LG Electronics Paints Portrait Of Modern Day Family And 21st Century Living Room

Design and Real Estate Experts Showcase How Revolutionary Technologies Like LG OLED TV Are Changing Today's Living Room Landscape

Today's living room doesn't look like living rooms from 30, 20 or even 10 years ago, and neither do home entertainment products or the habits of the modern family.

Bringing the living room revolution to life, LG Electronics USA partnered with powerhouse design duo Lydia Marks and Lisa Frantz of Marks & Frantz Interior Design to create "Modern Family Portraits," a series of living room present-day time capsules depicting how the modern family is designing and utilizing their space with advanced technology like LG OLED TV at the forefront.

 
 
 

Media attendees and guests experience LG’s 2016 OLED line-up at LG’s “Modern Family Portraits: Picture-Perfect Technology of the 21st Century Living Room” event in New York City on August 3, 2016.

 
 
 

Ricardo Rodriguez, real estate trends specialist of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Dave VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA; and Lydia Marks and Lisa Frantz of Marks & Frantz Interior Design participate in a panel discussion on the evolution of home design and technology at LG’s “Modern Family Portraits: Picture-Perfect Technology of the 21st Century Living Room” event in New York City on August 3, 2016.

From established millennial couples who are combining smart home technology with entertaining elements from trendy bars and restaurants into their own home, to empty nesters who are creating the ultimate home entertainment caves as they wave their kids off to college, tastemakers and influencers provided an exclusive look at the changing dynamics of the 21st Century living room.

A unique design-meets-technology case study, LG's Modern Family Portraits showcases how generational shifts in behaviors along with emerging technologies have led to a new set of living room design philosophies centered on home entertainment.

Three different living room vignettes, with LG's revolutionary 2016 OLED TVs front and center, were conceptualized and brought to life by renowned designers Marks & Frantz, who have worked on everything from film sets, such as Sex and the City, Money Monster and The Devil Wears Prada, to high-end residential and hospitality interiors.

In addition to the living room vignettes, Marks, Frantz and real estate trends specialist Ricardo Rodriguez of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage shared expert design and modern living insights in a live panel discussion alongside LG executives, who highlighted the marriage of advanced technology and design innovation for various life stages.

"LG continues to be at the forefront of creating innovations that deliver a better life for consumers with products that are smarter, more intuitive and offer greater connectivity and flexibility for consumers to use them where and when they want," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA, who moderated the expert panel.

Tapping their vast knowledge and experience, Marks & Frantz created living room scenarios that reflect three different modern day family archetypes – the established millennial couple living life to the fullest, the traditional family who are anything but traditionalists and the empty nesters who are enjoying a new life chapter. Each vignette featured one of LG's latest OLED TV models, along with other home entertainment, audio and smart products to showcase the various devices that make up the ecosystem of today's connected homes.

"Consumer electronics have had a huge impact on the way we design and live in our homes. They not only allow us to stay connected, but also serve as a distinct design statement that can elevate the look of any room and reflect one's lifestyle," said Marks, co-founder of Marks & Frantz. "Companies like LG are allowing us to incorporate electronics as part of the room design with their sleek, artful aesthetic and advanced functionality. LG's OLED TVs are so sleek and beautiful that you don't want to relegate them to an armoire or cabinet, but rather make them the focal point of the room."

"The three vignettes we designed showcase how technology and connected devices offer the flexibility to personalize living rooms to suit a particular family's lifestyle and create a connected hub where they can interact and bond with each other, as well as with friends and relatives that are near and far," added Frantz.

Established Millennial Couples Living Life to the FullestAccording to Frantz, the established millennial couple loves "cocooning" – it's all about hiding out at home and entertaining rather than going out. This vignette was designed to maximize comfort for this couple when they're at home and bring outside culture inside.

Complementing a young couple's love for spending time together and entertaining, the new line of LG OLED TVs, which includes four series with eight models, combines statement-making design with the best TV technology available. With LG OLED TV, they get the best picture quality available today, with perfect blacks and incredible color.

The entire 2016 OLED line up is 4K-enabled and the first to be compatible with both core HDR formats – Dolby Vision™ HDR and HDR10 – so couples can stay on trend with the assurance that they will get the newest HDR titles. LG's award-winning webOS 3.0 Smart TV platform* also offers access to a plethora of streaming content and apps along with some of the most widely consumer media in this demographic – channels like Buzzfeed, Esquire and more – through the new Channel Plus feature launching later this summer.

Making up nearly half of connected home adopters, the established millennial couple also cares about protecting their home with a flexible security option like the LG Smart Security™ plug-and-play monitoring solution and home automation hub secured by ADT Canopy™.

