Chances are, you know somebody who is planning a bathroom or kitchen upgrade. A HomeAdvisor survey shows that almost half of US homeowners are doing so in the next year.
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 finally overtook granite in 2018 as the top choice of homeowners for countertops. Since there is very little to choose between the two materials, this 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
Most people associate stainless steel cabinets with industrial kitchens and school lockers, but it is something that is gaining some serious traction with designers and homeowners. While it does not have the classic look and versatility of wood cabinets, stainless steel cabinets can make quite a statement in contemporary bathrooms and kitchens. They are also a lot more durable than wood cabinets, impervious to both water and heat damage. However, stainless steel cabinets are much pricier than wood cabinets, and they are much heavier as well. If you are feeling doubts about stainless steel, you might feel more comfortable with maple, birch, or walnut, which are also still trending.
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.
Many homeowners are turning to induction cook tops in lieu of gas burners when remodeling their kitchens. Induction cookers usually go right into countertops. So, they are space savers. They also eliminate worry, as they automatically shut down when there is no contact with an induction-ready pot or pan for a few seconds. Curious little fingers and clumsy ones are also safe from burning as induction cook top surfaces always remain cool to the touch. They are easy to clean, and most have child safety locks as well.
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.
Of course, a table as a kitchen island makes a lot of sense from a budget and portability perspective. You can simply put in any old table from the attic or salvage yard. You do have to give up storage space. Because this will not have any.
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 design consultation and cost estimates for your trending kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
GBC Kitchen and Bath is just the company you need for any remodeling project. We sell only the best products from the top manufacturers and suppliers in the country and have a proven track record in completing bathroom renovations on time and on budget.
When you contact us for your planned upgrade or remodel project, no matter how small, the first thing we will do is give you a free design consultation and quote. So, you are already ahead without spending a dime. We can promise the best customer service, expert fabrication and installation, and speedy execution of any project so that you stay on budget and the project stays on deadline. You will never get that from big box stores.
We guarantee the quality of our products, and you can see it for yourself in our showrooms in Rockville Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia. Also we service the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas, specifically Alexandria, Arlington, Washington, Tyson, Vienna, Falls Church, Fairfax, Springfield, Burke, Bethesda, and Rockville,
Contact us today to get a free quote for your kitchen and bathroom upgrade and remodeling needs.
