Jim and I are still fine-tuning our kitchen and bath choices. And we probably will continue to do so, right up until the day the appliances, countertops, backsplashes, and fixtures are installed.

There is so much variety in the products available to us today, that it is difficult to stay abreast of all the latest changes in bathroom and kitchen design, as well as the trends that are shaping the future of kitchens and baths.

Here, I've summarized a number of kitchen and bath trends that I've noticed while reading through home magazines, newspapers, and online reports in recent months.

The average bathroom remodeling project costs $15,800 and results in an increase in home value of about $12,400
 -- Remodeling Magazine, November 2007

Finalists for the "Green Log Awards" were recently announced.

The GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards™ were created in response to the growing demand for green building solutions.

The goal of the awards is to locate and shine a spotlight on those companies and individuals who are enabling healthier homes and lifestyles. -- GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards

What this means for people like you and me is... a great list of environmentally-friendly log home products and suppliers!

So, if you're trying to make your currently log home more "green" or you'll soon be building your very own green log home, here are some companies that will make your life easier!

Sharon wrote in an email:

I am looking for a pedestal sink for my log home that is made from a log . I saw this in a magazine a long time ago and am now unable to source such a thing. Help!!"

This is tons of fun...

Cross-Vision is an online program (it's FREE) that lets you see what various tile floors would look like -- before you go to pick out your tile in the stores.

Check it out...

Marci wrote:

My gosh, you have described the VERY bathroom I've been looking for as we prepare to build in the spring. Do you have a photo yet? Would love a space just as you described. Sounds lovely!!"

Here's what we have so far...

In our current home, the hot water heater is located in the garage.

As a result, hot water has to travel UP one-and-a-half floors and make a lot of turns & twists in the process of reaching both of our main bathrooms.

This is not the ideal scenario because:
#1 It takes a long time for the water to turn hot in both, our master bathroom and our guest bathroom -- which are located upstairs.

#2 The water pressure is quite weak in the upstairs bathrooms. This is especially noticeable in the master bathroom shower (which is farthest from the water heater).

When we sat down with a couple of interior designers to get some ideas for our master bathroom layout and the design of our kitchen, we learned a few things about "standard dimensions" that are good to know when designing a new home.

Below are those which apply specifically to the bathroom.

Plus, I've found a number of great online tools for designing your own bathroom, and lots of other great tips & resources that could save some time and money in the long run.

If you're anything like me, then you tend to get a little hung up on the details sometimes.

But that's a good thing! It means the little things that mean so much in the long run won't get lost in the shuffle, and you'll be happier in the end with your new log home.

When it comes to bathrooms, have you thought of this one already?...

Here are some fun ideas that I happen to like...

Some people use dimmer switches throughout the house. Others pick and choose specifically where they think they'll get the most benefit from varying light levels.

For me, one of those places is the bathroom. Particularly, the master bathroom. Here's why...

In our home, Jim shaves his head bald every morning.

In addition to a lifetime supply of Gillette Mach 3 razors and replacement blades... it's a necessity that we have a fog-free mirror located inside the shower itself.

Here's what we've learned about fogless shower mirrors...