Traditional Families That Are Anything But TraditionalA recent study concluded that more than half of parents today say that technology makes them feel closer to their family1, so it's essential that families build a central hub where they can connect and bond through home entertainment, while also having the flexibility for "me" time. LG OLED TVs offer a viewing experience that only OLED can deliver, producing stunning, life-like picture that holds up even from wide viewing angles, so everyone can appreciate its color and clarity from any seat in the house – a must have for a large family. LG's webOS 3.0 Smart TV platform offers easy and fast access to a seemingly endless selection of content options.*

Parents can let loose and spend a few hours acting like one of the kids, with access to the GameFly Streaming App available through the platform. Since LG OLED TVs are also the first TVs to be compatible with both Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10, families can watch the newest HDR titles with the best picture quality possible from leading streaming content partners like Netflix, Amazon Video® and VUDU®.

With various members of the family either in school or working, they also need a tool for emails paired with school research projects or online shopping – laptops such as the LG gram® 15, which weighs a mere 2.2 pounds, while also boasting 0.7-inch thinness and a 15.6 inches screen, are a mainstay in this living room. Not to mention, having a second screen in the living room is great for those family members that love multitasking in front of the TV!

Empty Nesters Enjoying Life's Next ChapterWith the last kid finally off to college and out of the house, the empty nester living room represented the newly reclaimed space and discretionary spending power of this couple. The LG SIGNATURE® OLED TV (OLEDG6P) delivers the "wow factor" for a living room centerpiece with visually striking design and incredible picture quality.

A prime example of Empty Nester's home entertainment and home decor investment, the top-of-the-line LG SIGNATURE OLED TV features a stunningly sleek "Picture-on-Glass" form factor that sets a new benchmark in aesthetic design with an exceptionally thin depth – the width of just a few credit cards - translucent glass back and powerful, forward-facing sound bar that doubles as a stand. And, with the Magic Mobile connection feature accessible through LG's webOS Smart TV platform*, empty nesters can easily pair their smartphone to their LG SIGNATURE OLED G6 TV to view mobile content – like Facebook, Instagram and other popular social channels – so they can keep up with their kids.

When one person needs a little personal time, portable devices like LG's P5 wireless Bluetooth speakers allow them to stream music from popular online services, such as Spotify, Napster, iHeartRadio and Pandora and more from the privacy of their bedroom or anywhere in or around the house.

Marriage of Form and Function for Modern Day FamiliesLG's VanderWaal concluded: "Revolutionary advancements like LG OLED TV – an entirely new category of television – deliver what experts and enthusiasts have hailed as the best TV ever for its unrivalled picture quality and performance, but also have a sleek, elegant design and impossibly thin screen so that they're works of art on or off to complement any room. With today's innovations from LG, advanced design and function no longer live independently."

Understanding the millennial home

For years, consumer buying power and purchasing trends have focused around baby boomers. However, within the past several years, the spotlight has shifted to the 80-plus million Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 known as millennials. Now the largest demographic group in history, this generation is undoubtedly the most studied. Significant research findings, speculations and predictions about shopping habits and motivators are driving the world to cater to this influential group.

Home ownership is one example. Many speculate millennials aren't interested in, or in a position to buy a home because they're strapped with student loans and a tightened job market. While much of that is true, research paints a different overall picture. In fact, in many U.S. cities, millennials make up half or more of home purchasers (many of them first-time home buyers), according to a recent study by Realtor.com and reported by Bloomberg.So what are millennials looking for in their home? According to the recent Responsive Home initiative conducted by Builder Magazine, TRI Pointe Group (Pardee Homes) and partners such as Danze, Inc., several priorities rose to the top of their "must have" list when purchasing or building a home:

* Ability to maximize all spaces within the home (efficient, creative storage)

* Urban conveniences in suburban settings (able to walk to parks and schools)

* Plentiful outdoor space, including an outdoor kitchen when possible

* Customizable floor plans (i.e., ability to have a nanny or mother-in-law suite with kitchenette and more)

* Elements with high design that offer functionality and value

"There's no doubt this generation is very design savvy and has outstanding taste," says Sharon Overby, vice president of Danze, Inc. "We were excited to be part of the Responsive Home project. Our kitchen and bath faucets, shower systems, bath accessories and others play well with the design-functionality-value ratio."

Among the unique design aspects was the use of satin black as a finish throughout many of the bathrooms. Showerheads, faucets and accessories were often mounted on white subway tile (grouted in black) for a fun, impactful style.

In one of the kitchens, Responsive Home Creative Director Bobby Berk paired a white farmhouse sink with a Danze pull-down faucet in a tumbled bronze finish. The juxtaposition of mixing and matching elements such as these are at the heart of millennial style.

