1. Choosing a material without testing it first

Want to do a cabinet refacing with laminate? Go to the store and see how it feels under your hands. Look at laminate in other kitchens to see how well it holds up over time. Want that gorgeous soapstone countertop? Get a piece of soapstone and use it in your home as a trivet for a few months.

2. Not being around for the complete remodel

Don’t plan a remodel during a very busy travel time, such as the holidays. Don’t walk away from the remodel, either. Going on vacation right in the middle of the job leaves the contractor with no one to oversee the work, and that can lead to results you might not like. Though it isn’t easy to plan your whole life around the remodel, it is the best thing to do to ensure you get it done right and on time.

3. Choosing unconventional designs

Though going with an unusual design can be suitable for some situations, it can also create problems you didn’t expect. For instance, moving your kitchen sink to a corner instead of giving it open space near a window can lead to a blowback of steam when you pour hot liquid out of pots. Consider every possible use for that area of the kitchen to determine if an unusual design makes sense.

4. Skimping on the appliances

Though it might seem like a good idea to save money by choosing that smaller refrigerator or the noisier of the dishwashers, keep in mind that the appliances will get the most use of all the elements in your kitchen. Spending a bit more money on those can make your remodel a much more comfortable investment. Remember too that newer kitchen appliances are held to more efficient energy use. So, new appliances can save you money in the long term, too.

5. Budgeting to the last dollar

Keep a little wiggle room in your budget for the things you didn’t expect. For instance, cabinet refacing cost might be less than you anticipated, so it seems you can budget even more for that high-end countertop, right? Not so fast. What if something goes wrong with the flooring and you need more than you anticipated? That little cushion of cash in your budget can be a financial lifesaver.

6. Rushing the plans

When you rush the plans, you are bound to make mistakes or go over budget. Telling the designer to simply “add that in” without doing the homework can lead to sticker shock or a look you really don’t want. Take your time with the design, envision it, and learn to live with it before it becomes reality.

7. Choosing the lowest bid contractor

Though the lowest bid might be tempting, choosing a contractor should mean more than the bottom line. This is a person who will practically live in your house for several weeks, so keep in mind that you must be able to get along, and you must have a level of trust in their work. Sometimes that doesn’t happen with the lowest bid, and it is worth spending more for peace of mind.

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Avoiding these mistakes now can save you a great deal of money, time and frustration in the long run. Before you start any remodeling project, make sure you are as well-prepared and realistic as possible.

Choosing the perfect flooring for your bathroom is incredibly important. Before you jump in at the deep end, have a read through some pointers which will help you to decide which flooring will most suit your bathroom.

Vinyl tile floors

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular bathroom flooring choices and there’s a very valid reason behind it. Generally reasonably priced, it’s available in so many different designs and styles that you can find one to suit any bathroom. They are generally made in sheets or tiles but, like all types of flooring, they MUST be laid on an even floor. If your floor isn’t even, you’ll notice bubble-like lumps appearing.

Perfect for: So versatile and widely available there’s a design to suit every bathroom. Checkerboard vinyl tiles are the ultimate flooring for Victorian bathrooms.

Stone tile flooring

Stone flooring is incredibly fashionable due to its sleek appearance and durability. Stone tile flooring needs sealing before suitable for use in the bathroom as they can be porous. They’re generally available in limestone and granite and can really add an air of class to a modern bathroom.

They typically come with a higher price-tag than vinyl, so you need to be sure on your choice before splurging!

Perfect for: Creating a spa-like bathroom which wouldn’t be complete without a whirlpool bath.

Porcelain and ceramic tile

Porcelain and ceramic tiles mimic stone flooring but are available at a lower price. They’re hygienic as they’re easy to keep clean. It’s also suitable for use with underfloor heating, which can be a great luxurious touch to a modern bathroom.

You needn’t worry about coordinating your wall covering with your flooring either as porcelain and ceramic tiles are suitable for on the walls.

Perfect for: Creating a modern, luxurious bathroom without the high price-tag.

