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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
In bathrooms…
These are in: larger bathrooms, separate shower and bath tub, bathroom furniture, above-counter sinks that serve as a sink as well as art, combining different materials including glass & chrome.
In showers…
All-in-one tub & shower combos are out; giant glass & tile shower stalls are in (with no doors). Also hot in today’s showers: at least one seat and dual shower heads.
In bathtubs…
Whirlpool tubs are out; soaking tubs are in (shorter, deeper tubs with no jets).
In kitchen design…
Faucets located near cooking appliances (like one mounted on the wall behind the range, or placed beside an island cooktop) are in. Also popular are pivoting spouts so it’s not necessary to go to the sink to fill a pot.
In kitchen countertops…
Mixing surfaces and materials (like granite on the island and a different surface on the surrounding countertops), or a special edge only on the island countertop, but a regular edge on the rest of the kitchen countertops. Softer, matte surfaces are in; high-polished shiny surfaces are out. Granite and limestone are among the hottest countertop surfaces these days.
In backsplashes…
Glass tiles in kitchens (as well as baths) are hot, hot, hot.
In flooring…
Bamboo and cork flooring in kitchens are in. Limestone and matte-finish ceramic tile in bathrooms are in.
Americans revealed that they would spend between $2,500 and $7,500 to remodel and decorate their bathrooms.
— American Standard Bathroom Habits Survey
Update: More Kitchen & Bathroom Trends
According to David Alderman, CKD (Vice President of the NKBA), as reported in Log Home Living Magazine:
- Kitchen trends: Homeowners want islands to look like furniture pieces, and they’re installing banquettes or bench seats to create intimate spaces for fun and conversation. Recycled materials for counters & backsplashes are popular. People also want energy-efficient appliances like low-flow showerheads & dual flush toilets, tankless water headers are all the rage
- Bathroom trends: Floating cabinets (eliminating the toe-kick) are hot. Showers are becoming more spacious — homeowners are replacing the seldom-used space hogs with oversized walk-in showers. The spa experience is key: heated tile floors & towel racks, vessel sinks & high-end faucets.
- Countertops: They’re going beyond granite these days. People are looking for alternatives like quartz, solid surface, laminate, concrete, recycled glass, even paper composites.
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