Kitchens and baths: St. Louis designers’ tips, remodel ideas, and looks to steal

Renovating the essential and high-traffic areas of a home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, requires a careful balance between aesthetics and practicality. Achieving a functional yet beautiful design demands thorough research, meticulous planning, and often an iterative process of trial and error. This article explores several inspirational renovations from country homes, offering insights and design ideas that blend functionality with distinctive style. One featured kitchen renovation was inspired by a 50-year-old AGA oven discovered on Gumtree. Photographer Marnie Hawson and her partner undertook a renovation of their charming cottage in Central Victoria, using the natural-gas AGA as the focal point and catalyst for the entire project. This highlights how a single, unique appliance or element can shape the design direction and overall character of a room. For bathrooms, the article showcases diverse design approaches. A beachside bathroom exemplifies coastal charm by seamlessly blending rustic elements with sleek, sophisticated interiors, incorporating salvaged finds alongside modern fixtures. Another ensuite prioritizes character through the use of reclaimed materials, featuring a wall-mounted cupboard crafted from old doors and a custom vanity bench built around a vintage enamel baby bath from The Society Inc. A third bathroom design achieves low-key luxury with a modern black-and-white palette, emphasizing clean lines and high-end materials such as copper and terrazzo to add tactile appeal. Laundries are also presented as spaces where style and functionality can coexist. One minimalist laundry is designed for dual purpose, serving as a butler's pantry connected to the kitchen, making it ideal for entertaining. Another laundry, part of a family home constructed from sustainable and recycled timbers, incorporates a reclaimed concrete trough, imparting vintage charm. This space also features durable concrete floors and custom-made timber cabinetry, offering ample storage and easy maintenance. Kitchen design ideas further include the use of open shelving to display curios and allow for flexible arrangements of kitchen items. One example demonstrates a kitchen with open shelves and a unique tadelakt-finished benchtop, a traditional Moroccan lime plaster applied over a Hebel block structure, adding a distinctive textural element. Another country kitchen emphasizes tactile timber finishes and rustic wares, imbuing the space with character and warmth. Finally, a modern rustic bathroom within a barn-style home offers clever upcycling solutions, such as a handcrafted Oregon timber vanity with an inset IKEA sink and a vintage mirror, demonstrating how textures and neutral colors like straw, timber, and concrete can create a cohesive and welcoming home environment. #KitchenRenovation #BathroomMakeover #LaundryDesign #CountryHomeStyle #FunctionalDesign #InteriorInspiration #HomeRenovationIdeas #SustainableDesign

The year 2022 has brought significant shifts in kitchen and bathroom design, largely influenced by changes in work and home life, as well as ongoing supply chain issues. These trends prioritize comfort, functionality, and solutions, adapting to the increased time people are spending in their homes. Industry experts, including Judy Kimble from First Supply Co., Karen Needler of The Coveted Kitchen, and Brent Brake from Dellon Sales Co., have provided insights into these evolving styles. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered how people live and work, transforming homes into multi-functional spaces. This has led to a greater need for customized areas within the home. While open-concept kitchens were previously popular, the trend is now shifting towards more defined common areas. Kitchens are evolving to be versatile and multi-functional, with features like islands that double as food prep and homework stations, often including charging ports. Bathrooms are increasingly seen as personal retreats or 'Staycation Spa Spaces,' incorporating luxurious amenities such as larger suites with multiple showerheads, steam functions, freestanding tubs, heated floors, smart toilets, and app-controlled features. In kitchen design, regional preferences like the farmhouse style with black faucets and fixtures remain strong in the upper Midwest. Countertop materials are also evolving, moving from granite to quartz, and now to porcelain, which offers advantages in heat resistance, weight, fade resistance, and cost. There is a growing trend towards bolder designs incorporating pops of color, especially greens, reflecting a biophilic design approach that connects occupants with nature. Natural finishes, such as earthy wooden stains for cabinets and vanities, wood countertops, and hammered copper accents, are being integrated to bring the outdoors inside. Mixed metal finishes, patterned backsplash tiles, and natural stone countertops with textured surfaces like knurled hardware or leathered countertops are also gaining popularity. Sustainability is a key focus, with hand-made tiles from materials like terra-cotta and cement adding a unique character to spaces. Faucet trends emphasize functionality, water savings, and aesthetic appeal. Touchless faucets are becoming a standard feature due to their ease of use and sanitation benefits. Many faucets now offer specific functionalities like soft sprays for delicate items and sweep functions for powerful cleaning. Mixed-metal finishes, particularly matte gold and dark metals with copper tones, are trending. High-contrast spaces, featuring a mix of black and white elements, are also making an impact in kitchen and bath design. Bathroom fixtures are increasingly incorporating high-tech options and promoting health and wellness. Bidets, once considered taboo, are now a desirable feature, with many luxury options offering self-cleaning, heated seats, air blowers, and deodorizers. Faucets are no longer just functional but are viewed as decorative elements, adding a touch of 'jewelry' to the room. Concealed trap ways and easily removable toilet seats are becoming standard for convenience and hygiene. Shower drying systems, like Airmada, are being introduced to enhance comfort and reduce maintenance. For health and wellness, jetted and air features in bathtubs are making a comeback, and digital valves ensure constant water temperatures in showers. Steam showers, especially in colder climates, provide a luxurious and relaxing experience. Biophilic design principles continue to influence bathrooms, with an emphasis on natural lighting, ventilation, and a calming environment. Large soaking tubs with features like aromatherapy and air bubbles, along with spacious showers equipped with multiple showerheads and rain showers, are designed to create an at-home spa experience. Walk-in showers with built-in benches, larger showerheads, thermostatic valves, and glass panel walls are popular, often incorporating removable hand showers and side massage sprays, with black finishes being a current color trend. Steam showers are also enhanced with chromatherapy and aromatherapy diffusers for an immersive, relaxing experience. Lighting is becoming a significant design element, with chandeliers appearing in bathrooms to elevate the sense of luxury. Additionally, designers are integrating pet-friendly features into kitchen designs, such as window nooks, cubbies, or under-sink cabinets for pet beds, and even specialized sinks for animal bathing, showcasing a holistic approach to home design. #KitchenRemodeling #BathroomRemodeling #DesignTrends2022 #HomeDesign #SmartHome #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryBathrooms #SustainableDesign #FaucetTrends

