A calming color palette graces the grand and luxurious 28,000 square foot English manor-style Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens inaugural event. The regions leading designers showcased their talent in each room from pale pink walls in the lady’s lounge to a white dining room with lacquered wood-beamed ceiling with square paneling and a foyer and great room of impressive scale.

Bold transitional styles dominate contrasted with soft hues against dark contrasts in furnishings, flooring, windows and walls. Some rooms highlight eclectic and contemporary styles with pops of color in the more casual spaces. A sophisticated and elegant theme give way to a casual elegance akin to graceful southern living.

The custom kitchen greets you with hand-glazed terra-cotta tiles and an over-sized island stained to mimic antique furniture.

Pure luxury has taken residence in the master bedroom suite set in a soft palette of gray-green and ivory with dark accessory accents.

Personal space to unwind, reflect or entertain in intimate settings is reserved for the lounge or study.

This fine English manor-style southern showcase is the perfect setting for providing design inspiration for your home!

To view the entire photo gallery please visit Southeastern Designer Showhouse.

Architect: Logan Design Group

Builder: Paradise Homes

Photographed by: Sarah Dorio, Mali Azima

Modern day remodeled kitchens are on average 255 square feet are referred to as supersized, exceeding the size of remodeled dining rooms (240 square feet) according to a recent Houzz survey. Today’s lifestyle is a key factor driving this trend that has made the kitchen the hub of the home.

Today it is common for more than one person to wear the chefs hat in the kitchen with children and friends participating as well. The kitchen is not just for cooking and baking anymore, it must also accommodate eating/dining, entertaining, socializing, home office duties/homework, watching TV and reading.

The success of this multi-purpose space begins with a great plan that optimizes your kitchen design with these priorities in mind that suite your particular lifestyle needs. To begin with, two or more cooks in the kitchen dictate wider aisles, easy storage and easy to clean and disinfect surfaces, easy to work, play and live in as well as families to gather in.

Function aside, those surveyed desired well-designed kitchens that were stylish and beautiful with easy integration with the rest of the home. A kitchen that reflects your personal style is important in making a statement or impression upon others.

The survey also found that natural light was preferred and a design that integrated with the outdoors. Energy efficient kitchen appliances, gourmet/pro-style cooking set-up and eco-friendly building materials also made the list optimized kitchen design.

By incorporating these kitchen design elements you are sure to achieve the kitchen of your dreams as well as add to the resale value of your home.

The kitchen sink is not what it used to be. In times past it was an afterthought and so basic a fixture it was rarely specified with detail in the final kitchen design. Not so today, the kitchen sink holds its own as a significant design feature and like jewelry can be the crowning touch that ties the kitchen design elements together.

When homeowners choose to upgrade the look of their kitchens, the sink is the third most popular upgrade with countertops and faucets taking the first and second slot according to Houzz.

Designer kitchen sinks come in many different styles, colors and finishes. As for style, the double bowl sink is the most popular followed by by the single bowl.

Kitchen sinks can be color customized as a design element or statement maker right alongside the appliances. Many high-end luxury appliances are offering color options such as True Residential to fit the flow of the color scheme of your kitchen design, to make a design statement or to offer a pop of color.

As for sink finishes available today, stainless steel is the most popular choice. It offers a wide price range suitable for all budgets and its resistance to heat and stains adds to its clean and polished appeal. The size of sink and the thickness of material (or gauge) will determine the total price.

I love what is trending right now with new quartz sink finishes that are gaining traction in the kitchen remodeling and home building industry. Just last week Elkay, an industry leader in manufacturing high-quality kitchen sinks hosted the kitchen and bath chat that focused on the biggest trends in design with natural elements.

They offer two collections, Quartz Luxe and Quartz Classic that offer superior strength and silky smooth user-friendly surfaces. Both collections offer 16 colors in 26 models with hundreds of choices to meet your kitchen sink needs. The Elkay Quartz Luxe sink collection “takes natural quartz which is four times harder than granite and makes it better through exclusive manufacturing processes,” according to Elkay.

Soapstone is another high-end kitchen sink option due to its natural stain resistant qualities and bacterial growth. It has a soft feel which can make it more susceptible to scratches but over time it develops a patina of its own.

