Creating a Cooking Focused Kitchen Design

Do you enjoy cooking? While some homeowners aspire to have a clutter free kitchen, perfect for entertaining, others want a kitchen built for cooking and preparing food. Surprisingly, cooking from scratch only ranked #4 in homeowner interests, according to the 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.

Although not everyone may not enjoy cooking from scratch, we believe creating a kitchen with cooking in mind can be beneficial for any home.  Thus, here are our top tips and trends for a cooking kitchen for 2018. Whether you are a cooking connoisseur, or if you plan on cooking more frequently for economical reasons, we hope that you'll get some inspiration from this post.

Creating Cooking Zones

When creating a kitchen for cooking, it is important to create a good working layout. This includes creating wider walkways to allow room for guests to pass by and perfecting the appliance zones. These include the sink, range, and refrigerator areas. By perfecting these zones, it will allow for a more efficient work flow and more enjoyable cooking experience.

Sink Zone

While there are many sink styles available on the market, we recommend farmhouse style or prep sinks for cooking kitchens since they often have larger basins. Installing a prep sink is a great option since it can have space for cutting boards, strainers, racks, and other accessories on the side. Along with a great sink, this zone should also house the dishwasher. In some larger kitchens, a dual dishwasher might be useful.

Range Zone

As for ranges, gas is often the most common choice for gourmet style kitchens since it provides the most control and accuracy while cooking. Depending on the amount of cooking you plan on doing, as well as the number of people you plan to cook for, it could be beneficial to upgrade from a 4 burner to 6 burner range.

Additionally, ranges with oversized hoods are becoming a big trend in recent kitchen design. That is because they can be personalized to the homeowner's style; in a sense, they can serve as as a sculptural piece of art in the space.

The range zone would also house any ovens, warming drawers, and microwaves.

Refrigeration Zone

If you have the space, it could be a good idea to invest in two refrigerators. The second refrigerator's main purpose would be dependent upon the type of cooking you plan on doing. A second refrigerator could be a great addition for extra food, such as homemade soups and sauces, or for bulky items that take up a significant amount of room in the main refrigerator.  On the other hand, if you tend to cook while company is over, it could be beneficial to install a refrigerator for beverages. This allows guests to serve themselves without getting in the way of meal preparation.

Another placement to consider, that is often in this zone, is the trashcan. There is nothing worse than a guest having to reach around you to use the trashcan while you are preparing the meal. Two separate trashcans are ideal - one where guests may be walking by, and other in the prep/cooking area. However, this isn't feasible for many kitchens. If you kitchen layout doesn't support two trashcans, place the trashcan between the cooking area and walkway for guests to also access.

Materials and Finishes

As far as materials go, it is important to choose items that will withstand daily wear and tear. This is especially true for the countertop, which is why 42% of home renovators splurged on this item. While granite was the leading material choice for kitchen countertops for many years, only 34% of homeowners chose it for their remodels in 2017-2018.  In comparison, quartz was favored by 43% of home renovators during this time. Quartz is a great option for a cooking kitchen since it is durable and requires less upkeep than granite.

Interested in quartz? We covered the advantages and disadvantages of quartz in a previous blog, read it here.

As far as appliance finishes, silver stainless steel continues to lead in kitchen trends for 2018. However, some manufacturers are coming out with black stainless and matt-black appliances. These are great options since they minimize the appearance of finger prints that often appear on silver stainless appliances, which is a large concern for most homeowners.

While there are many design tips that you can implement to make your kitchen more "cooking friendly", there is no one right way to design your kitchen. After all, your kitchen should work for the way you prefer to cook and bake. If you have any questions about getting started on your kitchen design, feel free to contact us. We proudly offer free estimates!

Shower Door Design

Over recent years, the trend of creating a spa-bathroom has skyrocketed. Bathrooms have transformed from serving as a purely functional space into a space that homeowners enjoy and want to spend their time in. Thus, bathroom design has changed immensely, which includes everything from the layout, square footage, materials, fixtures, and more.

