In January, EYA team members attended the International Builders’ Show (IBS) to learn more about the latest products and trends in home building and design. This month, we are continuing our blog post series on new products and trends by delving deeper into kitchens and baths.

Mortgage interest rates have climbed steadily since the first of the year. According to BankRate, the Fixed National Average for a 30-year loan has increased from 3.85 percent on January 1st, to 4.35 percent on February 21st, half a percentage point increase. Rates were last above 5 percent in 2011. To better understand these changes, we sat down with Joshua Jablonski of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage to gain his insight on what homebuyers and sellers can anticipate in the coming year. Josh has been lending to buyers in the DMV for the past 16 years.

If you crave a simplified way of living, consider a minimalist design style for your home. Minimal interior design is based on creating a peaceful and orderly space, highlighting functionality and providing a feeling of serenity and simplicity.

Contemporary homes often feature neutral color palettes and sleek lines and focus on comfort without clutter. Black, white and beige are frequently used base colors, with patterned fabrics, metal accents or small pops of color throughout the space. Think subdued patterns over colorful prints and clean lines over adorned furnishings. Contemporary homes feel open and airy and offer a subtle sophistication.

We are honored that EYA neighborhoods have been voted Best Of in Bethesda Magazine's reader's poll. Twice voted a Bethesda favorite, Grosvenor Heights again won the Reader's Pick for Best New Townhome Community. Montgomery Row and The Brownstones at Chevy Chase Lake were also top vote getters in the category, with EYA neighborhoods voted top 3 out of 4 in the area.

The 2017 PANTONE color of the year is…Greenery! The color Greenery is full of pop and life and has a vibrant energy, unlike many other greens, which are soft and serene. This yellow-green shade symbolizes the great outdoors and evokes a feeling of springtime when nature’s foliage revives.