Copper sinks offer character, visual interest and craftsmanship for your overall kitchen design. This surface also develops a patina as the color evolves over time. It is naturally resistant to microbial growth so its antibacterial surface is a plus. Like stainless steel the durability will depend on material thickness. Certain acids, heat and cleaning chemicals will affect the patina but with regular treatments you can maintain the patina.

Enameled Cast Iron sinks are not only vintage but can be dressed up due to a wide range of colors and styles available today. They are a solid investment and extremely durable but also very heavy. Cabinet modifications may be required due to the weight and specifications for installation.

Porcelain sinks are coated after fabrication with a baked-on porcelain finish. This classic look has applications for the farmhouse and country kitchens. Its thermal qualities hold water temperatures longer but like other heavy sinks it requires additional stabilization of base cabinetry, is susceptible to scratches and chipping that can lead to rusting.

Composite granite sinks offer the look of granite at a lower price point. Extremely durable and capable of withstanding exposure to household acids, they are also resistant to chipping and scratching. The porous materials can be susceptible to certain stains therefore will require more maintenance.

Fireclay sinks are made of clay fired at temperatures of over 1,800F and then coated with a special glaze for more durability. They will not chip, scratch or stain and are a great choice for the farmhouse style sink. They are also weighty and may require special cabinet support and often limit faucet mounting options.

All said, choosing the right kitchen sink should be driven by function requirements to determine depth and width, season of life demands and then style preference within your budget. An informed decision is the best decision!

“Efficiency with elegance” perfectly describe House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year 2016 designed by kitchen guru Matthew Quinn who captured the homeowner’s passion for the color teal and glamour, successfully transforming her kitchen into the best place to hang out in her home.

This kitchen of the year is packed with stand-out features and trends that should be paid attention to for your next project. These features make sense in this high-end, luxury kitchen and make the most of the function required to justify the placement. (A product source link is provided below).

According to Thermador, this is the first kitchen nationally to house their amazing 60″ Thermador Pro Grand Steam range which comes equipped with a warming drawer and double griddle. The range is perfectly complemented with a custom Mont Blanc hood made of brass and pewter from Francois & Co. The Thermador Pro Star-Sapphire dishwashers (yes, two dishwashers) handsomely anchor the stainless steel Hillside Sink from DXV. The touchless Grohe kitchen faucet can be used conventionally or activated by a foot-controlled motion sensor.

The Thermador refrigerator and freezer appliances are housed behind custom cabinet panels painted in Farrow & Ball’s Dove Tale. For quick-chill demands when entertaining the undercounter refrigerator drawer adds personalization to the placement of kitchen appliances, a trend in kitchen design.

Another wow factor belongs to the walk-in pantry that is stocked with design elements normally reserved for more prominent placements in the kitchen. But lets keep in mind that this pantry is in view from the home’s entry which makes sense to want to glam it up a little. The walls are lined with lagoon-blue AKDO glass tiles, ceiling with Thibaut’s Windward Sisal wallpaper and the mullioned glass doors are the crowning touch.

The wet bar captures the eye with its focal wall covered in gold-striped calacatta marble tiles by AKDO arrayed in a sunburst pattern. The  Grohe faucet dispenses still, slightly sparkling or fully sparkling water.

The island was re-designed to incorporate a banquette style seating area as opposed to traditional kitchen stools for dining (a great choice for young families). The booth fabric from Thibaut is stain-resistant Sunbrella upholstery. The Lewis chandelier from Hudson Valley Lighting reminds you that a touch of glam perfectly complements the practical in this space.

Finally, you must take a look at the resource list Product Guide in order to appreciate the layers of design and detail required to pull off this House Beautiful 2016 Kitchen of the Year, it is truly a work of inspiration!

To view the entire photo gallery please visit House Beautiful.

Bold interiors achieve the delicate balance of designing a space in the strength of its design elements while affecting a refreshing and gentle movement of the senses. Knowing how to combine the two requires an eye trained in design principle at its foundation and the vision and talent to pull it off.

This project, designed by Kristin Kong of K Kong Designs, is loaded with pattern, color, texture, furnishings, wallcoverings and custom treatments that invite you into a lavish experience of controlled creativity.

Stunning wallcoverings in muted corals and neutrals bring glamour to wallpaper treatments throughout this home, strategically located to provide subtle movement and flow from room to room.

