Now’s the time to plan for spring, summer renovation | Home

During these dreary winter days, many people start thinking about how they are going to renovate their homes and start fresh in the spring and summer with a new look and feel.

For those who need inspiration, there are plenty of remodeling trends to consider.

When it comes to flooring, luxury vinyl plank is the favorite right now, according to Austin Calvetta, co-owner of Calvetta Brothers Floor Show with locations in Bedford Heights, Northfield, Mentor, Westlake and Bath Township.

“People like it because it’s practical for pets and kids,” he said of the product’s attribute. “It’s scratch resistant, budget-friendly, user-friendly, waterproof and can be installed over existing flooring.” Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also affordable and easily repaired if something happens to a board, he added.

Lighting can also easily change the look of a room without costing a lot, according to Mark Dymidowski, president of House of Lights in Mayfield Heights.

Black and gold tones, as well as mixing the two together, are still very popular, he said, as are clean lines.

For customers who don’t know what they want, Calvetta and Dymidowski said there are knowledgeable people in their showrooms who can help them figure it out.

Likewise at Perrino Builders and Remodeling in Chester Township, said President Pat Perrino, though nearly everyone who contacts him knows exactly what they want.

“About 99% of those who come in know what they want,” he said. “We’re not dealing with men anymore; we’re dealing with women. These women are on Pinterest, Houzz, they’ve gotten ideas from their friends.”

Perrino said women are looking to brighten their homes with a lot of windows providing natural light. People are asking for two-toned kitchens, stained cabinets and crown molding, and they’re merging old ideas with new trends. It’s a style he calls “eclectic plus.”

Calvetta said flooring is trending lighter as well, with darker colors now obsolete.

Backsplashes are also being updated as a way to change the look of a kitchen without spending a lot of money, he said.

Regardless of whether people know what they want, they should come to a showroom with some basic information about the room and what they are envisioning.

Dymidowski advised those coming into House of Lights to know their ceiling height and bring a picture of the area where they are installing new lighting. The designers in the showroom will help them find what they want within their budget, he said.

Calvetta said clients should bring basic measurements of the room and some pictures of things they like. Designers will help customers find the right products.

“Our designers will design the whole room with the furniture in it,” Perrino said. “It’s a big difference when you build a house and furnish it up front. Everything is built around the lighting and the artwork. That whole picture is put together by our team and the customer.”

Shannon Mortland is a freelance journalist.