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Contemporary living room featuring a sage green sofa, brass accents, and a jute rug

Q&A with Lisa Braun: Top Design Trends!

The calendar has officially flipped to 2025, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a quick look back on 2024 – and take a sneak peak at some things ahead for this year. So we recently sat down with Lisa Braun, our design selection coordinator, to chat about all things design & style from the past year.

Lisa, thanks for taking the time to talk with us! Looking back at 2024, what were some of the biggest trends you noticed in interior design?

Lisa: My pleasure! It’s been such a fun year, filled with so much creativity. One thing that really stood out was the focus on creating cozy and comforting spaces. I think after the past few years, everyone was craving a sense of calm and serenity in their homes.

Absolutely! And we saw that reflected in a lot of kitchen and bathroom remodels this year, didn’t we?

Lisa: Definitely! People were really drawn to warm neutrals in their kitchens and bathrooms. Think soft beiges, calming taupes, and those beautiful creamy whites. They just have a way of making a space feel so inviting and spa-like, which is exactly what people were looking for.

It seems like those colors also provide a great backdrop for adding personality and those pops of color we saw trending.

Lisa: They definitely do. The warm neutrals are like a blank canvas. You can layer in texture with things like fluffy towels, woven baskets, and natural wood accents. And then you can bring in those pops of color with artwork, plants, or even colorful tiles in the shower or as a backsplash in the kitchen. Earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and burnt orange were huge this year.

It seems like texture was a big theme in both kitchens and bathrooms this year.

Lisa: For sure. We saw a lot of natural stone countertops in kitchens, like granite and quartz, and those beautiful textured tiles in bathrooms. People were also incorporating texture through things like woven rugs, linen curtains, and even wallpaper with subtle patterns. It’s all about creating a space that feels layered and inviting.

Let’s talk cabinets! We know you’re excited about Kaz’s new partnership with Candlelight Cabinetry. How do you see that impacting your kitchen remodels in 2025?

Lisa: Oh, I’m so excited about Candlelight! Their craftsmanship is incredible. They create stunning, handcrafted cabinets that are truly works of art. And the best part? They’re made right here in WNY, in Lockport! I think our clients are going to love the level of customization and quality that Candlelight brings.

Speaking of customization, can you talk a bit about the difference between custom cabinetry and stock cabinets?

Lisa: With custom cabinets, you have complete control over every detail. You can choose the exact style, the wood species, the finish, the hardware – everything! It’s about creating something truly unique that perfectly fits your space and your style. Plus, the quality is unmatched. Candlelight uses only the finest materials and construction techniques, so you know your cabinets will last for years to come. With stock cabinets, you’re limited to what’s available by the manufacturer with little to know customization.

Switching gears to the outside of the house, what were some of the key trends you noticed?

Lisa: Outdoor living spaces were huge this year! People really wanted to create extensions of their homes where they could relax and entertain. We saw a lot of beautiful decks with built-in seating, patio covers for shade, and even outdoor kitchens. It’s all about creating a space where you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style.

Any final thoughts on the design trends of 2024 or what’s on tap for 2025?

Lisa: I think the biggest takeaway is that people are really focusing on creating homes that reflect their personal style and bring them joy. It’s about surrounding yourself with things you love, whether it’s a cozy color palette, natural materials, or a beautifully crafted kitchen. And of course, it’s about creating spaces where you can connect with loved ones and make lasting memories.