“People are becoming more adventurous with their interiors, giving the same priority to wallcoverings as they would furniture and lighting,” according to Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist with Graham & Brown. I love the balance of boldness and muted tones throughout the home.

Bold deep color tones are complemented with soothing color in just the right proportions and applications to suit the space and function.

An excellent mix of color, pattern, accessories and texture make this home a winner. Full of excitement and calm it takes on a life of it own by reflecting an adventurous and bright future!

Please visit Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles to view the full gallery. For the latest wallpaper trends please visit Explore the Wall feature.

Home remodeling touches all of us at some point of home ownership whether it involves a quick one-room ‘make-over’ or an entire house, remodeling has become an endearing pastime. As a result, industry experts have tracked some important trends that remodelers should pay attention to when approaching a home project based on a study by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).

Home Design – Home factors such as universal design* and  whole house accessibility throughout the lifetime of the occupant. Aging in place improvements that helped maintain quality of life especially pertaining to kitchen and bath.

Adopting a long-term view when it comes to home design will protect your quality of life as you age when accessibility becomes an issue. Designing wider door openings and hallways, sensors that make the home accessible and useful to everyone are just a few ways to embrace universal design.

Project Features – Incorporating energy savings and efficiencies, replacing tubs with larger, walk-in showers (although soaking tubs are popular). Partial kitchen upgrades include countertops and tile floors while high quality, luxury products are sought out that also feature low maintenance and durability.

As for kitchen and bath remodeling Millennials have been found to invest 42% more in remodeling their bathrooms and 17% more in transforming their kitchens compared to other age groups based on a study conducted by NKBA (National Kitchen+Bath Association). For more kitchen and bath trends please refer to Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2016, Futuristic Bath Trends.

Energy Saving – Better lighting such as sustainability LED lighting and energy-saving devices and appliances drive the desire for a low-maintenance and highly efficient home.

Smart Technology – Remodeling gives opportunity for spending on smart systems according to Houzz. Smart home security/safety systems topped the list followed by new/updated features such as smart entertainment upgrades, new technology for smart lighting and climate control.

Whether your remodeling project is small or large, taking the time to consider these trends will ensure years of return on your investment!

Please visit Architectural Digest to view the full gallery of images from the home renovation project featured.

*Universal Design: the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. (Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D)

From Simply White (Color of the Year 2016) to a “rich and royal amethyst” the Color of the Year 2017 Shadow (2117-30) is described as “elusive and enigmatic–a master of ambiance” according to Ellen O’Neill, Creative Director for Benjamin Moore.

Are neutrals done already? Not hardly in my opinion, but we are seeing a bolder display of color trends in specific design elements that bring a sophisticated and confident exclamation to the personality of our homes.

Benjamin Moore’s Shadow can bring interest and intrigue to a room when used in a complementary way such as a focal wall, entryway, furnishings, accessories or trim. This rich color hue is delightful in textiles, flooring and wallcoverings.

It’s theatrical qualities add drama and unexpected boldness to traditional spaces.

Have you been inspired to add this Color of the Year 2017 to your home? Let us know!

To view the full Color Palette please visit Benjamin Moore.

Color is an important design element when it comes to transitioning your home decor for any season and for fall, bold and bright is in. We’re seeing color making a splash in neutral interiors that invite the season in through accessories, darker finishes on furnishings, fabric treatments, art and flooring.

There is no lack of inspiration and support with this movement into deeper tones with the introduction of Benjamin Moore’s 2017 Color of the Year, Shadow (2117-30). This rich, royal amethyst encourages us to embrace our deep history and sophisticated heritage that shaped us while looking forward to a seamless more contemporary future.

For fall design inspiration I’m simply offering spaces that inspire and invite bold color elements. These interior spaces have applied color to their interiors that embrace fall. They invite you to a slower life pace, a season to “fall back” and retreat from a hectic year, to fall in love with being home more and taking advantage of this season.

And while you’re at it, enjoy incorporating a few of these fall design trends into your own home decor!

To view the entire amazing Living Room Makeovers gallery please visit Architectural Digest.

Natural stone changed the world of residential kitchen design when it was introduced in the late 1980’s and granite remains the most popular choice for countertops according to the latest Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. A uniquely beautiful and durable natural stone, granite went from being considered a high-end luxurious stone for residential design application to an affordable and popular choice for new home construction (single family and apartment homes), kitchen, bath and numerous remodeling projects within the home.

