Finishing Touches

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends

This article explores the concept of the 'finishing touch' in interior design, providing insights and advice from eight professional designers. The core idea is that while major furniture pieces establish the foundation of a room, it's the smaller details—accessories, art, and personal items—that truly complete a space and make it feel lived-in and cohesive. Designers emphasize that a room often feels incomplete until these final elements are added, often describing this realization as a "gut feeling" or a sense that "something is missing." Elizabeth Krueger Design highlights accessories like books, trays, throw pillows, candles, and vases as crucial for adding depth, texture, and color. They advise creative experimentation with placement, noting that accessories offer a playful way to layer design and can be changed non-permanently to refresh a space. Fresh flowers and plants are particularly noted for their ability to introduce life and luxury, while well-accessorized bookshelves can add sophistication and visual interest. Blaine Gabrisch from Talbot Cooley emphasizes that a well-designed room is styled to personal taste through layers of accessories such as books, art, pillows, and floral arrangements, which make a space feel more like home. Gabrisch also suggests keeping main furniture neutral to allow for periodic refreshes by changing accent colors through pillows. Les Ensembliers strongly advocates for art as the ultimate finishing touch, arguing that it brings soul and a contemporary vibe, even to traditional spaces. They note that while smaller items like accent tables and lamps help, investing in art is the most impactful way to transform a room's feel. Randy Heller Inc. / Pure & Simple Interior Design points out that homeowners often mistakenly believe filling a room with furniture completes it, whereas layering textures, art, and accessories is essential. Heller suggests incorporating unexpected elements that offer visual and tactile pleasure, such as sisal rugs, brutalist lamps, blackened mirrors, applied ceiling moldings, and fresh moss. For a quick refresh, fresh flowers are recommended, while more daring DIYers might consider wallpaper or paint. Matthew Carter Interiors prefers a more organic approach, avoiding purchasing all items at once to prevent a staged look. They often wait until the end to select smaller tables, lamps, and rugs, believing this flexibility allows for a more collected and authentic feel. Carter stresses the importance of scale, suggesting that a single large, organic item like a basket of maidenhair fern or a sculpture can be more effective than over-thought decorations. Bella Mancini Design focuses on elements that make a room feel inhabited, such as books, objects, and personal photographs. They liken art and accessories to the "jewelry of the room," used to punch up or dress down a space and further develop color stories. Mancini encourages collecting unique items to create visual interest. Courtney Hill Interiors emphasizes functionality, comfort, and a lived-in feel, ensuring that residents or guests "want for nothing." In a powder room, this translates to thoughtful juxtapositions of textures, colors, and patterns, alongside practical items like luxurious hand wash and monogrammed towels. They conclude that a lack of art and accessories clearly indicates an incomplete space. Finally, Jeff Andrews Design notes that finishing touches usually involve accessories, client's personal items, and a mix of new and old elements. Andrews highlights scented candles, seasonal flowers, and the presence of people enjoying the room as the best additions. Ultimately, a room is complete when it feels like home, filled with beloved objects that evoke enjoyment and bring the color story to life through pillows, photos, pottery, and books. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #Decorating #FinishingTouches #Accessories #ArtPlacement #SpaceStyling #Personalization

