Hot Trends for Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades

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Hot Trends for Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades

These ideas were discussed in the original article. Use them as design options rather than evidence of what homeowners are choosing now.

If you are considering your own bathroom or kitchen upgrades, you should know the trends to get some idea of the direction you should be taking. After all, it is a significant investment of time and money. You want to make sure you get the most out of it.

Eco-friendly

The environment protection movement is a thing in kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Many homeowners, and homebuyers for that matter, want to make sure any improvements to the home are not detrimental to the environment. Every little bit count, and you can do your part by choosing materials and appliances for your upgrades that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. Before making a purchase, check if the material or appliance is truly eco-friendly by checking the labels for the appropriate seal of approval by a reputable certifying body such as Energy Star or Cradle to Cradle.

Reclaimed wood for floors

In line with the eco-friendly trend, reclaimed wood is increasingly becoming popular as an option for floor material. This is good news if you are a fan of hardwood, as reclaimed wood can be as hardwood as well. You can indulge your personal tastes and still contribute your mite to protecting the environment. If wood is not to your taste, other materials such as natural stone is also forming a part of the reclaimed material world. You may even save quite a bit of money by going for reclaimed materials. Here are some smart tips for using reclaimed materials for your upgrades.

Engineered quartz countertops

Engineered quartz has become a popular countertop choice alongside granite, and since there is little to choose between the two materials, that is not surprising. You can choose engineered quartz for your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity if you prefer a more consistent look or granite if you prefer the unexpected. You can’t lose either way. Also you might consider concrete countertops, which is also trending well, if you don’t mind paying a bit more for it and dealing with maintenance issues.

The metal look for refrigerators

Most people give little thought to refrigerator finishes. As it is easy enough to find one in almost any look. However, you should know that the sleek, metal look is trending. So, you may want to consider that choosing a style for your kitchen upgrade that will go well with your refrigerator. Designing around your refrigerator may sound like a strange thing. But it may pay dividends. While a metal-finished refrigerator is both versatile and sophisticated, it will probably look best in a modern style of kitchen. You might also want to think about the next trend before finalizing your design.

Stainless steel for cabinets

Stainless-steel cabinetry is a design option for a contemporary room. Compare the entire product, including finishes, hinges and internal components, and follow its cleaning and heat-exposure instructions rather than assuming it is immune to damage.

Induction cooking

The modern homeowner must consider many factors when upgrading their kitchen. One of this is safety, especially as most people spend a lot of time away from the home. A gas cooker may be the practical choice as natural gas costs so little. However, it is also worrisome since gas leaks and accidental fires are a real concern. The author of many stressful moments at work spent wondering if the pilot gas went out or somebody left a gas burner on.

Check the selected induction cooktop’s manual for pan-detection, shutoff and child-lock features; these vary by model. Induction heats compatible cookware directly, but the glass can remain hot from the pan. The Department of Energy’s induction overview explains the technology. Related: Department of Energy overview of induction cooking; EPA indoor air quality resources.

Table kitchen island

Some people might think it is a joke to plunk down a regular table and call it an island. But it is an actual trend with many homeowners. Old-timers would call it a kitchen table, which is what it was called back in the day. But the term “kitchen island” also works.

A reused table is an option to compare for the room’s layout and intended tasks. Before adding a stone top, have a fabricator or contractor assess the table’s condition, support, weight, attachment and stability. Check circulation and storage needs rather than assuming any salvaged table is suitable.

It goes best with the rustic or ranch style of kitchen. It may look a bit out of place in a modern kitchen unless you put granite or engineered quartz stone on top of it. If you still find a table as a kitchen island idea a bit strange, or you need the storage, you can choose to build a full island with a cook top, which is a close second in this tending category.

Conclusion

Kitchen and bathroom trends tend to come and go. So, the ones above should serve merely as a source of inspiration. Consult your personal preferences and a reliable contractor to come up with a kitchen or bathroom upgrade that will work for your specific needs. GBC Kitchen and Bath provides free in-home estimate for your trending kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

Discuss your kitchen or bathroom remodeling plans with GBC Kitchen and Bath. Ask for a free estimate and review the proposed scope, product selections and schedule before work begins.

Contact our team or visit a showroom to discuss the layout and materials for your project. An estimate should identify the work included and any decisions still needed.

GBC offers a three-year workmanship warranty. Ask about the written coverage applicable to the proposed work and the separate manufacturer terms for selected products.