Wondering what’s popular in kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and more? Need some expert advice on your next home improvement project? Look no further. We’ve compiled helpful tips and the latest trends from some of the Coast’s most knowledgeable pros. Whether you’re changing a paint color or planning a complete overhaul, read on to be informed and inspired.
COASTAL IS KEY!
Our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast landscape is the perfect inspiration for all things home building and buying. – Lynn O’Keefe, The O’Keefe Real Estate Group
KITCHENS 
• Open concepts are perfect for large gatherings.
• High ceilings are always a good choice in a kitchen.
• Large windows with natural light are ideal for small spaces.
• Hiding appliances behind cabinets or in drawers is always fun and functional.
• Unique and luxurious pendant lights
• Marble countertops – Carrera marble is always timeless.
– Holly Lemoine-Raymond, HL Raymond Properties
• White quartz countertops over granite or marble – granite tends to have a lot of character, and many people, no matter what style of home they are remodeling or building, are preferring a more minimal look on their countertops. Many are choosing quartz for its durability, but also affordability. Although some quartz can cost just as much as marble, getting that clean, white style without paying the Italian marble price is obtainable with quartz.
• By placing the same countertop material on both sides of the kitchen island, you create the same effect as a waterfall. This is very popular in many new construction homes, specifically in higher price brackets.
• What we all thought would never happen is happening: Gold and bronze metals are coming back in, but these are not your grandma’s shiny gold doorknobs. The new, popular golds are more muted, matte and often mixed with other metals like black or nickel. For instance, a kitchen may have all nickel cabinet pulls and faucets and gold lights above the kitchen island.
– Brittany Geotes, NextHome Simplicity
BATHROOMS
• Creating an in-home, spa-inspired bath can be as simple as lighting your favorite candle or pouring a glass of wine. Those remodeling or building a new home, baths with clean lines, marble tile designs and neutral colors offer a sanctuary to relax and unwind after busy routines.
– Susan Siemiontkowski, Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
• Spa-like bathrooms, painted in neutral colors, are perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
– Kate and Clay Gutierrez, Concrete Building Concepts
PAINTING
• After spending time at home this past year, neutrals take on a more vibrant hue with blue or green undertones. On the flip side, white on white is gaining popularity, allowing artwork and furnishings to shine.
– Susan Siemiontkowski, Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
• Benjamin Moore 2021 color of the year: Aegean Teal
FLOORING
• The biggest trend we are seeing in the flooring industry is pattern. The herringbone pattern is becoming more popular among tile and hardwood. Patterned tiles are trending in powder and laundry rooms to make them fun and add a pop of character.
– Paula Gamboa, Floor Co.
• Waterproof floating, wood-look vinyl planks in gray and taupe coastal beach-look colors
• Porcelain 12-by-24-size tile in the light-marble look with accents in grays and light blue to aqua tones in bathrooms.
– Debra Price, Baudier’s Flooring LLC
EXTERIORS
• Outdoor dining spaces, front porches, outdoor entertaining areas — People are staying at home more nowadays, and having a space that allows homeowners to enjoy the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast climate while staying safely at home is a popular trend.
– Stephanie & Kyle Tootle, Tootle Homes LLC
• Custom-designed fencing, fence staining/ weatherproofing – this will greatly increase the lifespan of your investment while adding value to your home. Exterior cleaning protects your home from organic growth that degrades the surface it is growing on. Soft-washing these surfaces will keep your home or business looking new without the risk of damage caused by high-pressure washing on painted surfaces.
– Chris Staples, Renew Exteriors Inc.
BUILDING AND RENOVATING
• Map out your plan. Create a design board before you start a project.
• Always bring in an example of any cabinet color and countertop color you’re after when building or remodeling —at the very least a good picture.
– Debra Price, Baudier’s Flooring LLC
• The past year has had many families rethinking how they “home.” With many people working from home and children participating in virtual learning, it is nice to have a flex room that can be used for work, school, relaxation or play.
– Kyle Tootle, Tootle Homes LLC
• Wallpaper is trending — and we are not talking your grandmother’s wallpaper. Wallpapers bring in pattern and texture that paint cannot.
– Paula Gamboa, Floor Co.
• Homeowners haven’t sacrificed function for form, with built-in shelving and hidden storage that doesn’t distract from the simplicity of their design.
– Kate and Clay Gutierrez, Concrete Building Concepts
• Refinancing, purchasing and new construction/home renovation are the top three trends we see in the mortgage industry right now. Interest rates have hovered at record lows, making it a great opportunity for borrowers to lower their interest rate and possibly lower their monthly mortgage payment by decreasing or eliminating mortgage insurance.
– Trina Cuccia, GMFS Mortgage