Outdoor living has proven to be a hot button for many buyers, including these 25-34-year-olds. The Responsive Home project featured unique use of outdoor space that showcased sunken sitting areas surrounded by beautiful gardens and water features, various applications of large-screen TVs and, of course, fully functional beautiful outdoor kitchens.

"The Danze line is a great match for this set of home buyers, whether they're building new or fixing up an existing home," adds Overby. "We've proven that eye-catching design and value-focused pricing can co-exist in kitchen and bath products, which are often a big aspect to the personality and style of a home."

Homes with 'Subway Tiles,' 'Barn Doors' or 'Farmhouse Sinks' Can Sell for Up to 13 Percent More and 60 Days Faster

For-sale listings touting craftsman or farmhouse-style design features sell faster and for more money than expected, according to Zillow Digs analysis

Why do some homes sell for a premium? In addition to timing, a home's listing description can have a significant impact on its final sale price. Listings mentioning keywords like "barn door," "shaker cabinets" or "subway tiles," sell faster and for up to 13 percent more than expected, according to a Zillow Digs® analysisi.

Zillow Digs analyzed listing descriptions from over 2 million homes nationwide sold between January 2014 and March 2016 to see how certain keywords referring to home features, amenities and design styles impacted their sale price.

Of the 60 keywords analyzed, listings mentioning "barn doors," a rustic sliding door often used on bedroom closets and kitchen pantries, saw the highest sale premium (13 percent above expected values). Other common craftsman-style keywords like "farmhouse sink" were also found in top-performing listings. Furthermore, homes described as "craftsman" performed better than any other design style analyzed. While people may think the rustic mason jar-vibe is out, it is still very popular with today's buyers.

"When it comes to real estate listing descriptions – words matter," says Dr. Svenja Gudell, Zillow chief economist. "Your listing description is an opportunity to highlight specific details and finishes that might not be visible in photos. Craftsman-style homes and amenities resonate incredibly well with today's buyers – so if you've got them, flaunt them! Meanwhile, not only are subway tiles and shaker cabinets popular with home buyers, they may also signal that the home has other desirable features like an open floor plan or a well-appointed kitchen."

Understanding what's popular among buyers can also help homeowners who are considering remodeling. For example, listings descriptions that included "new carpets" had no effect on the home's sale price, but listings mentioning "hardwood floors" sold for two percent more than expected. While everyone has different preferences, when it's time to sell, a listing mentioning hardwood floors may be more likely to catch a future buyer's eye.

This report stems from an analysis in the New York Times best-seller, "Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate," which looks at how certain listing descriptors like "unique" or "captivating" can impact final sale prices. More information can be found at http://www.zillow.com/zillowtalk/.

Home Feature Keyword	Effect (percent homes sells for above expected values)	Effect (how many days faster than expected the home sells)	Most Common Metro
Barn Door	13.4%	57	Phoenix, AZ
Shaker Cabinet	9.6%	45	Los Angeles, CA
Farmhouse Sink	7.9%	58	Los Angeles, CA
Subway Tile	6.9%	63	Philadelphia, PA
Quartz	6.0%	50	Los Angeles, CA
Craftsman	5.4%	14	Seattle, WA
Exposed Brick	4.9%	36	New York, NY
Pendant Light	4.6%	48	Phoenix, AZ
Frameless Shower	4.6%	38	Dallas, TX
Heated Floors	4.3%	28	Seattle, WA
Stainless Steel	4.2%	42	Chicago, IL
Granite	4.1%	38	Dallas, TX
Backsplash	4.1%	46	Philadelphia, PA
Tankless Water Heater	4.0%	43	Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor Kitchen	3.7%	19	Tampa, FL

Beyond Pastel: At Home Offers Easter Looks for Every Style

 Easter comes early this year and, though decorating enthusiasts have hardly had time to take down their Valentine's Day decorations, it is time to brighten up homes for spring and one of the first holidays of the season.

While typical Easter décor focuses on pastels and simple white bunnies, At Home®, the home décor superstore, offers hundreds of Easter items to help the savvy decorator tailor Easter decorations to fit their personal space. From chalkboard eggs to a sweet chevron bunny, enthusiasts can find everything they need to celebrate the occasion.

"At Easter, it's sometimes hard to find décor that blends well with what you already have in your home," said Alissa Ahlman, Chief Merchandising Officer for At Home. "We love looking to people's favorite décor styles for inspiration in choosing all of our seasonal items, and are thrilled to share different and modern looks that fall outside traditional Easter pastels."

To add Easter flair to your home, At Home has a few favorite products and tips to suit any style:

1. Embrace the tried-and-true bunny motif, but do so in your own way by selecting one that will look at home in your present décor like a moss bunny for those who lean toward more natural elements or this gold chevron bunny marquee or porcelain bunny for the modern decorator.
2. Share your feelings of excitement for the season with your guests through declarative tabletop décor such as green "welcome" and "bloom" or colorful "spring" and "Easter" signs.
3. Bring your childhood love of egg-hunting into your surroundings with eggs of all hues and materials including chalkboard, colored, or fabric.