The qualities and ageless character of natural stone make it a sound investment for your home. Although granite is the go-to for countertops there is a “type of stone for every home” according to Amy Oakley of UseNaturalStone.  She also stated that Granite, Marble, Soapstone and Quartzite stones are most popular right now.

Choosing the best type of natural stone should be determined by its use and since it is a classic material, its beauty and function can be applied to any decor style. A local fabricator is your best friend once you have narrowed down your choice of stone. They can talk specifics with you that will streamline the decision process or you may visit this informative article entitled What Stone Fabricators Wish You Knew.

Granite offers the greatest durability. It is one of the hardest and most scratch and heat-resistant of the stone types therefore qualifies for heavy use. Marble, softer than granite might be considered for lighter use surfaces. Care for your stone varies with each choice and not all stones need care. The Natural Stone Institute offers great tips on maintaining your natural stone.

When choosing natural stone the look should complement your style. Transitional style stones that blend traditional and contemporary styles are very popular. We are seeing more use of neutrals and darker contrasts in kitchen design. The transitional style accommodates a contrasting color scheme between natural stone and cabinet style and color design.

The beauty, luxury  and affordability of natural stone is its drawing card, No two stones are alike and in an era of personalization of style in our homes it meets the challenge of satisfying this need.

Natural stone is simple to care for and ages gracefully. A natural friend of the environment, its application in the home far exceeds the kitchen and bath and its inspiration is vast!

Source: Houzz, Inc.

Holiday table design rules of engagement have been transforming for some time from not so formal to a relaxed elegance that showcases your personal style within the boundaries of good design. Far removed from using reds and greens only the holiday table can be designed in a way that complements your home color scheme from light and airy neutrals to deep tones such as grays and blues, as you will see in this post.

Add a little to what you have each year and make it fresh for the holidays. The tablescapes featured in this article are truly inspiring. Fresh cut flowers combined with the expected pine cones, ornaments and branches enhance the finished arrangement.

Metallics, gold, silver and bronze brings a festive mood to the tabletop detail as well as candles, linens and glassware. Let your inspiration come from these well designed tables and adapt the ones you love for your holiday table with the following three tips in mind:

Scale. Keep the height, length and width in proper dimension for your table top. The finished centerpiece should leave plenty of room for your place setting and a comfortable view across the table for ease of conversation.

Mix fresh with ornamental accents. Combining nature with ornamental accessories bring life to your centerpiece and table.

Stay true to the dominant style of your home. Your holiday table should bring the entire room to life by complementing the existing design in the room.

May your holiday season bring joy to those you love and great entertaining with family and friends!

To view the full project of one of the designers featured please visit Traditional Home.

Layering comes to mind when I think of transforming my home for fall and winter. Cooler climates, fall colors and shorter days bring us home a little earlier than other seasons and these factors all play a part in transforming our living spaces into warm and cozy environments that welcome and rejuvenate our senses.

Behind every great transformation is an existing foundation of design elements that must be honored to achieve the best results. The color scheme, flooring, fabrics and furnishings, lighting and accessories provide the tips you need for making the best decisions for transforming your space for fall and winter.

Color Choose accent pieces and accessories that complement your furnishings while introducing warmth. A heavier throw for the sofa or chair; pillows that invite comfort.

Flooring Incorporating area rugs, thicker carpets not only add visual interest but also adds warmth that invite playful moments (including naps) when relaxing.

Fabrics Textures speak in tone-on-tone neutrals and varied deep tones for fall and winter and can instantly transform your space for the season.

Furnishings Create focal points with furnishings like a sectional sofa that invite you to relax and cozy up with a good book or movie. Re-arrange your floor plan if you have to in order to define the space.

Lighting Create a subdued, relaxed mood with appropriate lighting. Create lighting zones for specific tasks. Incorporate dimmers for mood and entertaining. A good lighting plan to fit your lifestyle can be created especially with smart home and LED offerings today. (Refer to first image)

Accessories The final touch, accessories are the crowning touch that connect the design elements, making the room look complete.

Which design element is needed most in your space to transform your home for fall and winter? Let the conversation begin by choosing from this list and have fun applying these tips to your home!

