Plan changes to your home with these design trends

[caption id="attachment_853" align="alignleft" width="300"] (Photo © www.countystonegranite.co.uk/ via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence)[/caption] Looking to make a change in your home? The end of the year may not be a great time to start a major renovation job since it could cause a hassle to your holiday gatherings and it's not a job you want to rush. Let's face it, you likely have enough on your plate and you don't want to rush head first when it comes to hiring a contractor. But if you're focused on sending out the old and bringing in the new next year, start planning with these incoming design trends.Splash on a different colourThe best way to spruce up your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. If you're a fan of green, you'll be excited to hear that the 2015 Colour of the Year will be Guilford Green, according to Benjamin Moore. This neutral silvery green works well with bold colours and other natural shades, which can be added through your furniture. If you're doing a paint job this time of year, one important safety tip to keep in mind is to always ensure you have enough ventilation since chances are, you won't be cracking open a window. Also, reorganizing your old furniture can bring a breath of fresh air into your room or you could treat yourself to different coloured furniture to complement the new look.Turn your kitchen darkNoir looks to be replacing the past trend of pristine white in the kitchen. Black can bring with it a moodiness and romantic atmosphere packed with drama, which is liked by both genders, according to the Washington Post. "Black is a new neutral. We're doing a couple of kitchens now that are sort of a grey/brown/black or black with a little eggplant mixed in," a designer told the Post. Appliance makers are adapting towards this trend by offering kitchen must-haves that match well with dark cabinets, counters, islands and walls.Accommodate your furry friendWith pet owners willing to spend more on their furry friend through pampering at a doggy spa or fine dining with gourmet options, it's no surprise to hear that pet owners are also willing to renovate their home to accommodate their well-being. Whether it's adding a day bed, a feeding station, a litter box cabinet, doggy faucet, grooming station or pet-sized furniture, all these adds-ons are meant to help your fido or feline family member feel at home. (Of course, that doesn't guarantee they'll love using the space, but it's the thought that counts.)All naturalIf you've taken a stroll through furniture stores, you'll notice that a good deal of furniture exposes the various tones, colours and textures within the wood. Think green and consider using reclaimed or recycled wood, which will actually change its look overtime. Other popular pieces include salvaged stone and metal, which can give a great rustic look to your space. Pair this with your room's plants and lighter hardwood floors, which are a popular design trend, to bring the outdoors inside your home.Minimalist bathroomsGet rid of any clutter with clean and sleek lines in your bathroom, but also pair it with environmentally friendly toilets, which use less water with each flush. Enjoy a zen-like atmosphere in your own home, though there may no longer be any space to store your toiletries under the sink since taste is shifting towards under-mounted sinks. Gone are the days of ornamentation and use natural materials, such as stones, to provide a serene atmosphere. Before starting your home renovation, make you sure you plan and budget accordingly to avoid common home renovation issues. If you've take on an extensive renovation job, you may qualify for an HST rebate. Rebate4U can help you figure out whether the renovations you've done to your property make you eligible for an HST housing rebate. Our priority is to provide our clients with the most professional and quality service in obtaining rebates for their new and renovated homes. We are proud to offer our clients the most personal and attentive service, and we make sure that all of our clients are 100% satisfied.