Home & Garden

The Most Important Room in the House . . . The Kitchen Of Course!

The latest trends in kitchen design recognize that your kitchen is not just a room where meals are prepared.  The kitchen is the gathering place--the real family room.  The walls between the kitchen, dining room and family room are coming down.  And that trend is here to stay.

Kitchen cabinetry is experiencing a metamorphosis.  It's getting to look more like fine furniture than mere storage space.  This doesn't mean you need to rip out the cabinets you already have.  Consider painting them instead.  Dark, high-gloss stains can show off gorgeous hardware.  If you have glass-fronted cabinets, consider painting the shelves and the back of your cabinets a rich or vibrant hue.  Choose an accent color for a kitchen island or separate section of cabinets.  If you are replacing your cabinets, consider changing it all to eco-friendly materials such as sustainable bamboo or wheat board.

Bath Trends . . . Add a Little Serenity to Your Sanctuary

Here's how to use the latest in bathroom design trends to create a spa-like atmosphere in your bath.

Keep your feet warm with radiant heat.  While it may feel luxurious, radiant heat can provide comfort at lower thermostat settings.  So it can actually be a cost saver.  Also consider water-conserving toilets, low-flow showerheads, and tankless water heaters, which can cut energy use in half, as they only heat water as needed.