By Melissa Dittman Tracey     10/16/23

You needn’t be scared of the bold and colorful styles spicing up more interiors lately. (Yes, that even includes Barbiecore—for now.) Instead, the aesthetics that have grown tiresome in the eyes of many designers tend to fail at successfully balancing that fine line between too little and too much, along with embracing some unusual shapes (hello, blobs and spray foam!) and scratchy fabrics (we see you, bouclé).

Each year, new scares and frights emerge to haunt the interiors of our homes. Remember 2022’s most horrifying trends, which included the “cloffice” and wallpaper murals? (Eek!)

Get ready to gasp and scream with the Styled, Staged & Sold blog’s annual countdown of the overdone trends we’re ready to say goodbye to in the new year. This list is compiled from designer input and consumer surveys.

10. All-white bathrooms

In an interior design world that now howls for more color, all-white bathrooms are starting to feel cold and dead. More than a quarter of interior designers surveyed by Fixr.com, a home remodeling site, called out all-white bathrooms as the top home trend they hope will slither away into the ethos. Instead, designers want to see more color: Nearly 60% of designers called colorful bathroom interiors, especially through shower tiles, a hot trend to embrace this year.

9. Outdoor maximalism

Since the pandemic, homeowners have been trying to use every square inch of their yards. They’re filling their outdoor spaces with abundant potted plants intermingled with firepits, yard games, party lights, outdoor kitchens, statues and accessories, gardens—all accented by brightly colored furnishings, pillows and patterned rugs. Sure, color is in—but this can grow into an overly designed nightmare. Designers say it’s time to scale back some of that overdone outdoor style. Stick to one neutral color palette and let the greenery and nature surrounding you serve as your main outdoor focal point.

8. Black stainless steel appliances

We’ve heard the screams of horror from some homeowners who say this alternative stainless steel finish is not living up to its hype. They’ve complained it’s prone to peeling, chipping and flaking. Their complaints have even sparked a class-action lawsuit(link is external), accusing one major manufacturer for perceived defects from its black coating. Traditional silver metallic stainless and black stainless are actually made from the same material, but black stainless has a coat of black paint. If it scratches, the shiny steel could potentially pop through underneath and make for some highly visible scratches.

7. Bouclé fabrics

Bouclé has become a popular choice for sectional sofas and chairs. But they’re not just being used as accents; they’re getting scattered all over the home. Designers warn that the look isn’t aging well. Bouclé fabrics are made from a tightly woven, looped yarn material, often crafted from wool, cotton or linen. It appears lumpy, textured and foam-like. It’s often used in curved furnishings to offer warmth and cozy vibes. But here’s some bad news for bouclé: The fabric can be prone to pilling, is not pet-friendly and sometimes appears dirty, particularly when used in off-white or creamy fabrics.

6. Zellige tiles

These Moroccan clay tiles, which are often shaped like small squares, are known for their imperfections. No two Zellige tiles look alike. But those imperfections can look sloppy, particularly on a kitchen backsplash or as shower tile with a shiny glaze that spotlights its unevenness. Particularly concerning, Zellige tiles installed on the floor could pose a trip hazard due to their unevenness and irregular shapes.

5. Super shiny surfaces

Grab your sunglasses. From cabinet fronts to countertops, stainless steel appliances to range hoods, and backsplashes to floors, the trend toward shiny, glossy surfaces is reflecting poorly. These overly polished fixtures are now getting swapped out for more organic, natural materials and textures. Countertops, for example, were once favored in polished, super-shined quartz or granite. Designers are now showing preference for honed or matted finishes offering a softer sheen that’s less reflective and has a more organic, slightly textured finish.

4. Low backsplashes

Another fading trend is the mini backsplash, which has a small edging that creeps up ever-so slightly around bathroom and kitchen countertops. Under today’s design lens, these now appear unfinished and underwhelming. Plus, the lower backsplashes aren’t providing much protection for the walls—which is the original purpose of a backsplash, after all. Fixr.com called out low backsplashes as one of designers’ least favorite kitchen trends for 2023. Instead, take backsplashes to new heights—even all the way to the ceiling—for grander statements.

3. Mirrored furniture

Designers love mirrors, but the trend went into overdrive. Mirrored furnishings, like nightstands and dressers, were meant to exude luxury and Hollywood glam. But you may want to reserve that flashy bling for the lighting fixtures, not the furnishings. Mirrored furnishings were last popular in the 1980s, and their quick re-emergence lately is already feeling outdated. Plus, designers say that mirrored furnishings are prone to fingerprints, smudges and bad reflections. (We see what’s hiding under that bed!)