Choosing flooring for your home comes down to personal design style, preference and season of life once you’ve given thought to durability, ease of installation, maintenance and affordability. The goal in this decision making process is to end up with beautiful and attractive floors that enhance and add value to your home.

Genuine solid wood flooring stands apart as a premium choice for homeowners. With the many hardwoods (oak, maple, cherry  and others) to choose from today you must also decide on selecting unfinished or pre-finished flooring.

Unfinished hardwood flooring allows you to truly customize the finish (especially if you are matching existing flooring) while pre-finished (sanded, stained and finished at manufacturer) flooring comes with a manufacturer warranty on the finish. But that’s not all to consider. You must also choose the plank width and type of edge.

The finished edge is also an option that determines the overall look of your flooring. Years ago we saw more beveled edges known for their deep groove between two planks. Today manufacturers prefer a ‘eased edge’ (traditional) that is not as deep a bevel which helps hide minor irregularities such as uneven plank heights. When all planks meet squarely to create a uniform smooth and seamless surface you’ve chosen a ‘square edge’ (contemporary) finish.

In contrast, engineered (to provide greater stability) hardwood flooring can be installed in any room in your home. An engineered oak flooring supplier in UK describes this flooring as a pre-finished hardwood flooring containing 3-12 multiple layers of plywood with two or more layers of wood veneers in a single plank.

Luxury Vinyl Tile is another flooring option that is growing in popularity. With the latest 3D imaging technologies, LVT manufacturers are able to transfer an image of natural materials directly to a tile, even the grain, texture patterns and color variations. The design options are limitless, the resistance to chipping, warping or yellowing and naturally water-resistant quality make LVT’s also suitable for home flooring.

All three flooring choices (solid wood, engineered wood and luxury vinyl tile) come with easy maintenance. Your decision will most likely come down to personal design style,  preference and season of life, all within your budget of course! If you still find yourself in a dilemma ask this question that always works for me; which choice will best complement your home?”

For more floor buying guide information please visit Consumer Reports or WFCA  to find a member flooring retailer near you.

Surprised by the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year 2017 I must admit taking a second to embrace this bright green color that refuses to obey the rules of winter. It has a life of its own and I can’t help but embrace Greenery (15-0343) with excitement as Pantones Color 2017 and its emphatic reminder to invite nature into our homes.

Described as “refreshing and revitalizing” and “symbolic of new beginnings,” this Color of the Year 2017 “symbolizes the re-connection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

I LOVE greens and with this announcement I immediately  began trying to figure out how this tangy bright yellow-green color would relate with some of the deeper and medium hues that are loved by so many. Take a look at the color pairings below, find your home color scheme and see how well Pantone Greenery pairs up with your existing color plan.

Still more Pantone Greenery color pairings entitled Grand Canyon, Forest Floor, Analogous, Moody Blooms, Deep Rooted and Calm It Down are available to choose from.

Need more inspiration? Enjoy the inspired designs that follow;

Ok, I’m inspired, how about you?

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Kitchen of the Year 2017 contest winners have proven every homeowner’s desire to balance beauty and function in a family kitchen, spoken so eloquently by Lori Johnston of AH&L.

Kitchen trends abound in all three projects featured from abundant natural light, architectural design elements, white kitchen cabinetry with stand-out custom islands, Carrara marble countertops to space-saving pull-out cabinets that house frequently used kitchen items.

Unlacquered brass hardware calls to attention a zinc vent hood and faucet hardware in the Forever Young kitchen, inviting a graceful aging over time.

I love the steel-framed doors with glass panes and windows that allow natural light to have its rightful place in the kitchen that also created an opportunity for specific mood and task lighting at night.

For island seating the use of faux leather on barstools is a great choice for growing families. Another amazing kitchen trend is seen on creating a full backsplash wall with your choice of stone.

Appliance trends are reflected in one kitchen that is equipped with two dishwashers, a warming drawer (one of my favorite appliances) and a breakfast bar. One kitchen has a hidden TV behind a marble slab over the range while another includes a drink station for entertaining.

Overall, I love the personalization of each kitchen designed to reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and family needs. The library lights placed over windows, oversized islands that support multi-tasking needs, texture variations, custom finishes in cabinetry and the navy blue island are just a few of the unique features designed to reflect the homeowners style.

