Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design

It's important to know design and technology trends when remodeling your kitchen and bath. Kitchens can be costly, and it's smart to use the best quality products and maintain current code and technology standards. Aesthetics are as important as function, and understanding what's available will give you a long-term advantage for style, usefulness, and more. Since sustainability in purchasing, using, and ultimately discarding products, is a way of life, knowing what is 'green' and why will help you make the right decisions for your remodel.

The age of remodelers plays a tremendous role in design trends but is 'flattening out' as technology and aesthetics cross generational lines.  For the first time ever, 4 separate generations—Gen Now (ages 15-34), Gen X (ages 35-44), Zoomers (ages 45-65) and Prime Timers (ages 66-plus)—are interacting, influencing and coexisting closely with one another. While each has its own set of needs, together they are reinventing the rules of what a kitchen and bath should be, whether it cater to youthful technology savvy, a passion for entertaining, the quest for wellness or the desire to age comfortably in place.  Sure "Zoomers" are opting for easy of use and maintenance and "Generation Now and X" opt for clean lines and high technology, but overall, kitchen and bath styles are moving towards sleeker lines - no ornate details - and simple outward appearances, with function that makes operation and use fast. Whether it's due to a busy lifestyle or arthritic joints, new cabinet hardware that enables automatic opening, remote controlled shades, and faucets that turn on when you place your hands underneath, are all products that are here to stay. Long-term value and quality are must-haves for any kitchen or bath, as durability is key for homeowners raising families, as much as for those who have resale value in mind. Aging in place elements provide fabulous function and aesthetics across generations, and will be key elements when selling a home. 

Black chrome faucets

Formica has a new look and edge styles.

A savvy new toilet by Kohler.

Adding color to a neutral kitchen is hot (literally).

Color is more earthy overall, yet mixing in bold color is new.  Plumbing fixtures remain popular in chrome, but new black and midnight chrome are gorgeous and enduring. Sinks are available in earthy browns, grays and with suede finishes, and vessel sinks continue to be an opportunity to add style and a unique focal point to bathroom design. Glass is beautiful as well as functional for vessel sinks and even kitchen counters. Grey and white are popular in natural stone tile and quartz surfaces, as well as appliances. I see products that enable a more personal design alternative. For example, updated quartz and paper - yes paper - countertops, glass backsplash tiles, and even Formica, have textures, colors, and patterns that will work well today as for the long-term. Cabinet colors lean towards white and ivory, but dark stains are still in vogue.  White tubs, toilets and sinks are still king in the bath. Blending with large format porcelain tile in deep gray, makes an elegant and easy care statement.

Integrating products seamlessly into the spaces remains a top trend. From refrigerators that blend right into the overall cabinetry to drawer inserts that provide quick access to hard-to-reach spots, these new storage solutions generated new, unexpected openings for work spaces. Concealed kitchen shelving and extra-wide sinks boasting functional colanders and cutting boards within were also heavily featured, as storage possibilities spread from not only closets and the garage but to the kitchen and bath as well.

  Advanced technology from products that include smart phone applications to designs that mix light and sound in the bathroom. Toilets can now determine how long you’ve been sitting, or open the lid as one walks toward it, and even wall sockets are built smarter to incorporate direct USBs plug-ins for consumers using laptops and charging their phones in the hub of their home, the kitchen.
Once a buzz term, “green” has become engrained in the kitchen and bath industry. What began as an appeal for eco-friendly products and materials in the home has now transformed into holistically sustainable spaces that encourage healthy living behaviors by those inhabiting them. Designers, architects and manufacturers alike are rethinking the word “green” to encompass a complete lifestyle, and as a result, its definition has expanded to include descriptors such as “authentic,” “American made,” “character,” “local” and “organic.” It's now easier than ever to go green. High-efficiency toilets and showerheads are the norm and can easily be installed or retrofitted in any home. Recycling has even become easier, with compactors that can silently crush cans installed right into kitchen cabinet space. Technological advances like motion sensor faucets and lighting have become more sophisticated, helping to save both water and energy. 

Great interior product finds for about $100.

It's often hard to stick to a budget when updating your home. Take a look at these ten products that look fabulous and are priced at under $100.  

1. Update your bath with an elegant, contemporary style faucet by Price Pfister. This single handle faucet in brushed nickel is $88.

2.Swap hardware on your kitchen island, in the butler's pantry,and the linen closet with glass knobs and pulls for an antique custom look. Ten will be about $70.

3.Cedar window boxes for hanging under a window or lining a porch are about $29. Add $10 in flowers for instant curb appeal. 

4.To update a good black or white appliance for a more modern look, use Thomas Liquid Stainless Steel about $56. This can be used on refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and ovens. Try it on hardware too!


5.Make a lamp look like new by swapping your old white lampshade for a warm, mica one. Under $70 at Pottery Barn.

6.Create an accent wall with grass cloth wallpaper. A double roll is about $70. With on-line tutorials, you can install this yourself. Check out this informative video on You tube!









7.Dress up a dining room or entry chandelier with a ceiling medallion for under $100. They create elegant or simple architectural detail and make the fixture look more substantial. 

8.Add carpet in the hall, at the front door, etc... with stick-down carpet tiles. Use six tiles for a runner or nine for a square. Mix and match colors for a custom pattern. Six 20-by-20-inch textured tiles, about $54; FLOR

9. Give your room some architectural detail with a chair rail. About $75 for an 8' x 10' room. This also gives you an opportunity to change the paint in only half of the space...easier and faster!

10.Create a bedside shelf/table (or entry table) with wood corbels topped by glass, wood or other creative surface. Two 6-inch oak hand-carved corbels, about $80 at Van Dykes Restorers. Glass or wood top about $20.