Wood flooring

Although solid wood flooring isn’t a suitable choice of bathroom flooring, engineered wood flooring has been used as bathroom floors. It has a top layer of hardwood flooring that is protected from expansion by a core layer due to higher levels of humidity, for which bathrooms are known. This makes it more durable for the everyday use of bathrooms.

Some engineered wood flooring is suitable for use with underfloor heating as well, although it’s advisable to check with your manufacturer or fitter before installing. Also, double check warranties for bathroom installations, too.

Rubber floors

Rubber tiles are ideal for bathrooms are they’re extremely hard-wearing and can cope under the moisture and varying heat conditions. They’re also really easy to clean so they’re well suited for busy bathrooms. They’re available in many different colors, shades and textures. Studded patterns are popular as they have non-slip qualities.

Perfect for: Homes for the elderly or those with limited mobility as they are non-slip which provides a safe flooring particularly when wet.

Bathroom flooring: think practicality along with beauty

When choosing the floor covering for your bathroom you need to be aware of some which are simply a no-go for the bathroom. Carpet may appear tempting and the cushioned feel underfoot when you step out of the shower may seem ideal but they’re simply not built for bathroom use.

The moisture causes them to harbor smells and you’ll find the carpet is constantly saturated and not actually that pleasant for your feet! If you really need the cushioned feel under your feet invest in some plush bathmats which can be washed and dried after every use – they can be a great accessory when used adhering to your bathroom’s accent color!

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Thanks, Stephanie!

Stephanie Staszko wrote this on behalf of Designo Radiators.

Making efficient use of the space can make your kitchen seem much larger than it is.

Finding the right sized kitchen appliances

Smaller and more compact gadgets and appliances are better for smaller kitchens, especially when these gadgets need to stay on top of the counter. Huge appliances can swallow up an entire counter, even when there are only a couple of them. Consider buying a stove with two burners instead of four, and a smaller oven and fridge.

De-clutter and Maximize Storage Space

Any unneeded clutter, whether on the counter or on the floor will definitely make a small kitchen feel cramped. If you get rid of anything that is not essential and put things where they belong when not in use, your kitchen will surely appear larger.

Even after de-cluttering, you will probably need some storage space. Splurging on deeper than normal cabinets or shelving units on top of counters can be great ways to make use of small spaces.

If you’re lucky enough to have very high ceilings, you can hang more overhead cabinets. Hanging a ladder on the wall to reach those high cabinets can be funky and functional. Use any empty wall space for extra cabinets. Glass-fronted cabinets and cabinets and shelves of different sizes can be a great way to use the space and give a great hip look.

Lighting a small kitchen

Lighting under cabinets or under counters can create an illusion of more space, too. Using lights like this as well as mirrors along walls opposite windows can make a small room to look almost enormous. Speaking of windows, the bigger, the better, if you have the choice.

Flooring fit for kitchens

The use of big, glossy kitchen tile can trick the eye, too. The gloss will toss the light around and your vision won’t be broken up by many lines of smaller tiles. In tight spaces, it’s best to use light-colored flooring.

Minimalist kitchen furniture

Smaller, minimalist furniture is best for small kitchens. Use chairs with no arms and place a long table along a wall instead of in the center of the room. If at all possible, use stainless steel, which will cause light to bounce around and make the room feel bigger and look gorgeous.

Using hanging pot racks is a fun way to show off your goods as well as save space. If you’ve got the budget for it, sliding counter tops are terrific space savers. Try utilizing the space over and around your sink for open shelves for fruit bowls and glasses. Don’t be afraid to move furniture and large appliances around to see what works best.

Work with color

The use of contrasting colors such as white walls and dark cabinets can add depth to the room. You could also paint the walls in contrasting colors, for example, by painting a small wall a really bright color while making the rest pale.

A lot of home decorating ideas, especially for smaller spaces, has to do with light and correct utilization of space. Remember that small kitchens don’r always have to be the “everything room” – used for laundry, schoolwork, recipes as well as cooking.

Enjoy your small kitchen in style

In a small kitchen, try to keep everything that doesn’t specifically have to do with cooking out of the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of most homes, so this might make for quite an adventure, but if you utilize as many of these tips as you can, you’ll be enjoying a nice cup of tea with a friend comfortably in no time.

Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies notes that homeowners are redirecting their remodeling dollars away from kitchen and bath remodels, room additions, and interiors. But pros in some areas are still doing a brisk business in two-story additions, often to enlarge a kitchen, add a home office, or build a tricked-out master suite that’s separate from the rest of the family’s bedrooms.

That project is among the most expensive of remodeling undertakings, so contractors are taking care to add value to the home as they add space. Here are 16 tips from pros who are successfully building up and out:

–Use the existing house as inspiration for the addition. Installing a different style of siding, roofing, and windows on the addition will make it obvious that the new rooms were not built as part of the original house.

–Duplicate architectural elements from the main house in both the interior and exterior of the addition—on both floors—to create a sense of unity between old and new. In a home with a bay window and window seat in the existing living room, Ward designed a similar area in the new family room.

–Mismatched windows are a telltale sign that part of the house has been added on. Choose windows in the same style and material—or at least a lookalike material—as the ones on the original structure. Keep the sill lines even on both structures.

–Blend the new flooring with the old. Ward notes that the rich-but-worn look of old hardwood floors is hard to replicate with brand-new material.

–You can also make an addition “match” the rest of the house by remodeling parts of the existing structure so it includes some of the addition’s modern touches. One builder did this to a brick home whose owner wanted board-and-batten shake siding on the two-story addition. He re-sided a pair of dormers on the opposite end of the house, too, so the facade looks balanced and the addition appears to be part of the original structure.

–Likewise, try to replicate the addition’s up-to-date structural, safety, and energy-efficiency improvements in the older part by suggesting that the homeowner bring the whole house—and not just the addition, as required—up to code.

–Incorporate modern materials that look authentic and match the main house but that are engineered to last longer, hold up better to harsh weather, and require less maintenance. Builders are installing high-end, solid-core fiberglass doors and textured fiber-cement siding that looks as much like wood as the years-old material on the rest of the home.

–Convince your clients to upgrade the HVAC. An air-conditioning unit that’s properly sized for the original structure will not perform well if you add more than about 30 square feet to the house. Most clients resist replacing their existing units because of the cost, but that their homes are usually uncomfortably humid later if they don’t—especially if the two-story addition includes an unconditioned garage under new living quarters.

-Consider the “flow” of the house. This is a very big deal. A lot of effort is put into making sure [the layout of the house] still makes sense, once it has an addition, so you don’t have to go to the middle of the living room to get to the new kitchen. Sometimes that means reallocating the space in rooms besides the ones you’re adding on.

–Step the addition forward or back a few feet from the original part to avoid turning the building into a big rectangle. This makes for a profile that’s interesting to look at, rather than one gigantic box. Likewise, making the addition’s roof line a bit lower than the roof on the main house can make it easier to flash.

–Still, the trusses between floors should line up precisely. Otherwise, the floors and ceilings of the addition won’t even out with those of the original structure.

–Plan for a large staircase. If you’re lucky, the home’s existing staircase is located close enough to the two-story addition that a new one isn’t needed. If a new staircase is needed, however, it’s likely to take up more space than you might want to.

–Remove existing walls to create larger rooms. Addition can do more than add rooms; they can transform the small, separate kitchen, dining room, and living room into a single, spacious, open area for cooking, socializing, and watching TV. Vaulted ceilings are popular for additions for the same reason.

–Consider alternative framing members for large spans on two-story additions. Lightweight steel beams are thinner than I-joists or engineered LDL beams and have saved him from exceeding height restrictions. Using thicker framing members can create problems with head clearance at the top of staircases, due to the thicker product raises the elevation of the floor.

–If the addition leaves the backyard too small for a good-size deck, build the deck on the side of the house instead. The majority of people that do additions end up adding a sundeck.

–Educate the homeowner about zoning restrictions. Many clients ask for additions that are larger than local laws allow because they are unaware of regulations restricting them from building too close to the property line or covering too high a percentage of the lot. Some communities have height restrictions for multiple-story additions as well.