Bringing 2016 Décor Trends into the Home: Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie is emerging as a trend prevalent on both the runway and in the home. Originating in Europe in the 17th century, the style focuses on elements of Asia and can include bamboo, pagodas, cherry blossoms and orchids in shades of black, blue, gold, pink, red and white.

A fit for both the traditional home or to add a delicate contrast in a more modern space, Chinoiserie can add a pop of color or a unique design to any area you're considering to redecorate. For savvy decorators looking to add the latest trend to their home, At Home®, the home décor superstore, has pillows, candle holders and cabinets and more to help – all while staying on-budget.

"Chinoiserie's elegant prints and colors can truly bring a room together," said Alissa Ahlman, Chief Merchandising Officer for At Home. "It's one of our favorite trends for 2016 as you can add it to your home in a big way via bright shades of pink or play it down with calming hues of blue."

To incorporate Chinoiserie into your home, consider these At Home products and tips:

1. Invite guests in your home without worrying about clutter by using this serene white cabinet that's perfect for storing items such as blankets or keeping your family's umbrellas hidden.
2. When it comes to throw pillows, we say more is more! Of At Home's more than 3,000 pillows in store, snag a fun tiger pillow or one adorned with a fuchsia pagoda to get guests talking. 
3. Decorating can be just as important as organizing, and we call pairing the two together a win-win. Keep precious items close at hand in this Isaac Mizrahi jewelry box available in black or navy.
4. Gold décor can add a bit of glam to any room. We love this gold pug figurine and our gold marion votives that can dress up shelves or even complement a centerpiece.

5 Smart upgrades for the most-used rooms in your home

Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you can't afford to make changes just for the sake of cosmetics. You want improvements that can enhance your enjoyment of a room and its functionality.

Here are five smart improvements to make in the rooms users of Ranker.com voted as the most popular ones in their homes: kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms.

1. Add natural light

Most rooms in the home look better and are more functional in natural light, and more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial light. What's more, there's no arguing the positive mental and physical health effects of natural light. Daylight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D and boosts brain levels of serotonin, which is thought to be associated with positive moods.

Adding skylights is a practical, cost-effective and attractive way to bring more natural light into virtually any room. Remote-controlled, solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux America provide not just natural light, but passive ventilation, a real plus in kitchens and baths. Adding solar powered blinds, in designer colors and patterns, increases energy efficiency while giving you total control over the amount of sunlight entering a room through the skylight.

In kitchens, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights increase natural light and ventilation without requiring any loss of wall space you could better use for cabinetry. In bathrooms, they provide the perfect combination of privacy and healthful natural light and ventilation.

If you already have older glass or plastic bubble skylights, you can upgrade to the latest solar powered models, plus solar blinds, and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products as well as installation costs. You can even bring more natural light into rooms or areas without direct roof access, like half-baths, closets and hallways, with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Add organization/storage

Clutter and chaos not only make a room function less efficiently, it can impact your mood as well. Adding organization and storage to rooms where clutter typically collects — such as bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms — is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the function of the room and how you feel about spending time in it.

In bedrooms, maximize closet space by installing organization units. A variety of manufacturers offer ready-made units you can install yourself. Or, for a bit more investment, you can have a professional closet organizer custom-make a unit to fit your space and needs. In living rooms and game rooms, built-in shelving and cabinetry is a functional and beautiful way to improve organization.

3. Improve ventilation

Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew, and creates a fresher, more healthful environment by exhausting stale indoor air.

Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans, and kitchen hoods should vent to the exterior of your home whenever possible. You can further improve ventilation by installing Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux. Because these skylights open, they provide passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and admit fresh air. A sensor operates a motor to close the skylights automatically in case of rain.

4. Replace older, inefficient fixtures and appliances

Fixtures and appliances are key elements of kitchens and bathrooms. Older ones not only look dated and shabby, they can cost you money because they use more electricity and water than newer, more efficient models.

Replacing old faucets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines with newer models that use less water can reduce your water bill and give kitchens and bathrooms a whole new look. Energy Star-qualified appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, refrigerators and washers also use less electricity than older appliances, so you can also lower your energy bills.

5. Freshen the foundations

Every room benefits from a good foundation, and that doesn't just mean sturdy flooring. Wall color, flooring materials and trim are fundamental elements in any room. Simply repainting walls and woodwork can completely change the way any room looks. Or, if you like the colors you have, a fresh coat in the same color will make the room look brighter and newer. Replacing worn carpeting or dated tiles, or refinishing a hardwood floor are also great ways to improve the foundations of any room.