Up until now, one of the most popular shower configurations was the standard shower/tub combo since it promoted functionality and "did the job." Currently, the big trend in bathroom design is to either convert the shower/tub combo into a walk-in shower, or adding square footage into the bathroom for a separate shower and bathtub. (Feel free to check out this blog post on Creating an Efficient Shower Design For Your Bathroom Reno). Since separate shower spaces are rising in popularity, the design of the shower becomes a high priority in bathroom renovation planning. One design aspect of the shower to be considered is the shower door.

Shower Door Design

Previously, shower doors had a simple function to keep water off of the floor to prevent any water damage to the space. Now, shower doors are no longer an afterthought of the room; they can even be a focal point.

Since homeowners aren't confined to the standard shower/tub combinations (and standard shower doors), there is much more opportunity for creativity in the design of the shower door. With so many options to choose from when choosing a shower door, you might be wondering "what are some popular designs?" Well, let's take a look at a couple of the current trends in shower door designs.

Design Trends

The minimalist design trend has become popular for the home, including the bathroom (and shower door). A minimalist shower door typically has less (or nonexistent) hardware and framing.  This design tactic is perfect for intricate shower tile designs as this allows you to show off the shower design. It also makes the bathroom appear lighter and more open.

On the other hand, this is an increase in popularity in having the shower door as a strong focal point. This includes choosing bolder finishes such as dark bronze and warm brass for the door's hardware and framing.

Concerning the glass on the shower door, current style trends tend to favor clear glass. While the traditional frosted glass provides privacy, clear glass creates an open feel and can give the illusion of a larger space.

Choosing the Shower Door

When choosing a shower door, it is important to look at the types of doors offered. There are several types of shower doors to choose from, including sliding, pivoting, and hinged doors. Typically, sliding doors are good for shower/tub combos, while pivoting doors are a good choice for a narrow shower. Ultimately, the type of door you choose will be the one that suits your shower configuration and space the best.

Once the door type is chosen, the glass, hardware, and framing should be picked out. Choosing the right finishes on the shower door can help tie the shower design with the rest of the bathroom. If you have any questions on getting started with your bathroom remodel, feel free to reach out to us to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Creating an Efficient Shower Design For Your Bathroom Reno

More and more often, homeowners are choosing to forego their baths for an upgraded shower space. There are hundreds of possibilities when it comes to shower design; however, before designing your space, it is important to answer several questions, including:

• What time of day do you plan on showering?
• Are you hoping to make the shower a relaxing experience?
• Who will be using the shower? Adults? Children? Both?

To put it simply, the shower cannot be an afterthought in design.

Shower Design by Balducci Builders, Inc.

How to Personalize Your Shower

While there are endless ways to design a shower, the main components to keep in mind are 1) who will be using the shower?, and 2) what are their preferences?

If there are several people who use the shower, one way to accommodate everyone's personal preferences would be to incorporate a hand shower with a slide bar to allow for height adjustments for all family members.

Shower Design by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Want extra personalization? Another way to personalize the shower space is by adding in some (yes, you guessed it) smart technology. There are now smart shower systems available that can connect via iPhone or Android. It allows all users to fully customize anything from lighting, audio, and water consumption and be saved to each user's profile.

In-Home Spa

While bathrooms aren't necessarily growing in square footage size, the shower area is becoming larger. Because of this, a recent trend in shower design is to create a spa-like experience. This is executed by incorporating multiple shower heads and body sprays.

Shower Design by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Gaining recent popularity in bathroom design are wet rooms. According to Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, the formal definition of a wet room is “a bathroom in which the shower is open or set behind a single wall, its floor area being flush with the floor of the rest of the room and the water draining away through an outlet set into the floor.” Wet rooms convey a spa-like look because of their clean lines and minimal design. Here's a recent blog article on wet room designs.

Other ways to create a spa-like experience in the shower is by including some in-shower seating, or by adding in steam capabilities.

Shower Design for Aging in Place

Aging in place design continues to trend, and it looks like there's no slowing down. The bathroom, and the shower in particular, is an extremely important place to update in aging in place design due to the prevalence of possible injury.

Shower Design with Grab Bar by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

One way to incorporate aging in place design in the bathroom is by installing a low or no threshold shower. No threshold, or curb-less, shower designs are great for those using crutches or a walker. In addition, it can also allow an easier experience when bathing the kids or pets.

