Houzz Products: How to Create a Classic Look for the Bath

Houzz Products: How to Create a Classic Look for the Bath

Premier Shower and Tub Faucets in Satin Nickel

Charlestown shower faucets transform any bathroom into a luxurious and soothing retreat. Premier’s pressure balanced valve prevents hot water scalding and cold water shock due to unexpected changes in water pressure. Premier’s ceramic disc cartridges ensure a lifetime of consistent, drip-free performance, even in harsh hard water environments. This shower faucet includes a single metal lever handle for precise temperature control, a pressure balancing valve with integral stops, a brass shower arm, a stainless steel escutcheon, a convenient self-cleaning showerhead, and a PVD brushed nickel finish. Premier’s physical vapor deposition (PVD) process creates a finish that is exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching, tarnishing, corrosion, and discoloration. This faucet complies with the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It includes Premier’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The smooth contours of Bayview’s lever handle provide both a striking look and precise temperature control. Bayview’s pressure balanced valve prevents hot water scalding and cold water shock due to fluctuations in water pressure. Complete your bath’s integrated look with this Bayview ceramic disc shower faucet set. The Bayview shower faucet features a metal lever handle and escutcheon, a brass showerhead and arm, a stainless steel flange, a wear-resistant ceramic disc cartridge with stop valve, and a PVD brushed nickel finish. Premier’s physical vapor deposition (PVD) process provides a brushed nickel finish that is exceptionally strong and resistant to corrosion tarnishing, scratching, and discoloration. It complies with the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is covered by Premier’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty. – See more at: http://www.doorcorner.com/120468.html#sthash.Fk5wIN7S.dpuf

The smooth contours of Bayview’s lever handle provide both a striking look and precise temperature control. Bayview’s pressure balanced valve prevents hot water scalding and cold water shock due to fluctuations in water pressure. Complete your bath’s integrated look with this Bayview ceramic disc shower faucet set. The Bayview shower faucet features a metal lever handle and escutcheon, a brass showerhead and arm, a stainless steel flange, a wear-resistant ceramic disc cartridge with stop valve, and a PVD brushed nickel finish. Premier’s physical vapor deposition (PVD) process provides a brushed nickel finish that is exceptionally strong and resistant to corrosion tarnishing, scratching, and discoloration. It complies with the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is covered by Premier’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Sanibel’s ceramic disc shower faucets are built to perform and designed to withstand even harsh hard water environments. This faucet features two lever handles, a brushed nickel finish, 1/2-inch brass IPS connections with ground joint swivel unions, trouble-free ceramic disc cartridges, and a color matched showerhead, escutcheon, and trim. This Premier faucet complies with the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It provides a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute from the showerhead. It is covered by Premier’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Coordinate your bathroom suite with Premier Essen shower faucets. Neoteric design combined with Premier’s traditional quality create faucets that deliver extraordinary looks and superior performance. Essen’s pressure balanced valve prevents cold water shock and hot water scalding due to fluctuations in water pressure. The single-handle Essen shower faucet includes a trouble-free washerless cartridge, all-brass construction, a brass showerhead set, and a brushed nickel finish. This shower faucet provides a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. It complies with the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It includes Premier’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Stainless Steel Bathroom Collection

Single robe hook, 1 2/3″ projection. Fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Mounting hardware: Two 3/4″ length screws included.

 

 

Double robe hook, 1 7/8″ projection. Fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel. Mounting hardware: Two 3/4″ length screws included.

 

 

Surface mounted non controlled delivery, single roll, concealed screw toilet tissue holder. Constructed from heavy gauge 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Unit has individually mounted arms that are secured to the wall using concealed stainless steel wall plates. The free turning chrome plated plastic roller holds one standard core toilet tissue roll up to 5 1/2″ diameter.

 

Surface mounted non controlled delivery double roll, concealed screw toilet tissue holder. Constructed from heavy gauge 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Unit has individually mounted arms that are secured to the wall using concealed stainless steel wall plates. The free turning chrome plated plastic rollers hold two standard core toilet paper rolls up to 5 1/2″ diameter.