2. Dining benches

Backless bench seating used for kitchen dining tables were to help hide bulky chairs. These low-profile benches could easily slide underneath the table. They came in style with the farmhouse décor fad. But these benches are uncomfortable, cumbersome to slide onto, and can create an awkward moment of entrapment for whomever finds themselves stuck in the middle. Let’s bring back the chairs!

1. Blobs

The “blobby” home trend—also dubbed the “blobject”—has ushered in amoeba-like shapes in décor and furnishings, including curvy tables, wavy mirrors, plump furnishings and mushroom-like lamps. Similarly, a TikTok trend earlier this year unleashed a popular and potentially dangerous DIY project: using spray-foam insulation(link is external) (the toxic industrial foam used by builders) to coat tables, mirrors and home accessories. This globby, gooey gak coated many home accessories, making for foamy, wavy edges. Interior design influencer Phoenix Grey, known as the “Design Daddy,” called this one of the worst home design trends of 2023 and said the result “looks like it’s pulled from the intestines of a horror movie.” We agree! The blobs and spray foam are in stark contrast to the straight edges and clean lines that once dominated interior design. We welcome change, but sometimes a blob is just a blob. And, well, that’s not always pretty.

What do you think? What are the scariest design trends you’ve been spotting in 2023 and that you hope will fade in the new year?

Sam Shalom   Oct 2, 2023

If the days getting shorter and brisker have you considering where you might go to get away this winter (for those of us who do NOT have 360 days of sunshine a year), we encourage you to read our October selection, featuring the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos office. General Manager Louise Peterson paints a picture of a gorgeous tropical island where you enjoy near constant tropical climes, with plenty of outdoors activities and beautiful scenery to explore. Of course, you could also just relax and enjoy the fresh seafood as well.

“After a busy day of work and school we get into our bathing suits and head to Grace Bay Beach by Coral Gardens Resort.  There we put on our snorkel and mask, swim out to the reef where we can enjoy the warm ocean and look for colorful tropical fish,” states Peterson. “We can do that each and every day of the year.  There aren’t many places in the world where that’s possible.” As Peterson notes, there are very few places where this is possible. Read on to discover many of the potential reasons to visit, move, or invest in the beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands (or TCI, as the locals refer to it).

Where do you live? Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos has an office in the heart of Grace Bay at the Caicos Cafe Plaza on the island of Providenciales (or “Provo”) within the British West Indies.  We enjoy about 350 days of warm sunshine each year and spend a lot of time outside walking the beach, snorkeling, kitesurfing and spending time with friends and family.

What is the perfect weekend day like? TCI enjoys a tropical climate tempered by trade winds and the average year-round temperature is about 82 degrees. A perfect weekend day would be to head out on the water to look for JOJO the dolphin, our most famous resident.  JOJO is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin who swims freely in the water off Grace Bay in Providenciales. He was first spotted in the early 1980’s and was declared a National Treasure by the Government in 1989.  The water surrounding these islands is spectacular, we are so fortunate to be able to live in a country where we can enjoy such a healthy lifestyle.

What are the common modes of transportation there? Drive cars or hire a taxi.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for. The food in TCI is strongly influenced by several cultures including African, Jamaican, Bahamian, Spanish and Lucayan. Traditional dishes such as Boiled Fish and Grits, Johnny Cake, Conch fritters, Hominy and Crab, Jerk Chicken or Fish, Peas and Rice are all extremely popular. Fishing is a large industry here as well. We do like spicy food and eat a lot of fresh fish and lobster.  If you are a foodie, you would love our restaurants as we have some of the best chefs in the world living right here in our backyard.

What is your favourite meal, at home or at a restaurant? At a restaurant or at home, both are great.  My favorite is Conch (pronounced KONK), it’s fished locally.  Anything with conch is delicious, conch salad is my favorite and so healthy!  It is made from conch (diced), green and red pepper, sweet onion, Habanero pepper, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, salt and pepper.  It can also be enjoyed as conch fritters, cracked conch, stewed conch, jerk conch but the best is a fresh conch salad!

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why? If you are coming to TCI for the first time, then a vacation in Providenciales would most likely be your first choice.  The hotels are amazing, the restaurants superb, and the beaches stretch for miles.  The best part is getting out on the water.  Deep sea fishing, boating, kitesurfing, snorkel excursions, scuba diving, kayaking through the mangroves – there is so much to see and do.  Providenciales is the most developed island and home to luxury beachfront condos, estates and villas.  North and Middle Caicos are a short 20-minute ferry ride from Providenciales.  Not as much development as Providenciales and a slower-paced lifestyle.  On North and Middle Caicos, the beaches are spectacular, and you often find you have them all to yourself.  Salt Cay, known as The Island That Time Forgot, is a special island in TCI.  It’s 2.6 square miles, the smallest island in the TCI and oh-so-quiet and peaceful. Hundreds of years ago, we had a thriving salt industry that was based on South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay.  Salt Cay is a very popular “whale-watching” destination from January until late March each year as the whales pass through the Turks Island Passage. Salt Cay is like traveling back in time with the older style traditional Caribbean homes painted in bright colors with pretty wood shutters.  A leisurely bike ride around the island, a visit with the donkeys and an afternoon siesta in a hammock would be the perfect day. Salt Cay is one of the quietest places I have ever been to, just the sound of the ocean waves and a light breeze.  The permanent resident population in Salt Cay is about 65 people.