Great products that give an update to traditional styling.

While contemporary design is emerging in furnishings and fixtures everywhere - just pick up a magazine or store catalog to see the trends -  most of the US loves traditional product design.  Chrome finishes, white tiles, and beige paint are the norm. When undergoing updates or remodels, it's nice to add products and finishes that while classic, have a fresh new look.  Not only do you gain technology - water efficiency and environmental friendliness - you often gain function with better scale, finishes, and performance.  I've found a few that I classify as transitional since they feature classical design style but a sleeker look that may appeal to hard-core traditionalists as well as those who want to add modern flair to their homes.

Faucets: Watermark makes this widespread faucet with classic styling but longer spouts, lever handles to comply with the principles of universal design, and a durable chrome finish. It would look at home on a pedestal sink or in a master bath suite. They offer multiple finishes and an array of styles in products for kitchen and bath. 

Moen has a wall-mounted faucet in three finishes, for traditionalists that love vessel style sinks but not the tall deck versions. A softly curving spout, updated lever handles, and beautiful porcelain inlays, make this the perfect blend of old and new. Available in three finishes and inlay options.

Bathroom vanities:  The shaped legs, rich wood, and marble top on this Kalista vanity are traditional features that are updated by the slim lines. A larger counter surface is balanced by a nicely scaled sink. In a small bathroom this is dynamite when paired with marble hexagonal or subway style tiles on flooring and walls.

Xylem also has some vanities that cross the boundary between Craftsman and Modern. Their Capri vanity in a deep espresso finish has nice finish details that offer a nice transitional style.

Lighting: The Massena pendant is Hudson Valley Lighting’s contemporary update to a classic schoolhouse light fixture.  Available in two sizes, the light features a metal shade and a metal frame, with a round ceiling canopy. Pendants can be specified in old bronze, polished nickel, satin nickel, and white glass with polished nickel accents.

In an updated brushed nickel finish, this wall sconce by Brass Lighting Gallery is a fine example of a more linear, modern edge for a bath sconce. Wonderful for a powder room or guest bath - in pairs - and the lines can be perceived as Deco and Retro if you're aiming for period style.

Sinks: The Shaw farmhouse sink by Rohl is another great example of better technology applied to classically styled kitchen sink. Its fireclay material resists scratches, thermal shock, alkaline and acids, and maintains radiant appearance. 

Hardware:  Baldwin has added a fabulous style search to its website. You can identify your preferred style by room photos and hardware finishes.  Their line of Classic Hardware has everything from embellished to simple knobs, levers and pulls and you can find some wonderful transitional styles for your project. 

A weekend update for your kitchen.

We all love to renew our homes and do so on a budget, in a timely manner. Here are TEN do-it-yourself ideas to re-new your kitchen in one weekend.

From drab oak wood to fresh ivory paint.

1) If your wooden cabinets are in great shape but your kitchen looks dated or tired, new paint is the answer. I recommend Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams paints and primers. 


2) New hardware for the cabinets make a tremendous difference so swap your old knobs and pulls for a new style and finish. If you're painting cabinets, you can fill holes and go from knobs to pulls.

3) Add or change your backsplash.  If you have only drywall, adding a backsplash is easy.  Many big box home centers have weekend classes on installing tile.  You can remove the dated ceramic tile and install new, or try beadboard for a new look.

New pendants and under cabinet lighting.

4) Update your lighting.  Try www.lampsplus.com for well-priced kitchen pendants and flush-mounted fixtures. Install  under-cabinet lighting.












5) Swap some cabinet door panels with glass for a great style. Use reeded glass - have  a glass pro cut to the right size - for some obscurity, and clear when you want to display what's inside the cabinet. Can't cut out the panel? Cover with fabric, a great decal, or other creative idea.








6) Remove some doors and expose the shelves.

7) Swap your faucet for a new style. Take out your old chrome faucet and install a new stainless one with a spray head for under $100. Check out the prices and styles at your local big box hardware store.



8) Paint. For a really quick change, just paint your walls. A bit braver, paint the floor instead of replacing it. You can even cover old ceramic tile with the right paint.


9) Remove a cabinet or two.  If you have a joined family/kitchen space, you may have ceiling mounted cabinets dividing the two areas. Taking them down will open both spaces, adding pendant lighting will make the space task-oriented and gorgeous...just be sure you can remove the storage.

10) Add a furniture touch.   Adding moldings, legs, corbels and other furniture details can transform existing cabinets.

Bathroom trends.

At a recent bathroom industry trade show, new trends and products were showcased.   A theme was clear when looking at products and their style, color and textures.

1) Traditional style reigns.  From faucets to cabinetry, classic styles remain the most popular. Function, however, as in faucets, shower doors and other items is more technological with hands-free faucets, air-assisted low flow shower heads, frame free glass shower doors, and neutral colors in counters and flooring.

2) Sleek, modern style is moving up in popularity. Whether you look at tubs,  toilets or shower fixtures, the lines are smoother and minimalist.  Chrome -without the negative manufacturing byproducts - is the finish of choice. 

3) Matte white is a new popular color.  For counters and tile it's a change from glossy sheens.  Even black - also  in a matte finish - is moving into popularity.

4) Gray is the new neutral.  The flexibility of the gray palette is outstanding.  Warm and cool grays are soft and the palette can be paired with whites, wood tones, and metal fixtures. 

5) Texture is in.  From damask inspired floor tiles to textured porcelain wall and floor tile, the look is custom yet serene.  Formal wall coverings with nubby surfaces are being used in bathrooms more often.  Traditional wainscot is making a resurgence and using new humidity tolerant paints makes it possible.