 

Towel bar, 18″. Square bar fabricated from 24-gauge, 304 grade stainless steel. Posts are fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Mounting hardware included.

 

 

Towel bar, 24″. Square bar fabricated from 24-gauge, 304 grade stainless steel. Posts are fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Mounting hardware included.

 

 

Surface mounted soap dish. Fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Mounting hardware included.

 

 

Utility / toiletry shelf, 18″. Fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Ships with mounting hardware.

Towel bar, 18″. Square bar fabricated from 24-gauge, 304 grade stainless steel. Posts are fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel with a US32D brushed stainless steel finish. Mounting hardware included. – See more at: http://www.doorcorner.com/brstst18wato.html#sthash.JCbmQ0Dy.dpuf

Cabinet Hardware Design Ideas

Updating your cabinet hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to give your kitchen or bathroom a quick spruce up. Many people get caught up in the hows and whats of cabinet and knob matching. Just remember when updating your kitchen or bathroom cabinets – choose what you like. Pretty much anything goes nowadays. If you are still stuck and not sure how to transition your old to new – here are some design ideas.

Modernfantasitc:

For those of us with a kitchen full of dark or dated cabinets, a change of hardware can easily transition them to a contemporary look. Try adding Euro style stainless steel bar pulls and watch the transformation. It is a fantastic look and a very simply and inexpensive way to pull your kitchen out of the dark ages!

Raise A Glass:

The contrast between glass cabinet knobs and wooden cabinets has most seen a popularity boost of late. Handcrafted glass cabinetry is delicate and designer friendly – but it is also durable – which is why it is showing up in kitchens more and more often. The design choices with glass knobs is endless – from hand painted floral designs to intricately cut solid pieces – glass give you tons of choice.

Set A Trend:

The simplest kitchen update can be achieved by mixing modern shapes for upper cabinets with more traditional versions in a similar finish for the lower ones. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the cabinet box here! Try bin pulls matched with thin pulls

, try double knobs instead of a pull. Mix up the style, the finish and the shape of your cabinet knobs and see what a great result you can achieve!

Shimmer and Shine:

Show off your shimmy and shake by bringing some bling to your cabinets and furniture. Glitter infused glass knobs or sparkly gold lament cabinet knobs are perfect in bathrooms and on restored cabinets. The glitter and gold liven up warm wood tones and with a rich shine and really add some vibe to black furniture!

So be inspired, get motivated, take some design chances and spruce up your kitchen and bathroom with new cabinet hardware!

 

 

Inside Lifestyles of the Rich and Extravagant: Some of the most expensive home interiors

One of my favorite older(ish) shows was MTV Cribs. Most of the time I had no idea who the “celebrities” were that they were showcasing – but it was so interesting taking a peek inside their extravagant homes.The over-the-top home interiors, the “must haves” in the kitchen and bathroom were always so amazing. Things I had never heard of or considered in kitchen design seemed standard in most of the houses.
So, the voyeur in me decided to look at a half dozen things that are found in some of the most lavish homes in the world.

Home on the Range

Unfortunately it doesn’t cook for you, but with a price tag of $50,000 – you think it would. The range has both electric and gas ovens, two hot plates, four large brass burners and a stainless steel top. Customizing this baby is not a problem – you can opt for lava rock (I have no idea why), induction plate and even a teppanyaki grill (I assume that’s for Japanese cuisine). Is it me or do you think those that can afford this are likely not doing the family cooking?

Pimp My Fridge!

With 7000 Swarovski crystals embedded on its face – this fridge-freezer combo is sure to catch your attention. One of the most expensive refrigerators in the world at $15,800, this appliance not only cools and freezes – it sparkles! I wonder if milk tastes better when it has been crystal cooled?

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Okay, so this isn’t your mother’s kitchen faucet- in looks or in the price tag. The modern design of this faucet is supposed to mimic the free flow of water – while the price tag of over $45,000 is mind bending. Quick to defend the cost, the manufacturer points out that this is not just a faucet – it is a water system. There is an under the counter water filtration tank that directs hot and cold water from different pipes and other bells and whistles that make it one of the worlds most expensive faucets. Geesh, I didn’t know all that…the $45,000 makes perfect sense now!