—Thanks to Sharon O’Malley of Building Products magazine

The key: “You have to listen to them,” advises Streett, owner of Rolling Ridge Deck in Evergreen, Colo., and winner of multiple awards from the North American Deck and Railing Association. “They’re going to tell you what they want, but they don’t always know what they want. Listen in general terms, and then specifically think about how you can deliver it.”

Even then, notes Justus Lambros, owner of Signature Deck in Maumee, Ohio, not every fabulous deck delivers a prize. “Some amazing decks have won those awards,” says Lambros, another NADRA winner. “You couldn’t just put those decks on the back of a subdivision home. You have to have the right site, the right view. I’ve done only two in my career that would qualify for that type of award.”

Those award-winning decks feature attention to the minutest details—from curves and angles that drop the judges’ jaws to hidden fasteners and above-code framing that add an unseen something to the finished product.

“It’s really easy to build a square deck,” admits Dave Kramer, sales manager for D.G. Liu Contractor in Dickerson, Md., a Chrysalis award winner. “But if you can add a little personality to it, that raises you above the pack. There are a bazillion deck builders out there who can put up a deck fast, but they don’t pay attention to finish details so they can charge less.”

Here are 10 best practice tips from award-winning deck builders:

1. Show off your curves. The hottest trend in deck design is curves, says Mel Karlson, senior marketing manager for composite decking manufacturer Trex. “They add drama to a deck,” says Karlson, who observes that most award-winners incorporate curves on edges and accessories.

Tim Stephens, winner of multiple National Association of the Remodeling Industry Contractor of the Year awards, says a rounded deck is a natural extension of a landscape that features curved planting beds and curved sidewalks. Stephens, owner of Archadeck of West Central and Southwest Ohio, curves the boards’ edges to transition from one level to another, and favors curved deck-top planters and wet bars.

“What we’re going for is the deck not to look like an attachment to the house, but to blend in with the back yard,” he explains.

2. Don’t block the view. Most building codes require railings only on decks that sit three feet or more off the ground. So Stephens skips them when they’ll obstruct an especially spectacular view. To define the deck’s edges, he suggests crafting benches from the same material as the decking. He made one award-winner pop with faux stone bench legs.

Lambros agrees: “Whatever features the landscape has to offer, the deck should be an avenue to enjoy the star attraction, which is the landscape. The deck might be an award-winner, but it shouldn’t steal the show.”

3. Design an outdoor room. More homeowners are building decks to expand their living space—and to bring their lifestyles outdoors. Stephens notes that his clients want an outdoor setup that mimics the indoors: kitchen, living room, dining area. Some designs simply accommodate a grill, a table with chairs, and a few pieces of patio furniture, while larger decks have room for separate, wall-less rooms on multiple levels.

Even in chilly Colorado, homeowners want to use their decks nine months a year, notes Streett, who incorporates infrared heaters, gas heaters, and fireplaces into his designs. “Everybody here has that mindset,” he says.

4. Light up the night. Low-voltage lighting—atop rail posts, along edges, on stairs and between levels—is more than a safety feature required by some local codes. “Lighting is cool,” says Lambros. “It adds a whole other level of enjoyment for your customer.” Plus, he notes: “Most people can afford to do it,” because low-voltage lighting doesn’t require an electrician.

5. Toss in some texture. Incorporate stone, brick, stucco, or another contrasting texture into fireplaces, columns, and architectural details on a wood or composite deck. For a homeowner with contemporary taste, Kramer’s company crafted rails from stainless steel pipe and positioned them horizontally between posts made from Brazilian ipe like the deck. Streett has borrowed textures from the home’s interior to repeat on the deck, like distressed wood and exposed beams on outdoor deck roofs.

6. Minimize maintenance. While wood remains dominant in decking, more and more award-winners are constructed of composites. Stephens says most of his clients request it because it’s low-maintenance and comes with a warranty against fading and splintering.

Kramer advises builders to heed manufacturers’ specs for installation—even for out-of-sight framing—to keep from voiding the warranty and having to repair or replace a disappointing deck on your own dime.

7. Rally around rails. Rails and posts can be a deck’s “wow factor,” says Lambros, who mixes the components of color-matched pre-fab kits with custom-made post sleeves and dreams up creative alternatives to wood or wood-look rails, like glass and iron. “That will set you apart,” he notes.

