KITCHEN

TRENDY TOUCHES

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades combine function and fashion

BY ANA PELAYO CONNERY

Nothing sells homes like great-looking kitchens and fresh-feeling bathrooms. But even if you’re not putting your house on the market anytime soon, these make-it-or-break-it necessities are most appealing when they’re clean, comfortable and stylish. A remodeling boom during the COVID-19 pandemic has found homeowners re-creating kitchens and bathrooms to be as fashionable as they are functional, says interior designer Eilyn Jimenez, founder of Sire Design in

Miami. “The more people spend time at home, the more they realize that the aesthetic they really want in these rooms is something timeless that won’t quickly go out of style.” With transitional looks that combine a little bit of traditional and a little bit of modern becoming more popular, the following kitchen and bath design trends fit right in:

KITCHENS

Larger islands. Kitchens have long been the heart of the home, with islands serving as the central pulse. More families are remote learning and working from home, which means this counter space has been put to even more use. As a result, L-shaped islands are becoming popular as a way to maximize counter space, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). The added space isn’t just limited to the counter; another major bonus is the extra storage you can create underneath. “It turns the island into the ultimate multifunctional feature,” Jimenez says.

High-tech, smart de-

vices. Connectivity is more in demand than ever, especially in the kitchen. Top trends include dedicated device charging and viewing stations as well as voice-activated lights and touch-free faucets and water dispensers. Pushing the envelope further are appliances that can detect leaks and freezes, alerting >

Interior designers are extending kitchen islands where meal prep, remote work and dining happen.

Once a space-saving combina-

tion, showers and bathtubs have recently been designed to stand alone, sometimes requiring renovations to expand the space.

you before a problem becomes unmanageable. These features can make everyday life not only safer and more convenient, but more efficient, too.

Return of white appliances.

After years of stainless steel reigning supreme, General Electric’s Café Collection has helped facilitate a comeback for bright, crisp, white appliances. Slick and modern and with (in some cases) customizable hardware in brushed black, bronze, copper or stainless steel, today’s white appliances tend to wipe down easily and not show fingerprints. Unlike classic white refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers, today’s versions are made of metal with modern matte finishes that instantly brighten any kitchen. “Imagine the coolest matte white with bronze handles,” says Keia McSwain, principal designer at Kimberly + Cameron Interiors in Denver. “This white fridge is coming back. It’s proof that everything comes full circle. Depending on how chic they continue to make them, this trend may be here to stay.”

Vibrant ventilation hoods.

According to the forwardthinking designers at NKBA, over-the-stove hoods are poised to become the new focal point of the kitchen. While their primary purpose is to ventilate the kitchen and extend the life of your cabinetry by keeping it free from buildup, hoods also provide an opportunity to make a design splash. When covered in metal, wood or an eye-catching accent tile, ventilation hoods become the new centerpiece of the kitchen.

Artistic slabs. “For a long time, the trend for kitchens, especially, was white on white with a little bit more white,” McSwain says. Today, lightcolored quartz and marble continue to be favorites, and extending the slab beyond the countertop has become more commonplace. “Waterfall islands and counters that go all the way up the wall in lieu of tile backsplashes are here to stay,” says McSwain. “Clean, chic and not at all overwhelming, this look creates cohesiveness throughout the space and turns that slab of marble or quartz into a work of art.”

BATHROOM

Open-concept bathrooms.

With 41 percent of homeowners using the bathroom to rest and relax, according to the 2020 Houzz Bathroom Trends survey, the bathtub and shower have become two of the home’s most important features. Free-standing >tubs have held America’s

Today’s luxury toilets offer warmed seats, bidet functionality, self-cleaning and overflow protection.

Subway tiles continue to be a popular choice for showers, but various patterns and application techniques offer more options.

attention for several years now, but combination spaces large enough to accommodate both a free-standing tub and an open shower are gaining popularity with remodels and new builds. Zero-clearance shower entryways remove barriers along the floor and require strategically placing floor tile at an angle, so water drains rather than pools. The expansive, open-air feel of these shower and tub combinations adds a luxurious touch that’s reminiscent of high-end hotels and spas.

Larger tiles. In the bathroom, large format tiles have been popping up, especially inside showers, and the trend is expected to continue beyond 2021. With fewer grout lines, there’s less to clean, plus it makes a space feel bigger, says McSwain. This includes largerformat subway tiles, though the trend involves stacking them vertically or horizontally in clean lines for a more modern, minimalist twist on what has long been considered a traditional aesthetic.

Bidet boom. Commonplace throughout Europe, low toilet paper stock during the pandemic helped reignite interest in bathroom bidets, with nearly 1 in 5 renovators opting to add a seat with a bidet. High-tech toilet features such as a self-cleaning system, heated seats and overflow protection are also increasing in popularity.

KITCHEN + BATH

Mixing metals. Not only are brass, copper, gold and matte black making a splash in hardware, but combining them is trending, too. “Today’s homeowners want a mix,” Jimenez says. “I think of it as the jewelry of the home. Having a variety of different hardware adds an extra layer of detail.” l

BACKSPLASH BEAUTY

Protect your kitchen’s walls with these five materials

BY ROBERTA PESCOW

Backsplashes have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Once installed to protect walls from water, grease and food splatter, most early iterations were about 4 inches high and had little decorative appeal. Today’s backsplashes are essential kitchen accents, adding vibrant pops of color, light and texture — in addition to protecting walls from inevitable messes. If your kitchen needs a face-lift, here are five dynamic backsplash ideas to provide a finishing touch:

CHALKBOARD PAINT

For a quick and affordable touch of whimsy, try a chalkboard paint backsplash. This oftennostalgic choice dries to a finish much like a real chalkboard so you can write menus and messages. Chalkboard paint is usually classic black but is available in other colors, too. Use a standard chalk eraser or damp cloth to wipe clean. While these backsplashes require only periodic touch-ups, be aware that a dark backsplash may make your kitchen look smaller.

CERAMIC AND GLASS TILES

Those craving historic authenticity need look no further than ceramic tile, the original backsplash material. This beautiful look remains popular for its durability, versatility, low maintenance and affordability. Ceramic and glass tiles are generally resistant to water and heat, are easy to clean and can add a captivating play of light. You can find colors, shapes and patterns to fit with modern and traditional kitchens.

MIRRORS AND GLASS PANELS

For a small kitchen, there’s nothing like smoked mirror or colorful glass panels to create the illusion of space. Mirrors open the room by reflecting light, making a bold statement that gives a kitchen a clean, modern look. Glass is waterproof, lowmaintenance and easy to wipe down, but because of its reflective surface, it can require more frequent cleaning. Splatters and fingerprints will show.

METAL

Much like glass, metals such as copper and stainless steel reflect light to open up space. Metal backsplashes come in many textures and sheens, including shiny, brushed and hammered. This durable and heat-resistant option can be expensive. Stainless steel requires little maintenance other than wiping up acidic splashes quickly, but copper may require sealing or a periodic salt and lemon rub to remove a green patina.

STONE

From the elegance of polished granite to the understated vibe of slate, smooth cool stone makes any kitchen feel luxurious. Stone backsplashes come in countless colors and patterns to match almost any décor, and this popular choice could add value to your home. While stone requires annual resealing, it’s highly durable and heatresistant. Engineered quartz provides an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone.

Roberta Pescow writes for NerdWallet, a personal finance website and USA TODAY content partner.