engineered stone countertops, like this one by Silestone, are low maintenance and stain resistant.

January is the month when design and remodeling trend stories seem to show up everywhere. If youre planning on updating your home, youve probably read a bunch of them already. Chances are, youve seen write-ups about Marsala, Pantones 2015 Color of the Year, or maybe reports on which looks are hot on Pinterest and Houzz. Forget about them!

From a remodeling perspective, the current color and fads do not matter. Youre making an investment for the long term. The only trends that count are the ones that will enhance the value of your home and your life. Look for those that add comfort, safety, durability, ease, convenience, style cohesion, energy and water savings. Most important, choose those that truly fit how you live, your homes architecture and your neighborhood. Yes, style definitely does count when youre remodeling, but it should blend so well with your house that it looks like it was born there.

Here, then, are some 2015 remodeling trends that are truly worth considering.

There are several trends to consider when making your home more livable. One is to plan for future needs with accessibility features. More homes are including ramps or elevators, on-grade entries and new bedroom suites for live-in caregivers or multigeneration living.

Thin porcelain tile slabs create stylish, low-maintenance shower walls.

Fitness rooms are a fast-growing quality-of-life trend and point to an athlete-in-place rather than aging-in-place mindset for baby boomers and retirees. That is particularly relevant to San Diego, home to so many current and former military service members who prioritize fitness in their lives, even post-retirement.

Livability also comes from convenience. Add that to increasingly better style and solid warranties and you have engineered stone (e.g., Silestone, Zodiaq, Caesarstone), supplanting granite as the dominant countertop trend. Busy parents and those who love to entertain at home especially appreciate its hardness and stain resistance.

Better style and convenience are also playing a role in backsplash and shower design trends. Thin porcelain tile slabs are delivering low maintenance with reduced grout maintenance and no need for stone sealing.

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Upscaling livability in a remodel