What is your favourite recreational or leisure time activity?  Watersports are huge in TCI and if you like sandy beaches and ocean-based sports this is your place! Kiteboarding is also a favorite activity..  The beach at Long Bay (South-East side of the island) is a perfect location for kiteboarding, windsurfing and jet-skiing as it’s a shallow crescent shaped bay that has an almost constant breeze.  We spend a lot of time jet-skiing around Provo or taking the skis over to the other small islands like Pine Cay, Fort George, Dellis Cay and even as far as North Caicos.  To see the islands from the water is special for us.

Is there a specialty your area is known for? We have a very special event at the end of every year, and it’s called Maskanoo.  On December 26th each year we have a street festival celebration along the Regent Village area in Grace Bay.  The roads in the area are closed and everyone comes out to eat, shop, listen to music, dance, and celebrate. It’s one of TCIs’ biggest cultural events of the year sponsored by the T&C Hotel Association. The parade is amazing and if you are visiting us during late December do mark that date on your calendar.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: By total landmass, the Turks & Caicos Islands is one of the world’s smallest countries.  Most development in the country has taken place over the last 40 years. T&C is a Tax Neutral Jurisdiction and has an attractive tax environment. TCI has no property tax, no income tax, and no capital gains tax. No restrictions on foreign individuals owning property here, either.  The development here is low-density, there are no large buildings or towers allowed.  We enjoy the quiet relaxed pace of island life.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why? I love it here, we live a very sporty lifestyle, always outside at the beach or in the ocean exploring the marine life.  I’ve travelled to many continents, countries and places in my lifetime, but I’ve never seen anything as special as Turks & Caicos.  We are blessed to live here. 

Territory Summary:

Turks & Caicos is a British Overseas Territory (UK).  We are located 575 miles south-east of Miami Florida.  Our Lat/Long position is 21.6940 degrees N, 71.7979 degrees W.  We are an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The Turks & Caicos Islands are surrounded by 340 miles of barrier reefs.  Our reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world.  There are eight main islands comprised of two sets, the Turks Islands (Grand Turk and Salt Cay) and the Caicos Islands (West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos). The Columbus Passage (also known as Turks Island Passage) separates the two sets of islands. The passage is 7,000 feet deep and 20 miles wide. There are three inhabited private Cays in the Turks & Caicos – Ambergris Cay, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos are both undeveloped islands. Tourism, Financial Services and Fishing are the primary industries. Very strong tourism industry with hotels and resorts or vacation villa rentals.  Low lying islands south-east of Miami Florida; east of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic.

Key Facts:

• Population: 47,700
• Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish, French and Creole
• Climate: Tropical
• Currency: USD

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: British Bermudian Colonial and Modern Caribbean Contemporary
• Average Sale price: Average Sales Price $1.5 Million USD;
• Average Home Sales Price $3.8 Million USD (residential detached single family)
• Average years in house/apt: 15 years
• Types of Financing: Traditional Bank Mortgage; Private Bank Financing; Pre-Construction Staged payments during construction with balloon payment at completion.

Follow Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldwellbankerturksandcaicos/

By Sam Shalom

Whether you’re looking for a place to spend a long weekend or purchase a second home, we think that there is a great chance you will find something to like about Cabo San Lucas on the west coast of Mexico. Home to the Coldwell Banker Riveras office, Cabo San Lucas is a stunning coastal town with incredible beaches, extraordinary marine life, and of course, delicious Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught fish. There is plenty to do if you prefer adventure, from scuba diving, horseback riding, and sport fishing. For those of us who like to relax, I recommend long beach days, wine-tasting, and live music and dancing.

After reading broker-owner Leticia Diaz Rivera’s recommendations below, you should be ready to book your trip. She even has a full-day itinerary for you to get the full Cabo San Lucas so you can choose your own adventure. Between the incredible wildlife, fresh seafood cuisine and warm climate, I think this would make the perfect winter getaway, and I imagine you will agree!

Where do you live: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México

What is the perfect weekend day like:

Breakfast with a View: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a beachfront restaurant, savoring local delicacies like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. The stunning ocean view and the sound of crashing waves will set the perfect tone for the day.

