Janet Cook
October is National Kitchen & Bath Month, the rooms most important to homeowners and buyers. There is a surge of remodeling in 2018, with kitchens being on the top of the project list. Consider your home compared to the four most popular trends for each kitchen and bath to decide if it is time to update. Ideally, you want to enjoy the home customization for a few years, even for five or ten years before you sell it to someone else! A well-designed kitchen and bathroom will look current for a long time. So, what are the most popular trends?
In the kitchen:
* An open concept kitchen. The layout should make the home seem larger and flow well. Islands are “single level.” A focal point and open shelving provide depth and are used for matched dishes that complement the color scheme of the cabinets and backsplash.
* Ample lighting. A part of the attraction of an open concept kitchen is getting more natural light sources reaching into the home. Statement pendants can sum up your style, e.g., industrial, modern, artistic.
* Painted Shaker-style cabinets. Whites and grays are “in,” and the non-neutrals of blues and greens are gaining in popularity for those who want to go bold. Kitchen islands are often a contrasting color for a pop of personality.
* Marble-look countertops. Advancement in quartz color pigmentation can make them look like natural stone. They are more stain-resistant and more durable.
In the bathroom:
* A wet room. Rather than a freestanding tub that can get chilly, placing it in a wet room with a shower with a no threshold entry in an enclosed space holding the moist air.
* Floating vanities. Having the cabinetry off the floor will make the room see bigger. Quartz countertops are also popular in the bathroom for their durability and ease of maintenance.
* Spa or monochromatic style. Having a spa-like luxurious bathroom with a mix of stone, wood and earthy tones with greenery (plants such as aloe vera, ferns, or succulents) remains popular, but also emerging is the monochromatic look with white and shades of black, with bold geometric patterns and use of metal.
* Patterned floors. This can include the use of cement geometric tiles or use of ceramic that looks like any natural material in a chevron pattern. “Tile rugs” are also popular. Underfloor heating is a must for the ultimate in comfort.
Having a new, quality kitchen or customized bathroom is a great way to refresh your home! Happy home remodeling!
Janet Cook, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, President of Cook Remodeling (celebrating their 39th year), invites you to visit their Facebook page for links to articles featuring photo galleries of different styles and trends in home design.