Every year The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) surveys their members of kitchen and bath designers across the United States and Canada. Their responses provide insight into design trends that will take hold in the kitchen and bath market in 2014. While broad trends won't be evident in every local market, the following are some overall trends for kitchens and baths. Contemporary Chall...

Gray Color Schemes Gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly over the past year. Used currently in 55% of kitchens and 56% of bathrooms, shades of gray are growing in appeal, creating chic, sophisticated spaces that many consumers desire. White Cabinetry This year, transitional-style kitchens and baths have clearly surpassed tr...

Do you know the difference between marble and granite? Unless you've specifically shopped for natural stone for your project, you may not know the answer. Both are beautiful, natural stones used for countertops, tiles & many other surfaces. But which should you choose for your project? Let's take a look. Both are quarried from the earth, but granite and marble (and marble’s relatives:...

Those who enjoy the design process will agree: choosing a backsplash can be the fun part. After you've finished all the big decisions in a kitchen renovation: layout, wood species & door style for cabinetry,  color & type of granite or countertop, it's time to really express yourself. The backsplash can be the focal point of your kitchen if you choose.  It can set the tone: an arabes...

Why hire a designer?  If you are like me, you like the challenge of a project big or small & hey, who doesn't like to save a bit of money?  That philosophy may work with other rooms where there is less focus on function and more focus on decor . However, the kitchen or bath is only as good as it's functionality.  It goes beyond choosing a style, color, & the materials. Only training & ...