At the foundation of these contest winning inspired kitchens lay a great deal of planning and quality execution, a community effort lead by great design teams. May your dream kitchen enjoy the same results!

Please visit Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles to view the entire project gallery and designer sources.

My favorite interior design trends and images this year featured every aspect of the home from building a new home to updating and full remodeling projects. I featured inspirational design projects showcasing incredible interior spaces highlighting the latest in kitchen and bath, lighting, cabinet colors and styles, flooring, wall coverings, custom treatments and furnishings.

Kitchen and bath projects were also a favorite feature leaving you informed in all aspects of kitchen and bath design. Popular kitchen cabinet color trends, cabinet door styles, hardware, lighting and island features were spread among many articles.

Luxury kitchen appliances made a splash this year as well with personalization of your space to fit your lifestyle needs becoming a reality in kitchen design. Made possible with refrigerator and warming drawers, breakfast bars, drinking stations, dual dishwashers and hidden televisions conveniently placed were needed for certain tasks and entertainment in the kitchen space.

Color trends were also a big deal this year ending with the announcement of Pantone’s Greenery (15-0343) 2017 color of the year. And let’s not forget my articles featuring bold design, smart home design and decorator showhouse trends that can add a spark to your home.

Interior design is constantly evolving year to year, like a marriage that must grow with time to remain relevant. As our lifestyles are affected by what’s going on in the world our homes must adapt to meet our changing needs and season of life.

There is more to come in the new year of interior design trends. Keep an eye out for my favorites in 2017!

Kitchen renovation remains at the top of the list for home remodeling projects for many reasons according to the latest U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. It is the heartbeat of the home and therefore enlarging this space with the renovation makes sense. Homeowners intend to enjoy an open concept that flows into other rooms in the house.

The kitchen is also becoming a personalized space that reflects the lifestyle of the family with appliances such as the refrigerated drawers that can be placed strategically to serve specific functions throughout the kitchen. The kitchen triangle has been replaced with kitchen zones.

New kitchens have also proven to promote healthier lifestyles such as preparing more meals at home, even eating more fruits and vegetables. As a result, your new kitchen space has the potential to improve your health and relationships within your home.

Overall, let’s talk top kitchen trends and preferences from kitchen style, cabinet style, countertop, appliances, flooring and more.

Top Style

Although contemporary kitchen styles have seen the most increase, millennials prefer modern and farmhouse kitchens and are more likely to install kitchen islands. Transitional style kitchens are not far behind with Traditional style kitchens rounding out the top three most popular styles.

Top Upgraded Kitchen Feature

The countertop and backsplash is the top upgraded feature when it comes to renovating your kitchen according to Houzz. The kitchen sink is next in line. When choosing a countertop your final choice is influenced by the look, durability and cost. Granite or engineered quartz are the most popular choice while natural stone such as marble is very popular in luxury kitchens for the look and feel. The Natural Stone Institute provides a great resource for selecting natural stone.

Top Kitchen Cabinet Color

White kitchen cabinets continues to gain in popularity with medium wood and gray rounding out the top three color finishes of choice for updated kitchens. After white cabinetry, younger homeowners favor gray and dark wood, while older homeowners prefer medium wood.

Top Kitchen Appliance Color

Stainless steel appliances hold the top choice for appliance color finish but we are seeing a high penetration across generations of black stainless steel appliances according to Houzz. I love the new Black Slate finish from GE Appliances featured at KBIS 2017 recently.

There are more trends to cover in an upcoming post as we take a look at built-ins, islands, cabinet styles, flooring and more!

Source: Houzz Kitchen Trends Study

Purified water is the buzz word alongside smart and energy-efficient kitchen appliances during this years 2017 NAHB International Builders Show and Atmospheric Water Solutions raised the performance bar with a Best in Show winner.

Aquarius Brands AquaBoy Pro II is actually an atmospheric water generator that produces up to five gallons of purified water from the air–yes, the air! By drawing in air through its HEPA air filter, “water vapor in the air makes contact with stainless steel coils and condensation occurs, generating water through the remainder of the 7-stage EZ-Filter process, according to the manufacturer.

This pretty amazing, sleek, modern appliance requires no installation, just a 110-120V receptacle and is available in two finishes.