8. Frame the picture. Placing deck boards in well-considered alternating patterns gives the builder the chance to make each deck unique. Lambros favors “picture framing” the perimeter of a deck with boards that go in the opposite direction from the decking on the rest of the surface. Other simple techniques: placing boards on each half of the deck diagonally facing the center of the structure or using a lighter or darker color around the edges and at transition points between levels or at steps.

9. Cool things off. A pergola, retractable awning or vinyl canopy can shade a deck and allow the homeowner to use it when the weather is especially hot. It also can add an unexpected design touch and make the deck look more finished. Stephens’ tip: While you can’t use composite decking to build a shade structure, choose a low-maintenance product. “Nobody has the time or inclination to maintain it,” he says.

10. Keep what’s out of sight top of mind. The homeowners might not notice when the builder takes the time to hide fasteners or install joists that are a step above code. But they’ll notice if you don’t, says Kramer, when they feel the boards bounce or snag a bare foot on a popped-up nail.

Thanks to Sharon O’Malley, contributing editor at Building Products magazine.

Deck Trends

1. Curved elements, like rounded deck edges, soft corners, and curved planters.
2. Multiple levels, often divided into functional areas for cooking, conversation, and eating.
3. Two-story decks with plenty of room on the paved bottom level for furniture and entertaining and with drainage on the elevated deck so rain doesn’t drip downstairs.
4. Outdoor kitchens, which more homeowners consider functional, convenient—and a status symbol.
5. Low-voltage lighting for safety and ambiance that can also extend the use of the deck into the night.
6. Water features on the deck or nearby to create calming white noise and add a point of interest.
7. Fire features like fireplaces or fire pits that sit a couple of feet up from the walking surface, especially those with the latest gadgetry, like gas burners that fire up pea-gravel or glass rocks in place of wood logs.
8. Sound systems designed for outdoor use with speakers built into rail posts and jacks for weather-safe home theater equipment.

There is an extraordinary amount of information about universal design and its application for how we design baths today. Add to that the advancements in products and technology of bath fixtures. By sorting some of that information into three key categories—safety, comfort and sanitation—one can develop best practices for design of any bath.

Safety

Tile remains the top product for flooring in baths. Textured finishes on tile and grout lines create a slip-resistant surface. Polished marble tile is a classic but one of the most dangerous products used in the bath because of its slippery surface when wet. You may consider using a smaller tile size (thereby increasing grout lines) with textured accent tiles to create a slip-resistant surface.

Curb-less showers remove potential tripping hazards at the shower by using a trench, linear channel or tile insert drain. A curb-less shower installation for walk- and roll-in access requires careful planning and installation. When considering tubs, controls should be on the access side regardless of whether it’s a free-standing or platform-style tub. No one should have to reach across or stand in the tub to turn the water on.

Grab-bar products offered today do not have the institutional look they once did. It is possible your client may not want them, so you should anticipate someone who will want grab bars by installing blocking in the shower, tub and toilet area. Leave a diagram of the blocking with the homeowner as reference for future use. Secure a second copy in plastic inside the vanity or linen cabinet. Code may dictate placement of grab bars but you should consider the needs and height of the user.

Lighting provides safety and comfort. With the technology and options available today, there is no excuse for installing a single light bar over the mirror and calling it good design. An illuminated mirror or side lighting at the vanity mirror provides even distribution of light, eliminating shadow lines. Sensor technology with recessed lighting at the toe-kick space on a vanity will provide enough illumination for someone to use the bathroom during the night without shocking the eyes. Several smaller recessed fixtures, rated for damp locations, create better overall illumination than a single wall- or ceiling-mount fixture. In addition, multiple lighting options with dimmers allow the user to meet his or her needs.

Install a 3-foot-wide door. If someone in the home ends up using a walker or wheelchair, a wider door will allow access without obstruction. If enlarging a door is not possible, use swing-clear hinges to increase the door-opening clearance by 11⁄2 to 13⁄4 inches.

Comfort

Radiant floor heat should be part of every project. For a low cost, it offers soft, even, continuous heat for the homeowner. Radiant floor heat works with a variety of flooring types, but tile is most suited for it.