The article discusses the latest trends in bathroom sinks and faucets, highlighting how broader global developments and consumer preferences influence design choices. Bathroom faucets are seen as a finishing touch that should complement the overall design of a space. The pandemic, for instance, led to a "comfort culture" that translated into softer, more attainable, and versatile fixture designs. While some trends, like modern contemporary styles and black faucets, persist, consumers are increasingly seeking unique, individualized designs. This includes mixed finishes, distinctive sink colors and materials, an emphasis on sustainability, and technology that enhances functionality. Overarching home design trends consistently influence bathroom sinks and faucets. There is a growing desire for intricate and detailed fixture designs that make a statement and evoke individuality, moving away from pure simplicity. The health and wellness trend is transforming bathrooms into personal sanctuaries, leading to new functionalities for self-care rituals and a broader palette of finishes to create tranquil spaces. Sink designs prioritize clean lines and aesthetic finishes, integrating seamlessly with overall bathroom decor to provide both beauty and functionality. Functionality is paramount, but a sense of luxury and relaxation is also important. Consumers are drawn to natural materials, particularly natural wood finishes, and statement-style faucets are becoming focal points in renovations. Innovations aim to streamline routines, with features like pull-out bath faucets, wider sinks, and integrated tops gaining popularity for their practicality and protective qualities. Space-saving solutions are in demand for smaller bathrooms, while larger, statement sinks and faucets remain popular in spacious master bathrooms. Design style is a personal choice, influenced by lifestyle and individual tastes, necessitating a wide range of options. Modern looks with clean lines and contemporary finishes, such as sleek and minimalist designs with monochrome finishes like matte black, polished/brushed nickel, and chrome, are highly sought after. Minimalist aesthetics with well-defined edges create a harmonious bathroom environment where sinks enhance other elements like faucets and countertops. Retro and vintage-inspired designs, featuring classic shapes and rugged finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, continue to appeal to those seeking a nostalgic touch. Industrial design, characterized by elements like exposed pipes and unfinished brass, is also on the rise, making faucets a focal point. A "transitional" look, blending modern and traditional elements with intricate details like fluting and knurling, is also emerging. Matte black remains a top choice for finishes, with brands expanding its availability. Brushed gold, bold brass, and polished nickel are returning, offering an "aged" elegance. Bronze finishes are also gaining traction, and higher spouts for taps are a growing trend. There is a preference for products with unique details and craftsmanship. While white ceramic remains popular for sinks, there is increasing interest in unique finishes and materials like concrete and metals. Integrated vanity sinks, vessel sinks, and floating vanities are also trending. Bold and matte colors, or combinations thereof, are used to create striking looks. Organic shapes inspired by nature are also making their way into bathroom aesthetics. Durability, aesthetic preferences, and ease of upkeep are key considerations, with strong ceramic disc valves being a sought-after feature. For sinks, while white is dominant, varied shapes like sheared ovals, rectangles, and even squares are gaining interest, as are vessel sinks for their style and ease of installation. Environmental concerns significantly influence trends, driving demand for water-efficient fixtures and eco-friendly materials. Consumers prefer products that are aesthetically pleasing, water-efficient, and environmentally responsible, leading manufacturers to offer eco-friendly solutions. Water-saving features like aerators, low-flow technology, and WaterSense labels are becoming standard. Technological advancements enhance bath sinks and faucets through innovative materials, finishes, and features, and by improving manufacturing processes. Touchless faucets are gaining popularity for hygiene and water-saving benefits. While digital technology is more prevalent in commercial settings, residential consumers prioritize ease of installation, product performance, and features related to cleanliness, such as fingerprint-proof surfaces. The focus in residential technology is on tangible benefits rather than complex digital integration.