Grab bars are a necessity in aging in place design. Luckily, grab bars no longer have to be an eyesore thanks to new designs. There are grab bars on the market that can be disguised a shelf, a towel rack, or even a toilet paper holder.

Other aging in place design ideas include adding hand showers mounted on a slide bar and adding a shower seat that can be folded up when not in use.

Water Conservation

Another reason why showers are growing in popularity is because of their efficiency. Showers are more efficient than baths since they provide hot water longer for longer and are easier to clean up.

Additionally, showers use less water than baths as long as the shower is not running for more than 10 minutes. Luckily, many regions have water conservation regulations; thus, most shower heads that are installed today are low-flow show heads. In the end, showers can save you time and money on heating and water bills.

Trending Materials

A popular option in shower design is to use a glass shower enclosure. This not only keeps the bathroom from looking too dark, it also works to show off intricate tile designs. For larger bathrooms, you could even forego the shower door by adding in a curved tile wall or an L-shaped design.

Bathroom Design by Balducci Builders, Inc.

Currently, popular tile colors for shower areas are white and off-white designs since they offer a clean and contemporary look. Often, more color is incorporated through accent tiles and shower trays.

What about finishes?

Photo: Green Magazine

A recent trend in bathroom finishes are matte black fixtures. Matte black fixtures are perfect for those looking to make a statement in their bathroom design. The industrial/modern feel of the matte black blends with more traditional materials, such as the classic white subway tile.

Photo: Decor Pad

While gold was a huge hit a few years back, recently, rose gold and bronze have been gaining recent popularity. The hues of the rose gold and bronze add a warmer finish on more contemporary fixtures.

Overall, there is a lot to keep in mind when designing a shower, let alone an entire bathroom. Shower design, much like any other design, can be personalized down to the last detail. Thanks to more readily available technologies, the shower experience can be accommodated to any and all users. Additionally, shower design can be focused around aging in place design and easily accommodate multi-generational households.

Are you hoping to create a spa-like shower experience in your home? Feel free to call Balducci Additions and Remodeling to get started on your home's shower design.

Wet Rooms - The Newest Trend in Bathroom Design

Have you noticed the recent wet room design trend? Wet rooms as extremely stylish and can add a contemporary feel to your home. According to Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, the formal definition of a wet room is "a bathroom in which the shower is open or set behind a single wall, its floor area being flush with the floor of the rest of the room and the water draining away through an outlet set into the floor." Wet rooms can be created from both small and large bathrooms, downstairs bathrooms, or as part of a master suite.

Photo: HGTV.com

Perhaps, a couple of reasons why the wet room has been gaining recent popularity is due to the sought-after spa like bathroom experience. Wet rooms convey luxury with their clean lines and minimal design. They also allow the free standing tubs with the chance to steal the show.

While many wet rooms have recently been found in luxury and larger bathrooms, they previously started out in lower budget and institutional settings. Over recent years, free standing tubs have become a staple in bathroom design and can perfectly complement a wet room. Free standing tubs are often complemented by floor-mounted tub fillers. These might invite some extra splashes and spillage. While this could cause concern, wet rooms have been professionally waterproofed to avoid any possible leaks leading to water damage.

One of the main challenges associated with wet rooms is figuring out an efficient way to keep certain items dry, including towels and toilet paper. One way to keep water from going everywhere is to install a frameless shower screen placed in front or to the sides of the shower. This allows the room to still feel open, while being able to keep some key areas dry. Another way to keep your wet room dry is by adding under floor heating. Adding under floor heating to your wet room is highly recommended. Not only does it mean that you will have a nice, warm floor to stand on, any standing water from showering will evaporate much quicker.

Photo: Pinterest

When planning any wet room, it is imperative to choose non-porous and slip resistant water-friendly materials. A couple of suitable materials include ceramic and porcelain. Choosing slate, marble, and limestone may not be the best choice since they are porous and would require sealing every few months to prevent water damage.

*Bonus: Although it may be expensive, a great way to create a luxurious feeling is by installing the same materials throughout the floor and run it to the ceiling.

