When it comes to kitchen and bathroom updates, there are two big things to know right now: “Start early” and “think simple, clean lines,” says Dana Kneuve, designer at Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, in New Haven, Ind.
“Customers have been very understanding of the supply chain issues,” she says. “If you want to do a remodel in the spring, it’s a good idea to start the process now. Expect cabinets to take at least twice as long as usual to arrive – that means eight weeks instead of four and possibly longer for other brands.”
Working with a kitchen designer to choose materials and plan the details now will assure you have everything in place when the remodeling begins.
For an updated look, “Think light and airy, with simple, clean lines for everything from cabinet door styles to backsplashes to the finish of a countertop edge,” says Kneuve. “This is not only the look people want today, it’s also easier to clean.”
It may be more economical, too. Simpler cabinet door styles cost less, as do simpler stone or quartz countertop patterns. Save bold colors and patterns for details that easily can be changed out later, if you want your update to stand the test of time.
“In a bathroom, mirrors, lighting and hardware can all be changed out relatively inexpensively in coming years to update the look,” she says. “Sticking with more neutral styles for the big-ticket items like cabinets and countertops is a good idea.”
Painted and wood-tone cabinetry are equally popular right now and some people like a mix of both.
“Maybe your cabinets are painted but the range hood and island are stained wood,” she says. Lighter-toned stains and finer-grained wood species like maple and walnut are popular. They’re often paired with black hardware. And with painted cabinets, shades of white remain timeless favorites.”
Customers are choosing quartz over natural stone more often for countertops. Many choose a marble-look quartz for bathroom countertops.
For those who crave color, painted cabinets in deep shades of blue or green are making a splash.
“These look very nice with white sinks and hardware that’s a matte-gold tone,” she says.
While gray is still a popular wall color, it’s warming up. Taupes, tans and eggshell are on the rise, Kneuve says. And there’s no functional reason bathroom walls need to be tiled.
“As long as you use a good semi-gloss waterproof paint and have a good exhaust fan in place, you’re fine,” she says. “Some people still like the look of wall tile, but it can be expensive to install and isn’t functionally necessary outside the shower.”
Most bathroom cabinets stand up well to moisture but be sure to ask about the materials before you order them, Kneuve advises.
“We offer cabinets made from engineered wood or all-plywood construction. The biggest difference is the way the sides of the cabinet look, especially if the cabinet is stained, but both will hold up well to moisture and day-to-day life in bathrooms.”
Less tile is being used for bathroom floors these days, too, due to the advent of luxury vinyl planks or tiles (LVT), which imitate a hardwood or tile look without the labor-intensive installation. The LVT stands up well to moisture, is warmer than tile underfoot, and is easy to clean.
Some customers are trading their big jacuzzi bathtubs for smaller, sleeker stand-alone bathtubs, says Kneuve.
“Picture the old clawfoot tubs without the claw feet,” she says.
Larger showers with more spa features, like duo showerheads – one installed at a lower, adjustable level – are popular and practical.
In the kitchen, microwaves placed inside drawers or built into cabinets are trending and “adding a nice range hood above the stove instantly makes the kitchen look higher end,” she says.
There are more details than most people realize, in renovation projects. Kneuve has seen plenty of do-it-yourselfers get into trouble.
“It’s a designer’s job to think of every little thing so you don’t have to,” she says. “Going to a store with a good reputation is the best way to find a qualified designer who will get you through a remodeling project with ease.”
Learn more by calling (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the showroom, 11034 Lincoln Highway East. ❚