Just A Little Something Something for the Broom Closet

Surely even the rich make messes – right? Well what better way to tidy up your expensive mess than with the worlds most expensive vacuum cleaner? You might be thinking…hey I vacuum, how much will this set me back? Well, how about $1,000,000? Yes, you are reading that correctly – six zeros. One Million. That’s in dollars. One million dollars for a vacuum cleaner. One and then six zeros – in dollars.

So with the price out of the way, lets review its features. The vacuum offers different modes of cleaning, a wide nozzle, an over-sized vacuum bag for larger messes and powerful motors for maximized airflow! Yup, this 24k gold plated vacuum is yours for the taking. Did I mention it is ONE MILLION DOLLARS?

What The???

Okay, lets play a game. What is this? A bug zapper? A kitchen appliance? A shelf? A device used in torture? Nope, nope, nope and nope! How about the worlds most expensive bed. Yup, that’s right – a bed. Looks cozy doesn’t it? Well this magnetic supported, tethered to the ground platform bed took seven years to design and comes with the whopping price tag of 1.6 million dollars! I’ll take one. Just a quick question – I am going to run to Target for the linens – will I need a king or queen set?

Water Sculpture

This hard to miss bathtub is touted as a bathtub and a water sculpture. The tub was actually carved from one chunk of rock that took almost three months to excavate from the Amazon rainforest – which I think is really cool. I just keep thinking that if I had this tub I would make my friends watch me bathe in my tub and I would discuss the $850,000 price tag of my fine crystal tub. I would tell them how I bought it and they don’t have one and they can never ever own one because mine is one of a kind. I would tell them how my  tub was excavated from the Amazon rainforest and their tub wasn’t and that my tub is the worlds most expensive tub. I would tell them that not only is my tub a tub, it is also a water sculpture in the center of my bathroom!

Okay….wait a second…..maybe I am not cut out for being rich. I might be a bit obnoxious!

Strange and Wonderful Bathroom Designs

We all use it. We all need it. They are everywhere. In our homes, in businesses, in every building and at every event we attend. We use it everyday – several times a day. We use it at other peoples homes, in restaurants and even (when desperate) in strange places. What is it that we rely on so much? Bathrooms!

As much as we use them and as many we have seen – we could all be considered renowned experts on bathroom design. Some vary in color, some vary in size and shape, some vary in inspiration – but lets face it…they are all pretty much the same. Toilet, shower (sometimes), bathtub (sometimes), sink and some accessories – like a towel rack or a dryer. Whether they are fancy or modest, bathrooms are all the same. Right? Right? we’ve seen it all….right?

Well check out these photos and see if you have ever used a bathroom quite like these!

Lady Leg Sink

Leggy Ladies:

I don’t know why, but somehow I think this was designed by a man!

These red bottoms will either make the hand washing experience difficult or pleasurable – depending on your perspective!

 

3-2-1-Liftoff!

Eyes playing tricks on you? This gadget filled “room” is actually a shower, steamer, tanner, dryer, and probably a full service restaurant – all in one little capsule. Is this is a glimpse into our future bathing habits? I for one hope so, as long as it doesn’t rocket into space mid-shower.

 

 

Geek Heaven:

This bathroom caters to the geek and gamer in all of us. Can’t get away from  Modern Warfare or Mine Craft marathon session? Oh ya and you haven’t showered in days? No problem! Just take your mad gaming skills into the bathroom with you! Something tells me this one was designed by an adolescent boy…possibly my son!

 

Exhibitionist Urinal:

This clever design is sure to catch a guy off guard and maybe even invoke some stage fright! Check out the expressions of the female models. Pay particular attention to where they are looking and what they doing! I wonder if one urinal is used more than the others?

Waterfall Wonder:

Ever wanted to shower uninhibited under a waterfall? Not a problem! You can do it everyday with this shower.  Designed with life-like digital tiles as the back drop, the walls of this shower are constantly on the move – or at least it will seem that way. The waterfall endlessly rushes towards you as you shower. I wonder if anyone turns the shower on cold just to get the true waterfall experience?

