Color Schemes The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) revealed that gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly over the past year. Designers reported that more than half of kitchens (55%) and bathrooms (56%) use shades of gray to create chic, sophisticated spaces. This is a significant growth for the color choice, which was used in just 9% of kitchen and 12% of bathrooms as recently as 2010....

One of the easiest ways to change the entire look of your kitchen is by bringing in new kitchen countertops. The material, color and style can make your kitchen go from bland to grand. Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material’s durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for your kitchen. Homeowners should assess the way they live before settling on a countertop...

The most effective lighting for the kitchen involves layering, which means mingling different kinds of fixtures together. Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting.  In the kitchen, this typically translates into ceiling lights (ambient), under-cabinet lighting (task), and in-cabinet or above-cabinet lighting (accent). The end result: a warm and inviting environment that works with your other design elements to create a practical workspace and lively entertainment area....

My friend Alinda loves the look of claw-foot tubs. She is not alone, as they have made a quite a come-back due to their old world charm and shapely curves. But among their shortcomings is the fact that cleaning the floor space underneath them can be a pain. For a similar appearance that is elegant and easier to maintain, why not get a pedestal tub instead. With generous soaking space and the graceful lines of their claw-foot cousins, they rest on a solid base instead of...