SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
INDOOR
Mixed materials are making their way into kitchens and
bathrooms, thanks to a variety of new finishes available for
appliances, countertops and fixtures. What were once rooms
tucked away and never mentioned are now becoming gathering
places for entertaining and spa-like sanctuaries sought after
for relief from a long day. The kitchen and bathroom are really
feeling the love this season, with punch and pizazz being added
to personalize the spaces.
Bathroom
Bathrooms continue to gain importance as a space used for
relaxation and meditation. Bathroom sizes are larger than they
once were, bringing in more room for added features such as
soaker tubs and extended shower stalls. No room to expand the
bathroom walls? Opt for an illusion of space with large tile sizes
on the floor and practical storage solutions to make room for
your calming sanctuary.
• Brass is back: Have brass hardware from the ‘90s in your
bathroom? Don’t get rid of it just yet! With rose gold and
copper making their way into the hardware scene last year,
brass is also making a comeback. Chrome and satin are still
the frontrunners, but switch up the classics for a trendier look.
• Natural stone sinks: Granite is so 2016. Countertops are
now boasting durable quartz and hand-carved stone sinks.
Porcelain will always be a classic crowd favorite, but the trend
is moving toward the natural look and feel of stone.
• Patterned tiles: Ceramics are enhancing bathroom floors,
accent walls, and shower stalls with geometric designs and
wood-like patterns. These tiles are adding a decorative touch
to a room that doesn’t often get much decorating love.
Kitchen
Although homes are trending smaller, kitchens are getting
bigger and becoming the preferred gathering point for families.
Formal dining room walls are being blown out to create an
extension to the kitchen. These larger areas allow for more
creative freedom when choosing dining sets, appliances, and
countertops. Customization in this room of the house is key.
Love to cook? Add specific features that enhance your cooking
experience, such as pot-filler faucets above the stove or double
ovens for twice the cooking power. Not quite a chef? Create an
inviting space for guests to gather around with decorative pops
of color added by useful appliances that make cooking a breeze.
• Mix and match: Gone are the days of matching appliances. A
variety of companies are now offering new color lines of large
appliances to mix and match for a trendy look. Matte finishes
are an alternative to stainless steel, boasting a fingerprint-free
surface that provides a sleek look. Two-toned cabinets are also
sticking, bringing in similar hues while adding interest to the
space.
• Quartz and high-end laminate: Granite is making an exit
as the most popular countertop with a durable, fresh-looking
competitor taking its place in the ranking: quartz. Quartz
is harder than granite and not porous, making it nearly
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CANON-MAC
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SPRING 2018
33