Kitchen and Bath Trends

“A recent study by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) in North Carolina found that even when buyers are down-sizing their homes, only 15% would be willing to accept a smaller kitchen, and just 13% a smaller bath. Nearly half (46%) would sacrifice the family room or living room for that kitchen and bath space.” writes Charles Wardell in The Journal of Light Construction.

Kitchens and bathrooms remain the hot topics when discussing home remodeling. Whether you are on the market for more or less space, trends and demand still lend true. Homeowners no longer want their kitchen looking like their neighbors, so customization to fit your particular needs is the primary focus when updating. In this article we are going to lay out the top trends to help you in your next remodeling project.

Storage! Additional space is at the top of the “need” list for most homeowners. Kitchen islands serve the purpose of providing additional storage space, while being completely customizable. It can make a personal statement to your style and thus become the focal point of your room. An island can have varying countertop heights, different color and style of cabinetry than your existing stock cabinets, and be designed to provide family gathering space. Other areas high on the list for storage needs are your pantry and bathrooms. Many homeowners are replacing pedestal sinks with those providing additional storage.

Surfaces! Even if new cabinetry is not in the budget, new countertops are another area that you can still include in your remodel to customize and show off your true style. Though laminates still make up roughly 50% of the residential market in entry-level homes, other materials are making their way into the more upscale remodels such as natural stone, solid surfaces like granite, tile, cast products like concrete-based and miscellaneous materials like stainless steel, glass and wood. Experimenting with mixing products is becoming popular as well. When planning your next kitchen remodel, consider granite or stone for your countertops with your island being topped with a butcher block!

Fixtures! Fixtures and convenience tend to go hand in hand. Companies such as Moen, Kohler, Delta and others have done an amazing job providing top of the line fixtures to make your life easier. Hands-free faucets for sinks and showers, hands-free flushing for your toilet, water saving plumbing necessities, and music galore are only a few examples. The biggest trend in fixtures is the addition of music and manufacturers have added its capabilities everywhere you can imagine from tubs that project sound to shower heads and medicine cabinets. You can now program your water temperature to your liking and even add steam to your shower. Tubs around the world are being traded for space to create the perfect walk-in shower experience. Walk-in showers can provide additional storage, seating space and better accessibility for those that have a hard time entering a typical tub layout. These market trends are turning your basic bathroom into a luxury day at the spa!

Appliances! As you are aware the appliance and electronics market is ever changing. Homeowners don’t just want the last technology; they want the functionality to be useful in their everyday lives. There are three hot trends right now. One is adding a coffee station. People do not have time to always stop in at their local barista for their specialized cup of joe. Double ovens are receiving the largest demand from homeowners that are remodeling, as well as appliances with “silent” modes such as hoods and dishwashers. “Is it quiet?” is a popular question being asked. You assume appliances are already designed to do their particular function well, so the focus has shifted to noise level features.

If you are ready to start talking kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Phoenix, then your first call should be to TWD. Their experienced staff will work with you to design a remodel that will fit within your budget and needs. They have built their reputation for outstanding customer service one customer at a time since 1996. By calling (623) 544-1211 you can schedule your free consultation and be on your way to falling in love with your home again!