Code dictates the center-line for a toilet should be 15 inches. An 18-inch center-line allows for more comfortable use of the toilet with the installation of grab bars. It also allows more space for assisted use. Seat height should be 16 to 18 inches from the floor to the top of the rim. This may be a little tall for children. There are many aftermarket products that provide a temporary solution for children. A closed, elongated front will accommodate all users regardless of age or physical ability.

Lever-style handles are easier to grasp whether on a door, cabinet or faucet.

Sanitation

In-wall tank and carrier systems for wall-hung toilets allow for continuous uninterrupted flooring at the toilet area. Depending on the toilet size, mounting the toilet can add accessible floor space for a wheelchair in a small bath.

Instead of the typical combo heat/light/vent unit, consider at-the-source ventilation to reduce moisture and odors in the bath. You may want to install one unit at the toilet area and one at the tub or shower area. Ventilation units are best on a timer. Depending on the manufacturer, the vent should run for five to 10 minutes after the user has left the bath.

When you consider the amount of moisture in a bathroom, tile, solid surface and quartz composite make the most sense for wall coverings. Depending on the size of the bathroom, cost can become an issue. Consider finishing the walls at the toilet area with tile or another nonporous product.

The products on the market today give us the opportunity to design baths without an institutionalized look. Our responsibility as design professionals is to enhance the livability of the home and accommodate the occupants at all stages of life. You can change the course of humanity one (kitchen and) bath at a time.

Thanks to Judith Neary, CMKBD

The trends represent what’s currently fresh and forward-thinking in kitchen and bath design including distinct visual elements and color, unique design details, personalized products and materials, and an architecturally artistic approach to proportion, says NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD.

“NKBA designers continue to find surprising ways to incorporate complex design solutions and the latest technology into incredible kitchen and bathroom designs,” says Alderman. “We’re excited to release some of the overriding trends conveyed in the 2011 competition.”

No. 1 Commitment to Color

Clients and designers alike are making strong commitments to color. The relationship with vibrant color is introduced into the room through a back-splash of back-painted glass in a strong carrot orange, representing a color that’s smooth and fresh, and also refined enough to pair with the contemporary exotic wood cabinetry. This is a sleek kitchen deserving of a color that makes a statement. The tangerine, mango, and carrot family of colors is being incorporated into the palette of stylishly appropriated residential spaces across the country.

No. 2 Tactile Appeal through Textures

The use of actual and implied texture offers a tactile and visual feast. Lines, colors and patterns can act as either a point of interest in a given space or a mellow background to a more prominent component. The textured touch is apparent through an over-sized glass mosaic tiled rug inset into the limestone floor, creating the effect of an actual textured and patterned area rug. A quilted effect, also seen in fashion trends, was created using custom-made glass keystone tiles, adding a shimmering surface to the wall of the shower.

No. 3 The Attributes of Glass

The National Kitchen & Bath Association is seeing glass shining and glimmering throughout kitchen and bath designs this year. Lighted panels of Mica art glass incorporated into the design of the volcanic stainless steel hood, the window in the door, and a glass tiled back-splash shining from behind granite counter-tops act as pops of color and light against the warmth of wood. In this example, they also help to provide cohesion, and as glass continues to be used in so many places and spaces, the application appears almost limitless.

No. 4 Freestanding and Angled Tubs

Large freestanding tubs are taking front and center in bathroom design, and in this master bath retreat, the tub is centered and visible through French doors leading to the bedroom space. Freestanding tubs could be considered almost the norm, creating a focal point of near sculptural quality. Rounded, rectangular, and angled tubs are specified as an artistic accent that also provides a soothing soak. Whether situated on stones, wood flooring, or a low stage of sorts, the freestanding soaking tub is an integral part of many master or main bathrooms.

No. 5 Espresso and Chocolate in Cabinetry

Silky hues of chocolate and espresso are shimmering from the doors and drawer fronts of distinct cabinetry, incorporated into striking kitchens, ranging from contemporary to traditional. Natural finishes—absent glazing, distressing, and overall pomp and circumstance—are now found in many kitchen designs, as simple chocolate browns act as the smooth and understated partner to brighter accents. Whether black coffee or milk chocolate, the cabinetry foundation in the mid to dark brown family of colors appears rooted in the residential design approach.

