It has always been the Nautilus way to save our clients valuable research time, so we have scoured the web and asked the experts what this year’s hottest design trends will be. From Forbes, to House Beautiful and Remodeling magazines, to Consumer Reports, and lastly, Houzz and Trulia, this is the best of the best for the year ahead. Enjoy! Stainless Steel is out and Brass is in! Whether its appliances or hardware, say goodbye to the shiny metal finishes of the 80’s and the stainless steel of the last ten years. - Polished or satin brass and bronze knobs, knockers, pulls, and faucets are back in a big way.- Matte-finish appliances in dark hues bring an element of drama into the kitchen. Splurging on laundry rooms. Everyone knows that kitchens and bathrooms get the big remodeling dollars, but many homeowners are seeing value in making every their laundry room look great and become more functional. According to the 2017 Houzz Home Report, people remodeling their laundry rooms of 150 square feet or more will spend an average of $2,700. If you take away appliances then that's a sizable budget to splurge on tile and other details. Cerused Woods This wood has a limed-wax finish to add color to wood while also revealing its unusual grain. It’s expected to be big for cabinets and flooring, especially in dramatic hues of black, “greige,” and dark gray. - See more at: https://www.trulia.com/blog/infographic-interior- design-style-predictions/-sthash.z8dY7ZUc.dpuf Smart Home Technology Grows Up In 2017, 33% of homes are expected to have at least one connected device and the household penetration should top 60% by 2021, according to Statista, which is a market research firm. Home security systems and security cameras are among the most desired smart tech features to consider, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ “2017 Home Buyer Preferences” report. There are now more home sensors that can detect leaks, along with other environmental conditions in the home. One of the most promising is “Wally,” which is a wireless home sensing solution that detects and alerts you to water leaks as well as significant changes in temperature and humidity. Better yet, a connected shutoff valve will turn the water off if a leak is detected while you're away from home. The shutoff valve will be available this spring through the Sears website for $200. A $99 starter kit, including the hub and sensor, is out now.