Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: kitchen design

Unique Kitchen and Bath Design Trends for 2018

Style changes over time. For example, in the 1970s, laminate countertops and dark wooden cabinets prevailed in the kitchen, while in the 1980s and well into the 1990s, super-saturated primary colors were found even in the bathroom. Are you up for a home improvement project? Let us tell you about some of the unique kitchen and bath design trends for 2018.

Smart technology

Move over, George Jetson! Over the last few years, home technology has quickly advanced. A smart kitchen doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive. Kitchen faucets can be equipped with motion sensors that allow them to come on automatically. Lighting can be controlled by your smartphone. And coffee makers can be programmed to brew a cup of coffee without you ever pressing a button.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, fans can be installed that run when they sense a certain level of humidity. For the ultimate in relaxation, waterproof televisions can be installed so you can catch your favorite show while taking a bath. It’s even possible to install a toilet that cleans itself, albeit with a high price tag. These toilets come equipped with a toilet-cleaning robot.

Hardwood and alternative flooring

Over the last few years, do-it-yourself aficionados popularized the look of reclaimed hardwood flooring,.a trend that isn’t going out of style in 2018. In fact, it’s more popular than ever. Look for wooden flooring in old homes and barns, and work with a flooring expert to install it in your home.

Other flooring options that are becoming popular are bamboo and cork. Both materials are eco-friendly, work well in either a kitchen or bathroom and, if properly cared for, can last for decades.

Dark colors make a comeback

If 2017 was the year of white-on-white, 2018 is the year of variety. White is still a popular option, but greys are also a great choice. Surprisingly, adding bursts of color have returned full-circle from the 1980s. Rather than primary colors, the ones that have made their way back are now softly muted. Look for dark ruby red, emerald green and deep peacock blue. If you decide to redesign with color, make sure it won’t take over the room. In small rooms, color should be used as an accent. In large kitchens or bathrooms, feel free to experiment.

July 16, 2018
10 Quick Kitchen Storage Updates

Your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s not just the room where meals are prepared, and as such, it deserves some fresh design ideas. Great kitchens also have the potential to bring more value to your property if you decide to sell in the future. A great way to start is by enhancing your kitchen storage capabilities and layout visibility for ease of use!

Here are the best kitchen storage options that can instantly bring value, appeal, and practicality into the space, regardless of how small the dimensions and budget may be.

Install Pull-Out Shelves

A kitchen update that has taken the interior design industry by storm is pull-out shelves, placed inside your cabinets, so you don’t always have to reach far inside for materials. This little addition to your cabinets can even be done without a contractor if need be. With one little tug, you’ll be able to reach all the items in your cabinets. Talk about smart storage!

August 29, 2016
Tips to Reinvent Your Kitchen on a Budget

The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points in a home, often the biggest, and an outdated one has the power to turn off potential buyers. Everyone can agree that a newly renovated room is a great selling factor – and that’s even truer when that room is the kitchen. While kitchen renovations are often associated with a high price tag, with these tips, you can reinvent your kitchen on any budget, no matter how tight it may be.

1. Find the perfect flooring

Floors are the largest surface in a home, and as such, have the power to make a massive impression on everyone who enters. If your kitchen floors look old, torn and worn, it’s time to do something about them, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Replace old vinyl tiles with newer ones and re-stain worn-out wood floors. You may also want to consider cheaper alternatives to your favorite flooring options, such as brick flooring, which is fairly affordable and emits a sense of warmth that comes from the rich red and brown hues.

April 18, 2016
How to Select a Backsplash for Your Kitchen
The kitchen is believed to be the heart of the home, and one one area that the entire family gathers to make delicious and hearty memories regularly. It’s also a huge selling point if you’re looking to put your house on the market in the future. A kitchen’s backsplash is like its jewelry, adding a touch of sparkle and flair. It can also help bring your kitchen décor together while making the room easier to clean, which is always a bonus.

To determine what backsplash is best for your kitchen, you must first know the options – and there are a lot. Here are some things to consider:

1. Consider the Material

When selecting a backsplash for your kitchen, the first thing you need to consider is the material. You have an abundance of options to choose from, as tiles can come in cement, mosaic, pattern, laser cut, subway – and the list goes on. A few of our favorites are:
- Mirror backsplash: Incorporating a mirror backsplash into your kitchen is an excellent and flawless way to lighten up the room, and can even make the smallest of kitchens look significantly larger.
- Ceramic backsplash: Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used ones for backsplashes and come in a wide range of colors and designs that can be perfect for adding some personality into your interior.
- Glass backsplash: Glass backsplashes are a new trend that add a bit of sparkle and shine into your kitchen. As a bonus, they’re super easy to clean!
- Mosaic tile backsplash: Mosaic tiles offer a unique, rich and attractive look.
These are just a few of the materials available to you when creating your backsplash; there are many more, so explore your options!
March 7, 2016