White, gray, and stainless steel seem to dominate kitchen and bathroom design, writes The Washington Post’s Michele Lerner. But new trends are emerging as homeowners opt for more variety, high-tech appliances, and low-maintenance features.
“Homeowners like flexibility and personalization,” says Elle H-Millard, industry relations manager for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). “They’re looking for things that can be used to customize their home but that don’t date the home, either.”
Lerner lists five emerging bathroom trends, particularly for master-bath renovations:
Smart toilets with built-in bidets, cleaning functions, and night lights
Sliding barn doors that maximize space
Free-standing bathtubs with a sculptural look
Variety of tiles and textures
Voice-controlled technology for smart mirrors, mood lighting, or music
According to Lerner, these five kitchen features are growing in popularity:
Column refrigerator units
Connected kitchens with smart appliances
Drawers and organizers to help declutter
Low-maintenance materials like quartz kitchen counters
Bold color accents like brass finishes and black stainless steel