Has the home reno cycle gone insane?

[Robino1]

Originally Posted by bookspage

I notice the word "classic" being used a lot....

Does anyone think a "classic" look will endure longer than ten years at this point? And what is "classic"?

Whatever is in now...(I'm sure I'm way behind at this point!) I think it's all going to go out of style again. And quickly. At least in terms of what is considered "updated" for real estate purposes

To me, classic means that it has been around and in use for more than 20 years. Subway tile is classic, real wood (either painted or stained), neutral tones, natural stone of some sort. Things that last for years without falling apart with regular usage. Things that you can refinish without replacing.

Appliances cannot really be considered classic, whether they be the finishes or the color, they will be replaced in time. Same with hardware and faucets.


It is easy to change the color scheme of a kitchen by painting walls. If you have color on your cabinets, you become more limited to the color you can easily change in your walls and window treatments. Light neutral tones in the basics of the kitchen means that you can play with any color for the accessories.

Cherry wood can be considered a classic but know that color choices for accessory items will be more limited.

That's what classic is to me.

[Robino1]

I think as styles recycle, they turn into terms such as 'retro' and 'antique'.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by bookspage

I notice the word "classic" being used a lot....

Does anyone think a "classic" look will endure longer than ten years at this point? And what is "classic"?

Whatever is in now...(I'm sure I'm way behind at this point!) I think it's all going to go out of style again. And quickly. At least in terms of what is considered "updated" for real estate purposes

When I use that term, I mean things like hardwood floors, marble counters, white wood trim, dark cherry cabinetry or white cabinetry, subway tile. Those also have times when they are very popular/trendy, but IMO, never go totally out of style even when they aren't trendy.

I think things like painted gray or blue or other definitely color cabinets, two toned-cabinets (different colors for upper and lower), extra wide plank "hand"scraped hardwoods are more trendy than classic, although of course if something new becomes popular enough that it develops major staying power, it can become a classic as well.

[scorpio516]

Originally Posted by bookspage

Does anyone think a "classic" look will endure longer than ten years at this point? And what is "classic"?

It depends, doesn't it. To me classic is Modernist, Arts&Crafts/Craftsman, Georgian, Victorian, Shaker, and earlier. An Eames Lounger, or a Mackintosh window.

But also classic could be defined as the opposite of trendy. The opposite of avocado in the 70s, pink in the 60s, neon in the 80s and 90s, recycled wood today.