Another impressive finalist in the Best Kitchen Product is a Wine and Beverage Center by Summit Appliances div Felix Storch, Inc.

Enjoy keeping you informed!

Image: Got Stuff

Each year homeowners remodel close to 10.2 million kitchens (roughly one in 10 of all households) and 14.2 million bathrooms. Compared to annual new home construction which adds roughly 1 million kitchens and 2.3 million bathrooms to the marketplace, remodeling kitchens and baths represent a $134 billion industry, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

The inspiring Boston Kitchen Makeover featured in this article is a fine example of a remodel that keeps its original design features intact. Lead by an amazing designer,  Nina Farmer truly honored and preserved its period details, staying true to its original 1800s shingle style architecture.

This survey also found that younger homeowners are more inclined to DIY these projects while baby boomers are more inclined to hire experts for their remodeling project. Of those surveyed nearly half (48%) of kitchen remodels were budgeted at $15,000 or more while one-in-five Americans (21%) spent $7,500 or more to remodel their master bathroom.

Top kitchen remodel design trend choices include cabinetry with clean lines and built-in styles. White and gray are still popular cabinet color choices while two-tone kitchens are also trending according to NKBA’s 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report. Wood cabinets remain the top choice and man-made Quartz is the popular choice for countertops.

Aging in place design trends are driving accessible and universal design features as more households embrace multi-generational members. Let’s not forget the impact of technology on kitchen remodeling trends. Kitchen appliances with the capability of internet connection are adding to the appeal of smart-home technology and efficiencies to contemporary lifestyle needs.

Top bath remodel design trend choices echo the popular choice of white and gray cabinetry in addition of adding wood vanities and linen storage cabinets as the most popular choice for storage. Ceramic tile holds the number one spot for choice of bathroom flooring.

As for tubs in the bathrooms, more than half of those surveyed eliminated a tub from a bathroom remodel, but half also specified including a soaking tub. Large showers are the trend with homeowners choosing no-threshold showers, shower seats and lighting in the shower.

Finally, water-saving technology is front and center when choosing faucets and toilets.

For help in planning your kitchen or bath remodel the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has issued a guideline outlining the Top 10 Steps to Prepare for a Remodel that can be viewed via the link provided.

All the best with your next remodeling project!

To view the full project gallery including the “before” images, please visit House Beautiful.

What was once old coastal farmland is now the perfect backdrop for a weekend get-a-way in Bridgehampton, New York. This gorgeous and colorful 6,800 sf home blends traditional architecture with modern updates. A retreat in the truest sense, the home sits on 1.5 acres that backs to a 40 acre preserve. Design inspiration at its best, congrats to builder Anthony Balducci and interior designer Meg Braff. Enjoy the tour!

Architectural detail, oversized windows inviting natural light into every space and wallpaper add a personal touch to this retreat.

There is more to see in this inspiring gallery of images and ideas to incorporate into your next project. The outdoor spaces are spectacular, inviting relaxation in this wonderful collaboration between builder, indoor and outdoor design teams and all the sponsors.

For source details and for viewing the full gallery please visit Coastal Living.

Tone-on-Tone Green Guest Bedroom

Photo Credits: David A. Land

I love an inspired design project that relates to its owners personality and lifestyle. This amazing custom kitchen remodel made me pause for a second and third look, then of course I had to share it. The project was birthed between two designer friends, a favorite bracelet and a less than functional and dated kitchen.

Designed by Chicago based Lauren O’Brien, this bright, white kitchen with taupe and gray undertones is steeped in traditional design with modern accents. Scale was important in this expansive kitchen which is open to the living and dining area in the home. The existing terra-cotta flooring imported from France and massive architectural features unify the overall design.

Popular kitchen trends such as double islands, stainless-steel fixtures and appliances, natural stone countertops, polished-nickel hardware, custom cabinetry and white-gray color schemes are pronounced in this remodel project.

Accessories such as sconces from Holly Hunt that flank the built-in refrigerator and freezer, polished nickel hardware, Lucite Ghost stools, clear wire-wrapped light fixtures make this kitchen a winner.

A beautiful and perfect wrap for this inspiring kitchen remodel project!

Please visit Traditional Home to view the full gallery of images and product sourcing and architect Michael Graham to view other projects.