While wet rooms can be a beautiful addition to any home, having the shower and bathtub in the same space may be a personal preference and may affect resale. If you are considering a wet room, or a bathroom remodel, please consult with a trusted contractor first. Balducci Additions and Remodeling is a well-known contractor and has been serving the metro Richmond area for over 30 years. Please contact us to schedule a free estimate.

Concrete Countertops: Kitchen Design Trend

Concrete Countertops

Renovating your kitchen and deciding on a countertop material? Want to avoid the ever popular granite countertops? You may want to consider the latest trend in kitchen design: concrete countertops. Concrete countertops are perfect for those looking for a unique design element in their kitchen renovation design.

Concrete countertops are made from a general purpose mortar mix of three parts sand to one part cement. Every concrete countertop is made in a custom made cast, making it one of a kind. They are often precast in molds to be formed and cured under controlled conditions; however, some fabricators prefer to cast the countertop on the site.

Not sure if concrete countertops can compliment your kitchen's decor? Concrete countertops can perfectly accompany industrial, contemporary, and rustic style kitchens. Concrete can be warm and rustic, sleek and elegant, or very ornate. With the endless customizations, concrete countertops can be suited for almost any style.

Customized Countertops

The main attraction to concrete countertops is that it is completely customizable. Not only is the overall shape custom made, you can also incorporate custom colors and features to make the concrete countertop true to your personal taste.

Custom Colors

Concrete countertops can come in an unlimited variety of colors and have several options of ways to dye it. Colored concrete can be created by integral pigment, acid staining, or dye. Each process creates a completely different look and style, so it is important to speak with your installer and/or project manager to help determine which process is right for you. To keep concrete countertops from looking too sidewalk-like, many installers mix in different colors with the concrete. Others simply experiment with a combination of colors and can even create stunning designs.

Built-In Features

Just as it is easy to incorporate custom color designs in your concrete countertops, it is also easy to add built-ins, such as drainboards and trivets. Instead of choosing a sink from a manufacturer, a one of a kind sink can be set in place with intricate curves and angles added to the design, making it the "wow" factor of the room.

Photo: Concrete Exchange

Personal Momentos

Personal touches can be made by incorporating personal items such as seashells, broken china pieces, coins, or glass pieces, petrified wood, or mosaic inlays.

Maintenance of Concrete Countertops

In order to ensure full enjoyment of your concrete countertop, choosing a high quality sealer is essential. There are two main types of sealers: penetrating sealers and topical sealers. While there is no one perfect sealer, it is important to address your expectations of a sealer and discuss them with your installer or project manager.

Although concrete is rugged and durable, some scratching can occur. While scratching is possible for every concrete countertop, darker colors are more susceptible. Thus, it is important to steer clear of aggressive cleaners and to avoid too much scrubbing. This can eventually wear down the sealer.

While concrete countertops may be considered trendy, we don't expect them to go out of style in the near future since they are an overall neutral material. Not only is concrete becoming a popular countertop material, it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the kitchen and in the bathroom. Concrete is being used as floor tiles in the kitchen, and as a seamless vanity top in the bathroom. The possibilities are endless when it comes to concrete.

Laundry Room Renovation Design

While kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular home renovation projects, the laundry room is beginning to become a sought after renovation area. Long gone are the days of having the laundry room hidden from the rest of the home. Nowadays, laundry rooms are now integrated into home design, instead of being thrown into the floor plan as an afterthought.

Location Changes

Over the years, laundry rooms have gone through several transitions. First, they moved out of the basement and onto the main floor. Still, they were often neglected and placed in the mud room or garage. More recently, they have been making a move to the second floor, or close to the bedrooms. Oftentimes, laundry rooms will be located nearest the master bedroom, or even part of the master closet. The biggest advantage in having the laundry room near the bedrooms, or as part of the closet, is because it is near where most of the dirty clothes, sheets, blankets, and other items are generated.

While laundry rooms were once an afterthought in design, many homeowners are striving to make the laundry room (and process) more enjoyable. This is often accomplished by making the laundry room more stylish and functional, and with better storage.