 

 

 

 

 

King of the Castle:

What we have here is a throne, I mean a toilet, I mean a throne. Well, looks like I am right either way. This is taking the king of my domain a bit far don’t ya think? But I suppose if you are the head of the castle you deserve the proper throne to conduct all your important business!

 

 

 

And finally…..

 

Ocean Relief:

Come on, admit it…you have accidentally (on purpose) used the Ocean as a bathroom – once or twice before – right? Well, if you are one of the very few who have not, you might want to visit this underwater toilet. This commode cost almost         $300, 000 to build and is surrounded by a functional oceanic aquarium. Go ahead, relieve yourself while sea turtles, sharks and fish keep you company – you know you’ve done it before!

 

 

 

 

Age-In-Place housing – Small changes make a big difference

As America’s Baby Boom population ages and have already faced empty nests, many of them are looking for age-in-place housing. What is that? Well, it is just what it describes –  a home or condo where a person can live comfortably in their active years and yet the amenities allow them to age in the home with ease.

Many of these 50 and 60 year old people are currently caring for elderly parents and are already seeing the barriers within a “regular” home that make daily living for the arthritis patient and the elderly very difficult. Beside considering one floor plans, security features and ease of mobility in the home, there are other small changes that can improve the quality of life for the elderly person and reduce the amount of help a caregiver needs to provide.
Whether you are trying to find that perfect age-in-place home or remodeling your current home, here are some iof the problems that exsist for the elderly and arthritis sufferers and the cost effective simple solutions.

DOOR KNOBS:

The Problem: Using a traditional round doorknob requires gripping tightly with your fingers and twisting your wrist. This is a painful and difficult task for someone who is suffering from arthritis or someone who is weakened by any other condition. Did you know that almost 50% of home bound elderly people have reported that they have opted not to leave a room in fear of the pain from moving?

The Solution: Lever door handles are operated by pushing down – rather than the grasp and twist method – and are therefore easier to open. As the demand for age-in-place homes grows – so too does the demand for lever door handles. As the popularity grows, consumers are finding there is a price point, a finish and style for everyone!

 

 
CABINET AND DRAWER KNOBS:

The Problem: Typical cabinet and drawer knobs require a pinching motion in order for you to grip and then wrist and elbow strength to pull the drawer or cupboard towards you. This motion can be very painful and in some cases – impossible.

The Solution: When considering new cabinet and drawer hardware look for “T” or “U” shaped handles. The design of these cabinet handles eliminates the pinching motion and allows for an easier pull on the cabinet door or drawer.

 

FAUCETS:

The Problem: The hot and cold water controls on sinks, showers and tubs are typically difficult for elderly and arthritis sufferers to handle without pain. Round handles on a faucet require wrist movement and gripping. Adjusting temperatures can be very difficult and painful.

The Solution: In contrast, lever faucets can be controlled by an open hand and easily adjusted by bumping the palm of the hand against the lever. When installing new faucets in your home don’t forget about the shower faucet as well. Many of the designs currently found in homes require twisting and gripping actions.

Faucet replacement throughout a house can be a daunting task and it is likely best to hire a handyman or plumber for the installation. The results of changing your bathroom faucets (and kitchen if needed) will vastly improve the independence of the age-in-place occupant.

Easing into the twilight of life can be drastically simplified if small home changes are made.

Interior Design Trends for Kitchens and Baths

Interior design styles change with the times.  Lets face it – the yellow and green appliances that dominated the seventies have long since gone out of fashion. As trends move from polished brass to black nickel and from light woods to dark woods – our internal interior designer might need a little jump start! Take a look at these designer trends for bathrooms and kitchens and see if your designer palate is tantalized.

Contemporary: The sleek simplicity of the modern style boasts clean lines and unfussy cabinet hardware. Oftentimes this kitchen design style complements a natural more earthy zen like decor that may be found in other parts of the house. The contemporary style is practical in function and lasting in popularity. The use of white paint, steel appliances dark or light cabinets and stainless steel accents is proving to be a timeless design style.

