SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
kitchen and bathroom are really feeling the
love this season, with punch and pizazz
being added to personalize the spaces.
Bathroom
Bathrooms continue to gain importance
as a space used for relaxation and
meditation. Bathroom sizes are larger than
they once were, bringing in more room
for added features such as soaker tubs
and extended shower stalls. No room to
expand the bathroom walls? Opt for an
illusion of space with large tile sizes on
the floor and practical storage solutions to
make room for your calming sanctuary.
• Brass is back: Have brass hardware
from the ‘90s in your bathroom? Don’t
get rid of it just yet! With rose gold
and copper making their way into the
hardware scene last year, brass is also
making a comeback. Chrome and satin
are still the frontrunners, but switch up
the classics for a trendier look.
• Natural stone sinks: Granite is so 2016.
Countertops are now boasting durable
quartz and hand-carved stone sinks.
Porcelain will always be a classic crowd
favorite, but the trend is moving toward
the natural look and feel of stone.
• Patterned tiles: Ceramics are
enhancing bathroom floors, accent
walls, and shower stalls with geometric
designs and wood-like patterns. These
tiles are adding a decorative touch to
a room that doesn’t often get much
decorating love.
Kitchen
Although homes are trending smaller,
kitchens are getting bigger and becoming
the preferred gathering point for families.
Formal dining room walls are being
blown out to create an extension to the
kitchen. These larger areas allow for
more creative freedom when choosing
dining sets, appliances, and countertops.
Customization in this room of the house
is key. Love to cook? Add specific features
that enhance your cooking experience,
such as pot-filler faucets above the stove
or double ovens for twice the cooking
power. Not quite a chef? Create an
inviting space for guests to gather around
with decorative pops of color added by
useful appliances that make cooking a
breeze.
• Mix and match: Gone are the days
of matching appliances. A variety of
companies are now offering new color
lines of large appliances to mix and
match for a trendy look. Matte finishes
are an alternative to stainless steel,
boasting a fingerprint-free surface
that provides a sleek look. Two-toned
cabinets are also sticking, bringing in
similar hues while adding interest to the
space.
Continued on next page >
SEWICKLEY
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SPRING 2018
27