Laundry Room with Several Uses

Surprisingly, laundry rooms can be turned into the perfect multi-purpose room for anything from crafts, to an office space. Having a laundry room serve as a multi-purpose room is the perfect way to add a little bit of extra space that your family needs. Some homeowners might have their laundry room located right off of the kitchen area. The laundry room can then serve as a place to store overflow pantry items, or even a a wine fridge.

Photo: HGTV

Designing the Room

When designing a laundry room, it is important to create a functional design by placing certain elements near or adjacent each other. These items include the appliances, supplies, hamper, and work surface.

Appliances. Having the washer and dryer placed side by side makes it easier to transfer wet clothes without creating a mess.

Supplies. Having the laundry detergent and fabric softener in an easy to reach place will make the process that much more enjoyable. We recommend storing detergents, stain removers, and any other related items in a bin or basket, or on an easy to reach shelf.

Hamper. A great to maximize the efficiency of the laundry area is to add in a place for the laundry hamper. This can include a pull out cabinet solution, large shelves, or an open niche.

Work Surface. Having a counter or table top space is perfect for sorting, spot treating, or making any repairs to your garments.

Some other things to include in the laundry room can include drying racks, an ironing board, and a steamer.

Photo: Pinterest

Choosing the Materials

Choosing finishes and materials for the laundry room can be tricky. Since laundry rooms experience frequent spills and sprays, it is best to choose materials that are durable versus materials that are ultra luxurious. Some great options for floors are low cost linoleum, cork, or vinyl. Having wood floors in the laundry room may not be the best choice due to the likelihood of moisture in the room. As far as countertops go, it is important to choose something that is low maintenance. While natural stones, such as marble, are beautiful and timeless, they are porous and prone to stains. For a laundry room, it is best to stick with laminate or an engineered stone, such a quartz.

Overall, renovating your laundry room will add value to your home in more ways than one. If you are interested in a home renovation project, please call Balducci Additions and Remodeling for a free estimate!

Bathroom Renovation Trend: Floating Vanities

Bathroom renovations are great investments to the home because they can increase your home value, update fixtures and storage, and create a space that is aesthetically pleasing. The recent trend in bathroom renovations is to create a spa-like bathroom experience. This is often achieved through incorporating clean lines, luxury finishes, and a muted color palette. One way to add a more spa-like feel into the bathroom is by incorporating a floating vanity. Floating vanities are one of the newest trends in bathroom renovation design. Not only are they ultra chic, floating vanities can even make the bulkiest of cabinets looks streamlined and minimalistic. Another advantage with floating vanities, also referred to as wall-mounted vanities, is that they help to make any bathroom appear larger. This is because the flooring is able to extend all the way to the wall without being interrupted.

Photo: Elements of Style Blog

Wall-mounted vanities are a great option since they can be installed at various heights. Recently, one trend that we are seeing more and more is comfort height vanities. Comfort height vanities reach 36 inches, compared to the standard 30 to 32 inches. Why? On average, people are much taller now than they were 100 years ago. Installing a vanity at comfort height means less hunching over the sink.

In addition to increased comfort, floating vanities can also be installed in accordance with accessible design and/or ADA requirements. While floating vanities may look ultra-modern, they can surprisingly be incorporated well when performing a bathroom renovation that will work for aging in place.

Photo: L.EvansDesignGroup,inc via Houzz

Since floating vanities allow for the floor to extend to the wall, this then creates an opening under the cabinets. Having the floor open under the cabinets allows for easy cleaning, as opposed to "standard" cabinets that tend to collect dust bunnies underneath. Not only does this area allow for easier cleaning, it also allows for new decorating possibilities under the wall-mounted cabinet. Some ideas include adding baskets, bins, and other small pieces of storage that can be easily moved around for cleaning purposes.

In addition to storage and other decorating possibilities under the cabinet, lighting is also a must. We recommend adding strip or spot lighting below the cabinet. This helps to add a luxurious feel to the room, in addition to added safety.