The article details the extensive renovation of a 1998 colonial-style home in Vermont, transforming it into a modern, light-filled post-and-beam residence. Situated on a private road off Edson Hill Road with spectacular views and an alpine garden, the property was purchased by Richard Cherney and Ronda Diamond. While they appreciated the location and surroundings, the outdated colonial style, compartmentalized rooms, and varied flooring did not align with their preferences. Tania Kratt, an interior architecture and design expert, was enlisted to lead the transformation, working with a team from Gristmill Builders. The six-month renovation, completed late last year, focused on opening up the 4,000-square-foot space and infusing it with a contemporary country aesthetic. Kratt's design philosophy aimed for a balance between rustic and modern, avoiding both kitsch and coldness. The homeowners, who reside in Montreal, desired a contemporary feel for their country retreat. The renovation involved removing interior walls to create an open floor plan, with fir beams introduced to provide a rustic yet modern structural element. The previous mix of wood and tile flooring was replaced throughout the home with French oak, contributing to a cohesive and elegant foundation. Fireplaces were updated, with one receiving a granite surround and another a wooden beam mantel. Shaker-inspired elements, characterized by clean and simple lines, were incorporated into the design, evident in the replacement of all interior doors with solid wood versions and the use of flat-surface moldings. Custom details were integrated to enhance the home's unique character. A sliding barn door with black metal hardware was installed to conceal the mudroom closet. The dining area became a focal point with a custom-built table, skylights, and iron pendant lights suspended from the walls. Upstairs, mundane ceiling fans were replaced with industrial-style steel ones, further reinforcing the contemporary feel. Artwork by homeowner Ronda Diamond, a painter, was strategically displayed throughout the home, reflecting the client's personal style and collaborative input during the design process. Kratt commended Diamond's discerning eye and active participation, noting the significant client influence on the final design. While Diamond initially considered a complete kitchen overhaul, Kratt suggested more immediate, minor renovations. These included updating cabinet hardware with black metal and installing a black ventilation hood over the kitchen island, which provided a significant aesthetic update. A unique and functional touch was added to the breakfast nook, where a wall was painted with chalkboard paint for grandchildren to draw and write messages. The powder room underwent a full renovation, featuring a custom-built vanity crafted from Vermont-quarried Danby marble and reclaimed barn wood. Its floor was adorned with handmade white and black encaustic cement tiles. The color palette primarily consisted of shades of white, punctuated by occasional bursts of color, such as a charcoal-gray accent wall in the study, which served to highlight the home's architectural details, particularly its dormers and angles, preventing a 'boxy' feel. The original wooden staircase was replaced with a more contemporary version featuring metal railings. On the second floor, the master bedroom includes a fireplace, a conversation area, and access to a deck. A custom walk-in closet was designed to the owners' specific requirements, complete with bespoke built-ins. The master bathroom is slated for renovation in a future construction phase. This project demonstrates how a well-executed design vision can transform a structurally sound but stylistically mismatched house into a personalized dream home that perfectly suits its owners' modern preferences while embracing a country setting. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PostAndBeam #ModernFarmhouse #ColonialRevival #VermontHome #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #GristmillBuilders

The article details the transformation of an unfinished basement into a functional and aesthetically pleasing family space. The homeowners, Hazel and Jude, a busy couple with 10-year-old twins, had a history of starting home renovation projects without fully completing them. Hazel, a professional powerhouse, and Jude, a stay-at-home dad and skilled handyman, had tackled most of their large, old house. However, with many rooms left "almost done," Hazel decided to delegate the basement design to interior decorator Candice Olson, the host of HGTV's "Divine Design," to ensure its completion while Jude focused on finishing other existing projects. The unfinished basement, characterized by exposed concrete and insulation, required a complete overhaul. The initial steps involved fundamental construction: erecting walls, laying down wood flooring, installing crown moldings, and incorporating ceiling lights. To align with the traditional design aesthetic of the rest of the house, the walls were painted a light blue, cherry-toned wood flooring was selected, and custom creamy cabinetry with an antique wash was installed throughout the space. The designer strategically divided the expansive basement into two distinct, practical zones: a family lounge and a crafts/sewing area. In the family lounge, a prominent feature wall was created to house a large-screen television and a new, raised gas fireplace, flanked by custom cabinetry both above and below. A substantial sectional sofa, upholstered in warm wheat chenille, was positioned to offer optimal viewing of the entertainment wall. The neutral tone of the sofa provided an ideal backdrop for a curated collection of accent pillows, which introduced varied textures, colors (blue, caramel), and patterns (decorative paisley), thereby enhancing visual interest. Complementing the sofa, a rich wood coffee table, a dark-leather lounge chair, and a light-colored area rug completed the seating arrangement. To one side of this feature wall, a gallery was established, showcasing fourteen of Hazel’s favorite botanical prints, illuminated by strategically placed wall sconces. The second zone, designated for crafts and sewing, was designed in a large, U-shaped configuration. This area incorporated numerous creamy storage cabinets along the perimeter, paired with floating dark-wood shelves installed above sand-speckled quartz countertops. A rustic wood table was centrally placed in this zone, with three bronze pendant fixtures suspended above it to provide ample lighting. A dedicated sewing station was also created, featuring a modern sewing machine at desk level and a special nook above it to honor Hazel's antique sewing machine, giving it a place of pride. Additionally, a homework area was thoughtfully included for the children, comprising a workstation and chair, equipped with under-cabinet lighting to ensure sufficient illumination for their studies. Through the careful integration of warm colors, comfortable furnishings, traditional design elements, and optimized lighting, the basement was transformed into a fully functional and inviting space for various family activities, marking it as a 100 percent complete project. #HomeRenovation #BasementDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyRoom #CraftsArea #HomeDecor #CandiceOlson #DivineDesign #HomeImprovement

The perception of bath accessories is evolving beyond traditional items like towel bars and toilet paper holders to include a broader range of functional and aesthetically pleasing additions. Modern bath accessories are designed to enhance both the utility and the overall design of the bathroom space. This shift is characterized by the integration of advanced features and refined aesthetics into everyday items. Examples of these contemporary bath accessories include mirrors equipped with adjustable LED lighting, offering enhanced illumination and ambiance. Towel warmers, previously standalone units, can now be safely installed within shower enclosures, providing convenience and comfort. Decorative shelving has also gained prominence, transforming storage solutions into design elements that contribute to the room's visual appeal. Even conventional accessories have undergone significant improvements. Toilet paper holders now frequently incorporate built-in shelves, adding practical storage. Towel bars are available in sophisticated split finishes, catering to diverse design preferences, while grab bars, once purely utilitarian, now come in various decorative styles, blending seamlessly with modern bathroom aesthetics. The article features several innovative products that exemplify these trends. The Dual-Flush Actuator Wall Flush Plate from California Faucets, crafted from solid brass and offered in over 25 finishes, provides a stylish alternative to standard flush plates for wall-hung toilets. The Precept Bathroom Collection + ADA Products from Peerless offers ADA-compliant options and matching accessories, including a tub and shower with hand shower, a 24-inch ADA grab bar, toilet paper holders, a towel ring, robe hooks, and towel bars, ensuring a coordinated and accessible design. Amba Products' Cape Collection has introduced a wet-rated kit, allowing its heated towel racks to be safely hardwired in high-moisture environments like wet rooms and shower enclosures, expanding their functionality. Robern's COV Illuminated Niche integrates lighting to create a curated display space, serving as a charging station, open storage, or a styling accent. VOLA's T39ELUS in-wall towel warmer, available through Hastings Bath Collection, boasts a minimalist, modular design with a self-closing timer and precise temperature control. SIMAS bathroom mirrors, including the crescent moon-shaped Mezza Luna from the HENGES collection, feature perimeter LED lighting, backlighting, and screen-printed designs, with options for thin chrome or small black metal frames. LACAVA's Flutti wall-mounted mirror has gently rounded corners and a stainless steel edge that forms a functional ledge, accented by fluted detailing, available in various sizes and finishes. Stone Forest's Elemental Classic bath accessories, such as a 2-inch diameter robe hook and a 7x3.5x2-inch paper holder, feature knurling detail and complement the Elemental Collection's modular concept, offered in polished nickel and aged brass. AIRMADA Drying Solutions has updated its AirJet Shower Drying System with AirJet Linear, providing forced air to remove moisture from surfaces using a unique layout of round and/or linear nozzles for thorough drying. JACLO Industries offers decorative grab bars in over 35 finishes, ensuring both safety and aesthetic integration, with options for custom sizing and additional features like handshower sliders and toilet paper/washcloth holders. Fleurco's Magna Oblong LED mirror includes energy-efficient LED lights with adjustable color temperatures, a built-in dimmer, and a defogger pad, available in Brushed Gold and Matte Black. Finally, Hettich's ComfortSpin rotating shelf, initially designed for refrigerators, can now be anchored in luxury closets and kitchen cabinets, providing organization and accessibility with a capacity of over 17 pounds. These innovations highlight a trend towards sophisticated, multi-functional, and aesthetically integrated bath accessories that enhance both design and user experience. #BathAccessories #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #ProductReviews #DecorativeElements #FunctionalDesign #ADACompliance #SmartHome