No. 6 Walk-in Pantries

With the introduction of greater amounts of open wall space, and less in the way of wall cabinets, the need for a larger separate pantry has been prompted. Open plan kitchens are requiring alternative pantry and storage solutions. The grand scale of this kitchen aptly allowed for a walk-in pantry designed for use as a working pantry. Sinks, dish storage, and food storage can be incorporated into pantries that appear as this one, to be entirely integrated in appearance into the space, and serving as a transition from one room to the next.

No. 7 Detailed Ceilings

This sophisticated design has a rustic touch that relies on traditional architectural features paired with sleek contemporary finishes and materials. The rough-hewn barn beam ceiling is beautifully detailed, and although the detail was newly created, it appears as if original to a comfort-worn space. The ceiling is highlighted by cable-strung lighting, which lights the textures and natural intricacies of the rough wood, bringing intimacy to the elongated space. This design feature straddles two trends seen strongly in the competition: detailed ceilings and textures.

No. 8 Natural Elements

This refined rustic southwestern powder room is the perfect example of the use of natural elements in design. An agate slab became the foundation for this bathroom space that’s as unique and distinct as the elusively elegant stone itself. Translucent crystal formations within the rock are highlighted by back-lighting that sets off the smoky grays, brown, and icy white. Polished stone combined with leather-wrapped cabinetry is at the core of this opulent space. When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched.

No. 9 A Tiered Approach to Proportion

The concept of stacked components and graduated overlapping heights was brought to a new level of sophistication in this urban kitchen. Varying heights of the island surfaces, the elevated and overlapping dining counter-top, and the statuesque pantry cabinet create asymmetrical proportion, while complementing the cityscape outside the windows. The tallest point of the pantry, thickness of the counter-tops, and the dining surface resting effortlessly on the prep and cook surface convey a proportionally tiered balance to this contemporary space.

No. 10 Inlaid Flooring

Variations of inlaid flooring are being incorporated into many new kitchen and bath designs. To accommodate the wet environment in this French style master bathroom, a new wood-look ceramic tile combined with natural travertine was used. Each piece was hand-fitted and angled to mimic the look of a real parquet floor. French carved cabinetry legs draw additional attention to the stunning floor. Designers and installers are being called on to bring innovation, stretching old boundaries as materials are selected and flooring is installed.

Jennifer Foresman, senior manager of trend and design for The Home Depot, said a product’s color is the main reason why 80% of consumers buy it–and 2011’s top colors have lots of fans. Here are the colors that Foresman told pros will be best sellers this year, during the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas:

• Dusty rose. A neutral palette that can be spruced up with a pop of berry.
• Spice. A warm, inviting palette that includes colors that match curry, turmeric, and other Middle Eastern-inspired spices. Foresman says Moroccan-look furniture and textiles are everywhere.
• Cooked pumpkin. Orange was perceived as a modern color, but it has transitioned to a traditional hue, the design expert says. “Orange has been a huge trend, but now it’s being toned down from the bright pumpkin oranges.” She noted that Hoover is selling a vacuum sporting this color.
• Sophisticated navy. An inky black-based blue paired with gray, teal, and brown.

“Ask 100 people and they will say their favorite color is blue, so this is an easy palette for people to latch onto.” Many tile manufacturers are cranking out pieces in a variety of navy colors and differing sizes.

• Teal. Foresman says this color is a great update of aqua because it’s rich and sophisticated looking and pairs nicely with navy. You’ll see this shade on wall ovens from Dacor and washers and dryers from LG.
• Super-saturated neutrals. These are very complex colors in vanilla, caramel, and dark gray that change in the light, particularly in paints. “They feel rich and warm,” Foresman says. “Mixing them together, you can create lots of texture.”  You’ll find cabinets dressed in grays and taupes from a variety of manufacturers.
• Bright honeysuckle. A very bold color that should be paired with navy, white, and neutrals. “A little goes a long, long way.”