Romantic: A large contrast to the contemporary design – romantic is opulent and feminine. Full of antique furniture, ruffled drapery and floral patterns; the bathrooms and kitchens of the romantic style harkens a time of old. Typically these kitchens and baths boast white cabinets, feminine colored accents (such as rose or pink), opulent cabinet hardware, and chandeliers as light fixtures.

Casual Cottage: The easy going style of this design has one thing in mind – comfort. Perfect for families, the casual cottage style marries shabby chic, classic, casual,    environ-friendly and nautical to form this classic cape cod look – with a modern flair. The style enjoys whitewashed cabinets, stand alone bathroom vanities, light colored and textured fabrics and whimsical cabinet hardware. Accessorizing the casual cottage is easy – anything goes – from country to nautical to collectables to antiques.

A little bit for everyone, these emerging kitchen and bathroom design gives the interior designer in all of us a little boost!

Remodeling Trends: The Bathroom

With housing markets seeing their bleakest days in decades, some homeowners are opting to stay put and spruce up their existing abode. But where to start and what to remodel is the longing question. Traditionally the heart of the home – the kitchen – was the most popular remodeling choice. Yet, interesting trends in home remodeling shows that baths area are becoming a target for remodels.

In a recent Better Homes and Gardens survey, nearly one third of the 4000 Americans surveyed would like to remodel their bathrooms compared with only a quarter who want to remodel their kitchens.

Why the shift from kitchen to bath? It may be that as we have weathered the recession our tastes have changed and become more sensible and less grandiose. The lavish McMansions of yesteryear boasted enormous bathrooms with separate shower and expansive whirlpool tubs, plenty of fixtures and loads of space. These over-the-top baths seem to be a dying breed. The weathered and battered homeowner, having rode out the housing recession hurricane for the past four years, has come out the other end more savvy and perhaps a bit jaded. The trends and tastes of bath remodels seem to be geared towards the philosophy of less is more. Thus, homeowners are opting for more intimate spaces – focusing on efficiency, practicality, and cost.

Cost is often sited as the primary consideration when it comes to remodeling – on both ends. The cost of the remodel and value it may add to a home. Tackling a bath renovation can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you want. Having a classic, typical bathroom that can easily be updated by painting a wall, replacing the vanity knobs and updating accessories like towel bars, towels, and shelving – is a very inexpensive way to remodel a bath. Getting a longer payout of savings may mean more upfront cost. A recent survey by the American Institute of Architects showed that homeowners are deeply concerned about reducing utility costs. Replacing aging fixtures with water saving vanity or shower faucets and water efficient toilets cut utility prices and add greater value to the home. Some insurance companies and home warranty policies give financial credit for water saving fixtures and people are finding that bath renovations work toward paying for themselves in the long run.

Whether you plan on spending a little or lot, a bathroom renovation is a great way to up-fit your home, keep up with changing trends and makes for a sensible cost effective remodel.

Top Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2012

On Feburary 16th, 2012, more than 350 National Kitchen & Bath Association member designers took part in the 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey to cite the materials, product types, and styles that they’ve incorporated into their kitchen and bath designs over the final three months of 2011. Here is the summary of their findings:

BATHROOMS

Medicine Cabinets

The tried-and-true medicine cabinet had been swept aside in bathroom remodels over the past several years, replaced by decorative wall mirrors. However, as homeowners look for more efficient use of space, most designers are now turning toward medicine cabinets as an effective way to gain additional storage without having to increase the footprint of a room, attenuating the need for separate shelving, cabinetry, or other storage options. After being specified by 43% of NKBA member bathroom designers leading into 2010, medicine cabinets dropped to 36% last year. However, as we enter 2012, some 66% have recently incorporated a medicine cabinet into a bathroom remodel.

