Kitchen and bathroom remodeling is a sure-fire investment for your home’s value. However, trends will come and go and it’s important to choose upgrades that will suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Gather fabric swatches, paint brochures and samples and create an idea book to bring to your first consultation with your designer. This will help your designer plan a functional design that fits you and your space perfectly.

Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Kitchen backsplashes are more than just protective surfaces to keep grease and grime off of the walls; they can be a creative way for homeowners to express their own personal style. Patterned or accented tile can bring life to this key design element in a home and create a focal point for the entire room.

Consider using contrasting grout colors on your backsplash to make the color pop. Or try a metallic backsplash to add a touch of sophistication to your space. Metals are durable and easy to clean, making them a practical kitchen backsplash material choice for homes that get heavy use.

A backsplash that runs up to the ceiling is perfect for bringing an extra level of style to your kitchen. This modern-meets-cottage kitchen uses round penny tiles to evoke a retro feel.

Backsplashes that incorporate mosaic tiles can help to unify diverse style elements in a kitchen. This sage-green backsplash features an arrangement of mosaic shapes that are both unique and sophisticated.

The backsplash above the stove can be a tricky area to protect from heat, oil splatters, and other messy spills. A nonporous, hard surface like this glazed subway tile backsplash is easy to clean and resists staining from food, cooking oils, and household cleaners. Its neutral hue also coordinates well with other materials and colors in this sleek contemporary kitchen.

Mosaics

Mosaic is decorative composite art that incorporates small pieces of stone, glass or ceramic tile called tesserae. These are laid down on a base of plaster or mortar to form patterns, pictures or designs. Mosaics were extremely popular in the Roman world, where they decorated walls and floors of cathedrals and government buildings. Today, mosaics are still in use as decoration, and craftspeople can create them on a variety of surfaces – including walls, floors and other architectural features. Mosaics are also used as decorative accents on tables, benches and flower pots.

There are five main types of mosaic art. The first is a classical style. This is characterized by the Greeks’ use of pebbles that had been softened by the sea, and their pictorial mosaics, which told a story rather than being purely decorative. This type of mosaic can be found in modern homes, and it often has a very elegant feel to it.

Organic mosaics are created with natural materials such as shells, seeds and stones. They can also include elements such as terra-cotta tiles with organic mother-of-pearl inserts. These are usually glued to a surface with mastic or cement, and grout is then used to fill the spaces between the tesserae.

Industrial mosaics are made of shards of glass, tile and other industrial-style materials. They can be very abstract, or they can be designed to resemble a specific object or building. In some cases, mosaics can be made offsite, and then installed onsite when the weather permits.

Tile Backsplashes

The most traditional kitchen backsplash is made from tile, which offers a wide range of options for color and design. Other materials, however, have been gaining popularity as backsplash alternatives, including stainless steel and natural stone. The choice of material will depend on a person’s lifestyle and design goals.

If you are interested in incorporating the latest trends into your kitchen’s design, a tile backsplash is a great choice. Neutral colors, like white and gray, are currently popular, but blues, greens and other natural hues are also making their way into modern kitchens. A backsplash is also a great way to add texture and visual interest to your kitchen’s design, with patterns and textures adding a pop of personality that can be difficult to achieve with other design elements.

If a full backsplash install isn’t in your budget, consider an alternative. Many stores sell self-adhering backsplash tiles that are designed for steamy kitchens and come in a variety of styles. If you’re a DIYer, try Charleston Crafted’s hack to paint your own backsplash. This inexpensive option is a lot more affordable than buying new tile, and it still looks just as beautiful. Or, if you prefer a stenciled look, Delineate Your Dwelling offers a tutorial on how to create a Moroccan-inspired backsplash using removable wallpaper.

Countertops

Countertops are a major part of the decor of any kitchen or bathroom remodel. They are highly used areas that need to be durable and easy to clean. There are many different types of countertops available that homeowners can choose from depending on their style, budget and functional needs.

For example, stainless steel can be a great choice for a kitchen that gets a lot of use. It is resistant to water stains and scratches which makes it easy to maintain. However, it is not recommended for a bathroom because it shows water marks and fingerprints very easily. It is also not ideal for a family with children because it can be scratched by sharp objects.

Another option is wood counters which can add a nice rustic or modern look to the space. They are durable but they need to be properly sealed to protect them from mold, rot and water damage. The type of wood used will impact how well the countertop holds up to wear and tear. Softer woods like pine are not a good option but harder ones such as hickory or teak will do a better job.

Quartz counters are also a popular choice for bathroom remodeling because they have the look of natural stone but are less expensive and easier to maintain. They are heat and stain resistant and can be made in a variety of colors.

Cabinets

Every home is unique, and storage solutions should reflect the needs of its occupants. That’s why kitchen and bathroom remodeling should be done with an eye towards creating a space that meets the needs of the people who use it most.

Cabinets offer an opportunity to add style and functionality to these two most important rooms in the house. However, it’s easy for homeowners to become distracted by what looks pretty or trendy and forget to consider practical upgrades that will serve their family for years to come.

One great way to increase storage in a bathroom is by installing tower cabinets. These storage units are ideal for holding toiletries, decorations, rolled towels and other accessories. They’re also a great way to make a small bathroom feel more spacious.

Another option for increasing storage in a bathroom is by adding recessed niches to the walls. These compartments are perfect for storing items like q-tips, makeup sponges and spare razor blades. They can be made from wood, metal or glass and should be carefully curated to enhance the overall style of the bathroom.

Lastly, empty space above upper cabinets is a common design pet peeve that can be easily addressed by simply filling in this area with new custom-made cabinets. Choose from frameless or framed cabinet styles to find the one that best fits your home’s decor. You can even go a step further and choose a unique insert such as reeded, leaded or tinted glass.

Lighting

Your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s a place of nourishment, love, support, and socialization and therefore deserves only the best upgrades to reflect its purpose. But the best doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. In fact, there are many affordable remodeling options that will give you a great return on your investment.

The right lighting can elevate your bathroom from mundane to relaxing spa-like. Aside from making the room feel brighter and bigger, lighting can also manipulate dimensions to hide less appealing features. Incorporating a dimmer switch gives you the option to change lighting levels to suit your mood and activity. Using waterproof natural light fixtures inside your shower can also create a soothing effect and adds a sense of luxury to your bathroom remodel.

Open shelving is a popular kitchen design trend that can be equally effective in a bathroom. However, be careful not to clutter shelves with items that you don’t need or will use regularly such as make up sponges, q-tips, and spare razor blades. Instead, opt for attractive and practical containers to keep these items neatly organized. Also, be sure to clean your open shelves on a regular basis to avoid mold and mildew build-up.