On a final note, Foresman said: “From the fashion runway to the home used to take five years.” But with advances in the Internet and digital technologies, “it’s gotten down to six months.”

Jean Dimeo is editorial director for Building Products and ebuild.

Time savings continues to be a huge trend, so speed cooking functions are in high demand. Likewise, technology that simplifies cooking – from “smart” ovens to induction cooktops – are hot, with the caveat that the technology must be easy to use. At the same time, cooking appliances that offer the ability to create gourmet meals are also in demand as entertaining at home remains a popular trend.

Below are some of the hottest trends in cooking appliances today:

• Technology that enables homeowners to do more with less time, work and clean up is extremely popular right now. That means there’s a growing demand for everything from pre-programmed ovens that simplify cooking to cooktops with easy-clean surfaces.
• For those with a passion for gourmet cooking, commercial style cooking equipment is still hot, with consumers looking for duel fuel ranges and cooking appliances that give them greater control (i.e. going from super high BTUs to ultra low simmer capabilities). From a design standpoint, options run the gamut from the ever-popular stainless steel to warmer, stylish hues to bold primary colors.
• Design flexibility is a key trend in kitchen design today, creating a growing interest in multifunctional products and cooking appliances that offer placement flexibility, such as drawer microwaves, double oven ranges, etc.
• Consumers are more price conscious than in years past, so cooking appliances need to offer real value at every price point.
• Healthy cooking continues to be a hot trend, driving interest in steam ovens and cooktops that offer a healthy grilling option.
• With fewer consumers ready to jump into a full-scale kitchen expansion, there’s a growing interest in maximizing outdoor kitchen spaces, with upscale grills that include a host of bells and whistles.

Thanks to Kitchen & Bath Design News

Based on the survey, it’s believed that building and design professionals who have a strong understanding of solutions that meet clients’ multigenerational needs will be more likely to create kitchens for universal living.
Baby Boomers

According to the study, 63 percent of Baby Boomers plan to stay in their current home for the next five to 10 years. The survey also discovered 75 percent of Boomers don’t feel their current kitchen layout is designed for their living needs. Consider the following:

• Transitioning from a 42-inch bar-height table to a 28- or 30-inch table is easier for this generation. Because Boomers frequently use their kitchens for entertaining, a standard-height table near or connected to an island is ideal.
• Eighty-seven percent are interested in a semi- or completely open floor plan. Wider walkways or paths throughout the kitchen and adjacent rooms provide easier mobility.
• Storage options must be easy to reach and well organized. Pullout storage options are ideal.
• Boomers prefer clean lines, some color and/or texture, but nothing too loud or dramatic.

Generation X

Born roughly between 1966 and 1978, members of Generation X rely on friends for advice more than anyone or anything (the Internet). Nearly half (49 percent) of Gen X homeowners said they plan to stay in their current home the next five to 10 years.

The following design considerations can ease their fast-paced lifestyle:

• A computer near the kitchen allows them to cook dinner, answer homework questions and read the latest update from their social-media accounts.
• A taller, bar-height table lets a friend sit and chat or a kid grab a snack and work on homework.
• Those without children are interested in an entertainment space adjacent to the kitchen.
• Sixty-eight percent said a creative place for hiding small appliances was top on their list. This demographic prefers uncluttered spaces.
• Thirty-nine percent favor open floor plans. They also prefer peninsula or galley configurations; flexible pantry storage; and other options, such as two sinks.

Generation Y

Members of Generation Y were born between 1979 and 2002 and consist of 87 million young consumers. Gen Y looks to third parties on the Internet for advice and the lowest price for getting what they want—now.

• In addition to enjoying an open kitchen layout, the Gen Y kitchen needs to meet young child needs, like highchairs, and adult needs, such as an entertainment area.
• Pullout drawers, providing easy access to snacks, pet food and prepared items are appreciated.
• Forty-five percent indicate a place for spices is a top-three kitchen extra.
• Aesthetics should include clean lines, less detail and easy-to-clean surfaces.

To view the complete study and other related materials, visit GenShiftKitchen.com.

By Sarah Reep and Mark Johnson