We’ve been hearing a lot about “the next decade of interior design.” That’s too far ahead for us.

Everything changes too fast. Here’s what we expect to see in 2020 that we like:

1. The home gets back to being a comfortable retreat where you can just chill inside calm, relaxing spaces with less clutter and more ambiance.
2. Expansive whites and earthy greens and browns re-connect us with a soothing, natural aesthetic. 
3. Lighting becomes better and brighter, spotlighting and showcasing feature walls with materials like wood, rock and cork. 
4. Enviro-conscious living takes over with tech-smart, energy-saving abodes where recycling rules. 
5. Open floorplans are improved with chic, industrial partitions that create functional flow. 
6. The kitchen remains the hub for both families and entertainers. 
7. The cactus makes a comeback. 
8. Velvet is dusted off, too, re-introducing plush, luxurious affordability. 
9. Ceilings break free, embracing new, integrated design concepts.

It’s an interesting topic. Everyone has their idea of what “dream home” means. They’re at every price point.

If you’re looking for yours in 2020, read on for tips. If you’re listing, make it someone else’s dream home by staging it that way!

Buying?

Dream homes are not one size or style fits all.

Can you picture your dream home? Try. It’s much easier to find when you know what it looks like!

If you need help getting started, think about the lifestyle you’re after and then imagine your new home at the epicentre of it.

You might want a family home that better suits your active lifestyle, for example. Maybe you’re renting and your dream is to own. Or it could be you’re ready to lock-and-leave as you travel to exotic destinations.

Once you’ve given some thought to your lifestyle and the home that’ll best suit it, think about your budget. The good news is there are dream homes at every price point. It’s all about the fit.

Consider the most appropriate square footage, floorplan and number of rooms. Give some thought to the type of neighbourhood you want to live in.

Selling?

If you’re listing because you want to move – position your property as someone else’s dream home!

Who is the buyer that’ll see it that way? If you understand your home’s key strengths -- based on what people want -- you can enhance them for the sale. This doesn’t mean extensive renovations. You might not get your money back. It means great staging, though.

Stage it yourself or let us help you attract the right buyer. Consider updating colour schemes, furniture and layouts. Give our Interior Design Trends article in this newsletter a quick read.

Whatever you do around presentation, make sure it’s priced right when it hits the market and you’ll have a better chance at selling it quickly.

Make it happen this year!

Talk to me in January about finding your dream home in 2020… or selling your property to fulfill someone else’s dream. I’ll buy the coffee.

Edmonton is a magical time in the winter, with frosted windows and snow-covered peaks within reach. And December, with all the holiday festivities from Christmas to New Years Eve, is the best month to celebrate.

There’s a lot happening around town, from quaint markets to ballet performances (if you’re in doubt, check out our list of events!) but there’s one place in particular that stands out: New Year’s Eve fireworks.

What is New Year’s Eve without a dash of lights and the bang of firecrackers going off?

And, of course, the best place to see the firework’s display in Edmonton is at the province’s iconic building: the Legislature.

There will be lots of family-friendly activities in the evening, followed by the bright lights starting at 9 PM

Details:

Federal Building
9820 107 St., and Capital Plaza
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fireworks: 9:00 PM

Don’t forget to bundle up warmly when heading out to watch the lights, there can be lots of waiting around beforehand.

And if the government building isn’t your place to be, try these options instead:

Telus World of Science Edmonton
11211 142 St.
9:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday

Haddow Park
2099 Haddow Drive
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday
Fireworks at 8:00 PM

Some of the surrounding areas are also hosting their own local displays including:

Heritage Park
5100 41 Ave., Stony Plain
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday
Fireworks at 8:45 PM

Broadmoor Lake Park
2015 Oak St., Sherwood Park
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Monday
Fireworks at 8:00 PM