MAK Remodeling Services

Floating vanities are a great option for any bathroom. They can help to keep a bathroom from looking too cluttered with its clean, minimal lines and open area underneath. Wall-mounted vanities are extremely versatile. Not only can they be installed at nearly any height, the can be a great option for multi-generational families. For example, floating vanities can be used by those with mobility problems since a wheelchair can be rolled under the vanity. Additionally, a step stool for younger children can be placed under the vanity and pulled out when needed.

If you are considering a bathroom renovation, installing a floating vanity can be a great choice. Feel free to contact Balducci Additions and Remodeling for more information about floating vanities, or if you have any questions about your own bathroom renovation ideas!

2017 Kitchen Renovation Design Trends

An estimated one-third of home owners report that they lead a healthier lifestyle after completing a kitchen renovation. While this may or may not be true, there is no denying that a kitchen renovation can add some major value to your home. Here are some kitchen renovation design trends for 2017:

Matte Kitchen Appliances and Finishes

Black stainless steel has been a huge hit in 2017 for several manufacturers. The new finish looks elegant with a touch of warmth. While black stainless steel has made its mark on the high end market, we expect it to become the next biggest trend for kitchen renovations. Not only does black stainless steel look aesthetically pleasing and trendy, it also disguises finger prints much better than traditional stainless steel. In addition to appliances, some manufactures are coming out with other materials in a matte look, including faucets and even matte "velvet" countertops. Black stainless steel and matte finishes are perfect for those who are looking for a change of pace among the glitzy stainless steel and granite countertop design world.

Photo: Pinterest

Smart Appliances

It should come as no surprise that technology is a huge home trend that is only expected to rise. Our tablets, smartphones, and apps connect us to the world around us and to our home. As technology advances, we are able to use our devices to now perform household tasks such as turning the lights on and off, preheating the oven on our way home, and smoke alarms that alert when the battery is low. In addition to our devices, digital voices assistants, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, will allow us to ask our appliances to perform basic tasks or answer questions.

Photo: Pinterest

Kitchen Updates for Aging in Place

Another kitchen renovation design trend is making updates for aging in place. Aging in place as a whole is becoming more and more popular as homeowners are striving to maintain community ties and their independence. While there are many kitchen modifications for aging in place, we recommend sticking to universal design. This includes removing tripping hazards and expanding hallways and doorways for better accessibility. Another update for the kitchen design is to modify the appliances. This includes raising the height of the dishwasher and installing a faucet with hands free capabilities. Another idea would be to install a roll under sink. An ideas is to add doors to the front to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

These trends have grown tremendously over the past year; however, are they expected to stick around? What are your thoughts?

Porcelain Tile Design Trends

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is made of finer, denser clay. Since porcelain is denser than ceramic tile, it is also harder and less porous. This makes it very stain ad water resistant. Porcelain is available in several textures including: natural, smooth, polished, and textured surfaces. Porcelain tile is offered in glazed and un-glazed options; however, un-glazed tile requires more frequent cleaning. As a bonus, porcelain is much lighter than marble and granite  - meaning easier installs.

porcelain tile bathroom renovation

The versatility of porcelain is almost endless. Porcelain tile can be incorporated in several places of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and even fireplace. It has recently emerged into the bathroom design scene since it is low maintenance and can handle moisture and daily use.

A great thing about porcelain is that it is available in several "looks." It can even be made to look like metal, wood, and stone. Additionally, it can be used indoors and outdoors. With advancing technologies, porcelain is now available in larger segments.

Photo: Houzz

A recent trend in bathroom design is covering all of the walls with porcelain slab tiles. The large tiles can help to make the room appear larger due to the little number of grout lines. This creates a minimal look with little upkeep. Porcelain slab tile is a great option for those who want to create a glamorous look without the high costs since it is cheaper than marble. Although porcelain slab tile may be currently seen as a luxury item, it is expected to come down in costs as it becomes more popular.

Porcelain is a great option for flooring, backsplashes, walls, and other accent areas in the home. It is a durable and stain resistant, which is a plus for any family. One of the major advantages of porcelain is that it is extremely versatile since it can be used in several areas of the home, as well as outdoor spaces. Porcelain tile is also available in many styles and can mimic the look of wood and metal.

