It’s the start of a brand new year and January 2020 is in full swing! You’re back at work, the kids are back in school and your house is back to…..boring? Now that all those shiny, sparkling Christmas decorations are boxed up and back in the attic, your house seems a little dull, doesn’t it? Well have no fear, SLHL is here to help! Keep on reading for just a few of the tips on some of the hottest trends to start 2020 off in style.

OUTDOOR LIVING ROOMS

An outdoor living room is really just an extension of your home. Think of it as another gathering spot that just happens to be a great transition from the living room to the grassy backyard area. And it’s so easy to create!

If you already have a patio or a deck, that’s one less step you need to worry about. Now, simply rearrange your patio furniture, add some outdoor string lights and a few speakers, and you’re almost there! (If you don’t have a determined area yet and are starting from scratch, make sure your foundation is even before pouring concrete or building a deck.) If you have a fireplace or a firepit, light it up and bring some warmth to those chilly winter nights. You can even roast some s’mores while you’re at it!

Lastly, add some fluffy throw pillows and a few throw blankets to make people feel at home. Bring out some candles (use faux candles just to be on the safe side) and some table décor and you’re all set to hang out in your cool, new outdoor space. Your entire neighborhood is going to be so jealous.  

Image courtesy of www.homebunch.com

SMART-HOME SYSTEMS

For the person who wants to control it all at their fingertips, the smart-home system is for you. This is basically a variety of devices that are all linked to a single hub, which coordinates everything. A system can range from a completely customized, six-figure setup to a do-it-yourself system for a few hundred dollars. 

Smart-home technology can not only control cameras and alarm systems but also your thermostats and Bluetooth audio. Halfway to the grocery store and can’t remember if you shut your garage door? A smart-home system can take care of that for you. Too tired to get up and shut the blinds? Bring in the smart-home system. Just took off for your winter vacation in sunny Florida? Adjust your thermostat from the beach. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen – a smart-home system can’t do everything for you.

BOLD ACCENTS

Homes in 2020 are getting a facelift, and it’s not going unnoticed! Bold colors are taking over that statement wall in your living room. Or maybe they ousted your plain, white tile you had for your bathroom backsplash? Wherever these vivid colors landed, your house is never going to be the same.

Bold accent colors are such a fun, easy way to liven up a space without going overboard. Do you have all-white kitchen cabinets and want a change? Paint only the lower cabinets a fun pop of blue or green to brighten up the space. (Sneak Peek: Classic Blue is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2020 – check out one of my upcoming blogs for more on that!) Not only is this an easy change but it’s cost-efficient as well. Pop on some gorgeous brass knobs and your kitchen just entered 2020 like a star.

Image courtesy of Havenly - www.thezoereport.com

Whatever changes you decide to make to your home in 2020, do it with confidence. After all, it’s your home and you should surround yourself with things that you love. Now go on, bring your home into the New Year with smarts and style!