Selecting a kitchen design style can be challenging, even for those with a clear personal fashion sense. To assist homeowners embarking on a kitchen renovation, five popular kitchen styles are outlined, aiming to streamline discussions with designers and contractors and simplify the selection of appliances and finishes. Understanding these distinct styles can help homeowners identify their preferences and make informed choices. Transitional kitchens represent the top-trending style, blending traditional and modern elements for a minimalistic yet relaxed aesthetic. This style is highly favored by young families due to its combination of high functionality and low maintenance. Key features include simple cabinetry, such as Shaker style, paired with durable, low-maintenance quartz countertops. The color palette typically involves clean, neutral tones like whites, greens, grays, beiges, and blues, contributing to a calm and inviting atmosphere. Contemporary kitchens are characterized by a more refined and edited aesthetic compared to transitional designs. They emphasize sleek, simple finishes and meticulously planned lighting schemes. The color scheme often revolves around basic black and white, accented by grays and beiges, creating a sophisticated and modern look. Defining features include abundant natural light from expansive windows and glass walls, large-format tiles made of porcelain or natural stone, and extensive drawer storage and armoire-style cabinetry to discreetly conceal appliances. These kitchens also incorporate a high degree of technology, such as smart lighting controls, to enhance convenience and efficiency. Farmhouse design is a timeless style distinguished by specific features that make a statement. This style often incorporates found objects like reclaimed barn doors or vintage lighting. Its resurgence is often credited to figures like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Characteristic elements include shiplap walls and ceilings, apron-front sinks, and pendant lighting. Shaker cabinets in white and gray tones are common, and a high contrast between countertop materials and cabinetry, such as butcher block tops with white cabinets, is a signature look. Industrial kitchens convey a minimalistic yet energetic feeling, particularly popular in urban environments and loft spaces within renovated commercial buildings. This style utilizes edgy materials such as stained concrete countertops and reclaimed wood floors. Mixed metal finishes are prevalent, along with commercial-style appliances, sinks, and faucets. Exposed-bulb light fixtures, often featuring Edison bulbs for a vintage appeal, are a defining characteristic, contributing to the raw and authentic industrial aesthetic. Mid-century modern design emerged post-World War II and remained popular into the late 1970s, maintaining a timeless appeal due to its enduring principles. This style is praised for its clean lines, simple finishes, organic curves, mix-and-match materials, and multifunctional designs. Key features include simple, well-designed objects and floor plans that prioritize functionality and aesthetic balance. An emphasis on organic and geometric forms, along with more textured fabrics and furnishings, adds depth. The color palette often features clean, bold colors, including bronzes and browns, mixed with whites, reflecting the vibrant and optimistic spirit of the era. #KitchenRemodel #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #TransitionalKitchen #ContemporaryKitchen #FarmhouseKitchen #IndustrialKitchen #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesignTrends

A kitchen remodel is a significant home upgrade that, while exciting, can also be a source of considerable stress if not approached with careful planning. Common pitfalls such as budget overruns, prioritizing aesthetics over functionality, succumbing to fleeting design trends, attempting DIY tasks beyond one's skill level, and overlooking crucial details can lead to lasting dissatisfaction. This article emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and seeking professional assistance to navigate these challenges effectively. To achieve a successful kitchen transformation, individuals should focus on several key areas. Firstly, a realistic budget must be established from the outset, accounting for all potential expenses to avoid unexpected financial strain. Secondly, while visual appeal is important, the kitchen's primary purpose as a functional space should not be compromised. Design choices should enhance usability and efficiency. Thirdly, avoiding overly trendy designs ensures the kitchen's longevity and prevents it from quickly becoming outdated. Instead, opting for classic or timeless elements can maintain its appeal for years to come. Fourthly, it is crucial to accurately assess one's DIY capabilities; complex remodeling tasks often require professional expertise to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with building codes. Lastly, meticulous attention to detail, from hardware selections to lighting fixtures, can significantly impact the overall outcome and user experience. Kitchen Tune-Up, represented by Ashley on Fox 11 Living, offers expert guidance to simplify the remodeling process and minimize stress. They provide various services, including cabinet tune-ups, painting, door replacement, refacing, and full remodels. By offering comprehensive support, Kitchen Tune-Up aims to help homeowners create a kitchen that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and within their financial means. The ultimate goal is to ensure that clients are delighted with their renovated space, making the entire experience positive and rewarding. #KitchenRemodel #BudgetPlanning #DesignMistakes #KitchenTuneUp #CabinetRefacing #HomeImprovement #StressFreeRemodeling #DIYRisks #HomeRenovation

This article explores the top six design trends currently shaping kitchen and bathroom aesthetics, offering insights for those building a new home or undertaking a renovation. The discussion begins by acknowledging the diverse range of styles available, from modern and contemporary to traditional, emphasizing the numerous ways to personalize a space beyond just selecting a core style. Toll Brothers, a national builder, is highlighted for its approach to collaborating with clients to achieve their desired kitchen and bath designs, particularly through their Design Studio where homebuyers work with design coordinators. One significant trend identified is the overwhelming preference for quartz countertops. Initially a niche choice, quartz has become dominant due to its consistent appearance, minimal veining, and light hues, making it suitable for contemporary spaces and complementing clean cabinet designs and subway-tiled backsplashes. Its versatility also extends to traditional settings, where quartz with more detailed veining can replace granite. Beyond aesthetics, quartz is prized for its durability. Wide plank flooring is another prominent trend, offering a luxurious and expansive feel. Traditional two-inch planks are being replaced by seven- and nine-inch versions that enhance depth and make smaller rooms appear larger. Light gray or warm gray tones are the favored finishes for these wider planks, applicable to all rooms, including the kitchen. White cabinetry remains a timeless yet evolving trend, fitting a wide spectrum of design styles from contemporary flat-panel to traditional raised-panel doors with glazes. To achieve a custom look and increase storage, extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling with an additional 12-inch cabinet is recommended. Balancing white cabinets with backsplashes is crucial; modern kitchens often feature clean white subway tiles with color accents, while traditional designs incorporate heavier details like diagonal backsplashes or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. Glass cabinet doors, with or without mullions depending on the style, also add a distinctive touch. Large showers are gaining popularity, often replacing bathtubs. Frameless shower doors are a key element, contributing to a sense of spaciousness and ease of cleaning. Shower technology is also advancing, with ceiling-mounted rain showers providing a luxurious experience, often paired with wall-mounted showers for practical rinsing. Shiny chrome is noted as a standout finish for shower fixtures. Toll Brothers exclusively uses Kohler products, showcasing various fixture options in their interactive studio displays. Appliance selection is evolving beyond traditional stainless steel. While stainless steel remains popular, black stainless steel is emerging as a strong contender. This new finish offers a warmer aesthetic, reflects light effectively, and is reported to be more smudge-resistant. Upgrading to features like five- or six-burner induction cooktops, microwave/convection oven combinations, and dishwashers with hidden controls are highlighted ways to elevate kitchen functionality and design. Finally, rectangular tile is making a strong statement in bathrooms, offering various installation patterns such as straight, stacked horizontally, staggered, or angled. Color preferences include grays and whites for modern bathrooms, and creams and light browns for traditional designs. In conclusion, the article highlights six key trends—quartz countertops, wide plank flooring, white cabinetry, large showers with specific details, diverse appliance selections, and rectangular tiling—that homeowners can consider when designing or renovating their kitchens and bathrooms. These trends offer a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and durability, catering to a range of personal styles. #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorTrends #QuartzCountertops #WidePlankFlooring #WhiteCabinetry #LargeShowers #ApplianceSelection #RectangularTile