Beach Time: After breakfast, head to one of Cabo’s famous beaches like Medano Beach, Chileno, Santa María. Rent a beach chair, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Mid-morning: Water Activities: Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its water activities. You can go snorkeling or take a boat tour to the famous El Arco, a natural rock arch at Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions along the way! Also in the winter season you can watch humpback whales.

Lunchtime: Lunch at a Local Eatery: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant or a beachside palapa, where you can relish fresh seafood dishes and other regional specialties.

Afternoon: Explore the Marina: Stroll through the Cabo San Lucas Marina, where you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere, luxury yachts, and various shops. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or take a boat tour if you haven’t done so in the morning.

Evening: Sunset Cruise: Embark on a sunset cruise along the coast, offering spectacular views of the setting sun against the dramatic backdrop of the Arch. Many sunset cruises include a light dinner and open bar, creating a festive and romantic atmosphere.

Dinner at a Fine Restaurant: For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of Cabo’s upscale restaurants, many of which offer fantastic seafood dishes and international cuisine.

Nightlife and Entertainment: End your perfect day in Cabo by experiencing the vibrant nightlife. Head to downtown Cabo to explore the lively bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Whether you prefer dancing the night away or enjoying a laid-back evening with friends, there’s something for everyone.

05Dec2019 | Baja

What are the common modes of transportation there: Walking: Depending on where you stay, some of the popular areas in Cabo can be explored on foot.

• Rental Cars: Many visitors prefer to rent a car to explore the region independently. Several international car rental companies have offices in Cabo San Lucas. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to visit nearby towns, drive along the Cabo Corridor and beaches at your own pace.
• Public Buses: There is a local bus service, known as the “Ruta del Desierto,” that operates between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The buses are generally safe and inexpensive, making them a budget-friendly option for travel between the two cities.
• Local Taxis & UBER : Taxis are a convenient and readily available mode of transportation in Cabo. You can find them at designated taxi stands, hotels, and popular tourist areas. Or you can use UBER as well. 

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal destination, Cabo is renowned for its fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. You can enjoy a wide range of options, including fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, clams, seafood cocktails, grilled fish, and lobster.

Look for dishes that feature locally caught fish, from the Sea of Cortez, regional cheeses, homemade tortillas. You can enjoy from the best “machaca” burritos to have a five-star fine dining experience.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: Fresh fish filets prepared any style,  Guacamole,  green enchiladas  and Burritos de Machaca (shredded and seasoned dried meat, known as “machaca”. You can get beef or fish machaca) with a side of fried beans and local fresh cheese. You can add avocado and salsa. Delicious.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: I will recommend to rent a car and drive to La Paz city, expend at least 2 days. it is a 2 hour drive and also you can stop in the half way in the magical town of Todos Santos and experience a wine tasting at Las Tinajas Winery, the local wine producer that has world class wines and fruit wines to refresh the palate.  Continue to La Paz that is  known for it’s beautiful beaches such as Balandra considered the most beautiful beach in all Mexico. They have a beautiful Malecon (the coastal boardwalk) with stunning sunsets.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Personally, I like horseback riding. You can explore the mountains, beautiful areas close to “Sierra de La Laguna” rides to waterfalls, desert canyons, and secluded beaches.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: I think sport fishing and diving. Since we have a remarkable marine life. As Jacques Cousteau said  “The Sea of Cortes is the aquarium of the World”  and Cabo San Lucas is well known for the international fishing tournaments, that have a jackpot of up to 4 million dollars.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: In Cabo San Lucas, we have the annual sport fishing tournament the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin, which is the biggest tournament around the world. The cash prize are several million dollars for the winning teams.

Another fact: We have Cabo Pulmo is known for its remarkable marine life and being home to the oldest and most successful marine reserve in Mexico. Established in 1995, it covers an area of about 27 square miles (70 square kilometers) and is one of the most successful marine reserves in the world. The reserve is famous for its diverse and pristine underwater ecosystem, including vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and healthy fish populations.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: Vancouver, Canada. I love their city, green areas, they have the ocean and beautiful mountains.

Territory Summary: The state has shared much of its history with the rest of the peninsula, which remained in Spanish possession until 1822, the year after Mexico gained its independence. In 1830 La Paz was named the capital of Baja California. In 1887 the peninsula was divided into two federal districts. Baja California Peninsula is approximately 1,247 kilometers long from Mexicali in the North.

 Key Facts:

• Population: 800,000
• Language(s) Spoken: Spanish, English
• Climate: Dry and Desert
• Currency: MXN Pesos

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: Desert, modern, colonial, contemporary
• Average Sale price: $400,000
• Price Per Square Foot: $2,500 USD/ft
• Average years in house/apt: 10 – 20 years
• Financing: Home loan financing, owner financing