Photo courtesy of NuTone

KITCHENS

Cherry Wood in Decline

Cherry wood has consistently been the first or second most popular type of wood for cabinetry, jockeying for the top spot with maple each year. However, designers are slowly shifting away from it. While 80% of NKBA member kitchen designers had recently specified cherry cabinetry as 2010 approached, that figure dropped to 72% last year and fell again to 69% heading into 2012. No one other wood species is taking that market share on its own, as even maple dropped in popularity this year, falling from 77% last year to 70% now. Instead, a number of lesser-used woods are being specified more often, including oak, which is specified by twice as many designers now (22%) versus two years ago (11%); walnut, which has increased from 3% in 2010 to 9% in 2011 to 13% today; birch, which is now specified by three times as many kitchen designers as it was a year ago (15% vs. 5%), and bamboo, which has doubled from 5% last year to 10% now. While alder is currently specified by 27% of kitchen designers, that figure is down from 30% last year and from 40% two years ago.

Photo courtesy of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.

Darker Finishes

Round Cabinet Knob Distressed Antique Nickel

Natural kitchen cabinetry continues a steady move toward darker finishes. While light natural finishes have been recently specified by 30% of kitchen designers, medium natural finishes stand at 55%, with dark natural finishes at 58%. Two years ago, dark natural finishes were specified by only 43% of designers. Among painted cabinetry, white continues to be the most popular option, as white cabinets have been recently specified by 59% of NKBA member kitchen designers, while other colors were specified by only 38% of designers. Another trend to note is that distressed finishes are making a comeback. After being recently specified by 15% of designers going into 2010, that figure dropped to just 5% last year, but has now risen to 22%.

Photo courtesy of doorcorner.com

Glass Backsplashes

Although glass remains a niche material for kitchen countertops, it’s been recently used by more than half of kitchen designers as a backsplash material, rising from 41% a year ago to 52% now. This trails only natural stone tile at 60% and ceramic tile (including porcelain), which has been specified of late by some 74% of designers. Even at that high rate, ceramic tile backsplashes are on the decline, as they stood at 78% a year ago and 88% two years ago. Other popular backsplash materials are granite at 30% and quartz at 20%. The popularity of these materials as backsplashes is due to their high use as countertop materials. Finishing off a granite or quartz countertop with a matching backsplash is quite common; however, the same doesn’t hold true for solid surfaces. While these materials are very popular for countertops (see Solid Surfaces below), they’re seldom used for backsplashes, as they’re specified by just 11% of designers.

Photo courtesy of ThinkGlass

LED Lighting

Gama Sonic GS-94F Victorian Solar Lamp Post

Energy-efficiency is clearly not a fad, but a real trend that can be seen taking hold in homes across the United States and Canada. Despite the higher initial cost, light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting is proof of this trend. Specified by 50% of NKBA member kitchen designers entering 2010, that rate increased to 54% the following year and has jumped over the past year to 70%. However, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) aren’t sharing in this trend. Although they use roughly a quarter the energy of an incandescent bulb when producing the same amount of light, measured in lumens, the poor color of the light they produce and the presence of mercury in these bulbs are keeping them out of newly remodeled kitchens, falling from 36% last year to 26% today. Older incandescent bulbs stand at just 42%, a figure we expect to fall next year due in part to the U.S. ban on newly produced 100-watt incandescent bulbs that went into effect on January 1. A ban on 75-watt incandescent bulbs will go into effect on January 1, 2013, followed by 60- and 40-watt incandescent bulbs on January 1, 2014.

Photo courtesy of doorcorner.com

Pull-Out Faucets

Bulb Head 42-5678 Satin Nickel Kitchen Faucet w/ Sprayer

Pull-out kitchen faucets have become established as the dominant type of kitchen faucet. Designers are increasingly eschewing the standard faucet with a detached side spray in favor of pull-out models that integrate the two functions into a single unit. Viewing the large number of new pull-out faucet models at the NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, it’s clear these units can be seamlessly incorporated into almost any kitchen design style. While standard kitchen faucets were specified by just under half of designers as 2010 approached, barely more than a third of designers have recently specified them. Meanwhile, the use of pull-out faucets has increased from 88% to 91% to 93%. In other words, 14 of out every 15 designers who designed a kitchen over the final three months of 2011 incorporated a pull-out faucet. These versatile models might also be mitigating the need for pot-filler faucets, which have been recently specified by just 28% of designers, down from 41% two years ago.

