Top 3 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends in Honor of National Kitchen and Bath Monthd

Top 3 Kitchen Trends

High-Performance Countertops

When designing a home, the kitchen countertop selection is always a major point of discussion. Over the last few years, there has been a significant shift in homeowners preferring quartz countertops over granite. While it looks like a natural stone, engineered quartz is extremely durable for everyday living and non-porous to prevent stains. Another perk of using quartz instead of granite is that you will never need to have your countertops resealed. Light and neutral colors for countertops remain popular choices.

“At the Riverside Homes Design Center, we have a great selection of quartz from different manufacturers. This allows us to provide customers quartz countertops they really love,” expressed Ginger Wallace, Riverside Homes Design Center Manager.

Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets

Another big kitchen trend? Two-tone, contrasting finishes – specifically design that features one color for top cabinets and a second for bottom cabinets. With combinations of bright colors or a mix of neutrals, this cool contrasting trend is certainly pleasing to the eye and gives a kitchen a more refined look. Kitchen islands are the perfect place to incorporate this second color.

Mixed Metals

A great way to make a statement in your kitchen is by mixing metals. The days of using one metal finish throughout a home are over. When done correctly, mixing metals can create a timeless but unique look. Hardware, plumbing fixtures, and lighting all provide beautiful opportunities to mix metals. Although the combinations are endless, some great combinations are matte black and gold, polished nickel and gold, and matte black and chrome. In order to effortlessly mix metals in your kitchen, first choose the dominant metal that you want to focus on, and then work around it. Focus on your “installed” hardware items like faucets first and hold off on choosing the metals for your mirrors and drawer handles/pulls later as they are easier to change down the line. A good rule of thumb when mixing metal is to only mix three metals at the most.

“Our homeowners are being more adventurous with plumbing color metal selections such as matte black and champagne bronze,” shared Wallace.

Top 3 Bathroom Trends

Wow with Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback. And we are not talking about your Grandmother’s wallpaper! A powder bath is the perfect room in your new home to add wallpaper to instantly inject your personal style. Big, bold prints work well in a small space to blur the lines of the edges of the room. Many wallpapers are even peel and stick to allow extra time to make adjustments which can be helpful while matching a pattern or getting a seam straight. When designing a powder bathroom, remember to consider wallpaper for a stylish and affordable way to add print, color and pattern.

Big Bathtubs and Open Showers

It’s no surprise that Americans love a spa-like bathroom experience. And now more than ever, homeowners are looking for contemporary bathroom designs that allow them to relax and forget they are in their own home in Jacksonville, FL. Luxurious touches like walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs are essential for creating spacious, open bathroom designs. In addition to providing a zen-like atmosphere, freestanding bathtubs continue to be on the rise for their ability to elevate a space by adding an eye-catching architectural element. Freestanding bathtubs increase the value of your home and retain their value over time. Walk-in shower designs that feature large-format tiles, built-in benches and linear drains are becoming increasingly popular.

Patterned Tiles

Want to add a pop of color or design interest to your bathroom? Patterned tiles can do just that! As more homeowners are taking risks in the kitchen with unique, colorful tiles, the same trend can be seen in bathroom designs. Tiles are no longer limited to just shower walls in a bathroom. This design trend is coming to life on bathroom floors, backsplashes and even the ceiling. From hexagon and diamond to scallop and arabesque patterns, there seems to be an endless variety of colors and shapes to choose from. Go ahead and take the risk to liven up your bathroom.