Kitchen Design Trend: Blue Cabinets

Blue cabinets have been making a scene in kitchen designs recently. If you love the look of painted cabinets, it might be time to give blue a try.

Photo: Houzz

For many years white kitchen (and bathroom) cabinets has taken center stage in design trends. They are well known for their clean and classic appeal. White cabinets can help to brighten any space and can even help to make a kitchen look larger. Not only can they make a space appear larger, white is a great cabinet color option since it is so versatile. White cabinetry can complement several design styles seamlessly since it is a neutral color.

For many years, white cabinets dominated the scene. That was until a few years ago when gray became the new "it" color. Gray cabinets, like white cabinets, are neutral and can work well with many designs. Gray especially works for cabinet colors since wood cabinets are an otherwise "warm" material. The color also saw a huge jump in popularity since it works with almost any color scheme. However, if gray is not incorporated correctly it come across as "sterile" and "lifeless."

Fortunately, there is a new cabinet color trend in the design world: blue. Blue is a breath of fresh air compared to the neutral whites and grays. Blue cabinets can go well with practically any design style-from traditional, to farmhouse, to modern. They also add a sense of calm to any space. We predict that part of the reason why blue cabinets are increasing in popularity is because blue is an extremely versatile color. Blue hues range from navy, periwinkle, turquoise, sky blue, robin's egg, and blue-gray.

Photo: Pinterest

To avoid overloading your kitchen with too much color, you can always include the hue in designated areas. For example, you can include a bright blue cabinet for the kitchen island and choose a traditional color for the wall cabinets. A more modern option would be to include the blue color for the lower cabinets and include open shelves in place of the upper cabinets. This helps to lighten up any space and keeps any space from being too overwhelmed by a particular color.

Even though blue cabinets are a relatively new design trend, we hope that they stick around for a while. What do you think about the new color trend?

Bathroom Tile Trends for 2017

We all know that remodeling your bathroom is a great investment for your home. While bathroom renovations may be pricey, you can see a huge pay off and added value to your home if done correctly. Creating an aesthetically pleasing bathroom is all about choosing a working layout, selecting quality materials and appliances, and combining interesting textures, colors, and shapes throughout the room. A great way to incorporate fun shapes and colors are through your tile selection. While subway tiles are a classic, there are many other options available that will be sure to make a statement in any room. Here are some of the top bathroom tile trends for 2017:

Fish Scale Tiles

Photo: Pinterest

Fish scale tile is definitely causing a scene in the design world. The ocean-inspired tiles can add a calming element to any bathroom. While we may attribute fish scales with cool greens and blues, fish scale tiles are available in endless colors and sizes. If you want to shy away from too much color, fish scale tiles can be paired easily with more traditional and simple designs by choosing neutral tile and grout colors.

Wood-Look Tiles

Photo: Empire Today Blog

While wood look tile may not be a "new" trend, we believe that it is a trend that will continue to climb in popularity in 2017 and beyond. This flooring option is not only popular in bathrooms, it is also becoming more common in kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, and more. They are the perfect option for those who love the look of hardwood floors, but hate the upkeep. We recommend installing wood-look tiles in interesting patterns, such as herringbone or chevron, to create interest.

Geometric Tiles

Photo: Firenza Stone

Geometric tiles can range from angular patterns with sharp lines, to more curved and floral-like patterns. When paired with simple and classic tiles, graphic tiles add a level of excitement to any space. The variety of shapes, colors, and patterns makes this trend suitable for any design style. One of the biggest trends in geometric design right now are hexagonal tiles; however, other shapes such as triangles, stars, and circles are also chic tile choices. They are a bold choice, yet can be incorporated beautifully in small spurts to avoid overwhelming the space.

Penny Tiles

Photo: Decoist

Penny tile has been on the rise (again) in recent years. They originally debuted in the early 1900's due to its durability and ease to clean. Penny tiles are typically offered in small circles, also called penny rounds, as well as square and hex shapes. Since they are small, penny tiles can help to make a small bathroom appear larger. As a bonus, penny tiles are a great bathroom tile option since they are relatively easy to install. While they are typically installed in black and white patterns, brighter colors are becoming more popular.