Photo courtesy of doorcorner.com

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Transitional Over Traditional

For the first time since the NKBA began tracking annual design trends, traditional is no longer the most popular type of design. In both the kitchen and the bathroom, transitional is now the most common style. While the traditional style has consistently been used by roughly three quarters of NKBA member designers in both the kitchen and the bath, that figure fell to 58% in kitchens and 59% in bathrooms this year. These figures come in just below the transitional style, which is a blend of traditional and contemporary, typified by lines that are simpler than traditional, but a bit more elaborate than contemporary in order to create a modern classic look. Contemporary is the next most common style, up 5% to 52% in kitchens and up 10% to 53% in bathrooms from a year ago. Shaker, arts & crafts, and cottage remain the next most frequently used styles.

Photo courtesy of KraftMaid

Solid Surfaces

A year ago, the use of solid surfaces was a key trend in the kitchen; this year, it’s an even stronger trend, and one that impacts both the kitchen and the bathroom. In the NKBA’s 2011 Design Trends Survey, the use of solid surfaces in the kitchen jumped from 11% to 26% from the year earlier. This year, that number has increased again, as solid surfaces have been specified recently by 30% of designers for use in kitchens. At the same time, while granite and quartz continue to be the clear #1 and #2 choices, their popularity has waned just slightly, with granite falling from 91% to 87% and quartz declining just a bit from 71% to 69%. The same pattern holds true in newly remodeled bathrooms, as solid surfaces have over the past year risen from 26% to 34%, as granite has fallen from 84% to 71%. Quartz’s popularity has dipped over that time from 56% to 53%. Marble is currently the third most popular vanity top material at 41%, up 3% from a year ago. Also notable is the use of glass vanity tops, which has more than doubled over the past two years, from 5% heading into 2010 to 11% today.

Photo courtesy of Cosentino

Shades of Gray

Century 27429-APGY Zinc Die Cast, T-Knob

When artfully incorporated into a space, gray color schemes can allow for very attractive, distinguished looks without overpowering a design—the key reason why gray is now used as the backdrop for the NKBA logo. In kitchens, gray was used as the overall color scheme by only 9% of designers as we moved into 2010, but that figure nearly doubled (to 17%) last year and then nearly doubled again (to 33%) this year. Over that time, the use of gray color schemes has risen just as dramatically from 12% to 21% to 40% in bathroom remodels. Whites and off-whites continue to be the most popular color schemes in the kitchen and bathroom, followed by beiges and bones. Brown is the third most popular color in kitchens and the fourth most popular in bathrooms, just behind gray. In the kitchen, bronzes/terracottas have risen over the past two years from 20% to 25% to 31%, while greens have increased from 18% two years ago to 32% today. Green was the color trend in bathrooms last year, being specified by 25% of designers, and its use has remained exactly the same this year. Blue has emerged as the fifth most popular color in bathrooms, rising from 23% to 30%.

Photo courtesy of doorcorner.com

Polished Chrome is Back

Century 28286-14 Cabinet Pull, Polished Nickel

Supplanted by brushed metal finishes in the past, polished chrome is staging a comeback. After being specified by 34% of designers in kitchens last year, polished chrome has recently been specified by 52% of NKBA member designers in kitchens today. In the bathroom, polished chrome use has increased from 46% to 65% over the past year. At the same time, polished nickel is up from 17% to 25% in kitchens and from 28% to 32% in bathrooms over the past year. The increased use of polished finishes is clearly coming at the expense of brushed finishes. Over the past two years, brushed nickel is down from 62% to 46% in kitchens and from 66% to 46% in bathrooms. Brushed chrome is down from 20% to 17% over the past year in kitchens, but has increased from 11% to 18% in bathrooms. Meanwhile, over the past year, satin nickel—which lies between a polished and a brushed finish—is down from 64% to 56% in the kitchen and from 57% to 52% in the bathroom. Only stainless steel has managed to clearly buck the trend away from brushed finishes, as it rose slightly from 46% to 50% in the kitchen and increased significantly from 16% to 28% in the bathroom. Bronze finishes continue to be popular, but dipped a bit from a year ago, falling from 49% to 41% in kitchens, while their use remained flat at 41% in bathrooms.

Photo courtesy of doorcorner.com

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and order the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).