Kitchen and Bath trends....

Whew! It has been a long time! So much to talk about…the remodel is moving along and some notes from a class I attended in Kalispell. (Of course I realize it is almost half way through the year to be talking about trends for 2010, just keep in mind that these will not be "fads" such as fashion that come and go with the season.)
What are the newest kitchen trends and/or how are some of the older trends holding up? Let’s start with what is hot…**professional appliances or suites of appliances(they all match or are from the same manufacturer and look alike) **glass countertops ** coffered ceilings **wood floors (Did they ever really go out?!?) ** open spaces such as opening up walls between kitchen, living and dining areas **a furniture look to the cabinets (decorative fillers, corbels, island legs, or valances at the toe kick) **wine chillers (YUM!) **concrete countertops… but, remember that they are not very forgiving…Waterford Crystal Company has reported an increase in sales due to counters made of harder materials such as concrete or stone) ** multiple countertops ** walk-in pantries (popular because of Costco and Sam’s Club) ** Islands, especially double islands ** custom hoods above the range or cook top ** a fireplace in the kitchen ** horizontal cabinet doors…they lift up and actually can be very good for the aging population **”green” thinking.
Comments about a couple of these trends: custom hoods are more of a focal point now. Granite is waning a little in popularity, but definitely chosen for the uniqueness of the stone. Wine racks are purchased because they “look good”, but it is actually the wrong place to store wine as the temperature is usually too warm in the kitchen. Bamboo floors can be harder than wood floors but they are not as green as you would think because of their carbon footprint (what it costs to produce them and transportation costs to get them here.) Formal rooms are going by the wayside with “no dining rooms” and comfort in all areas of the house preferred. Two cook kitchens require two sinks. An “entertaining” kitchen is more popular with the kitchen being the restaurant of choice for a lot of people.
Bathroom trends include chrome finishes on the faucets, showerheads, etc. because they “last longer”. The oil rubbed bronze finish is hard to match but still very popular around here. Color of the year for the bathroom is a spring green. Luxuries are still high on wish lists with multiple showerheads, towel warmers and grab bars gaining popularity.
Next week I will cover some color and design trends concerning cabinets for both kitchens and baths and some interesting facts about what different age groups are spending money on.

Design quote of the week: “You can never achieve anything in a house unless you have things that have been passed down and you find a place for them for yourself.” Sister Parish


For those of you looking for pics of the remodel: the new wall to divide the back hall from the living room has sheetrock, the new front step is poured, alot of the lighting has been moved. Today, the new shed roof is added!

BEFORE and DURING.....("After" will come in the next couple of days...)