When it comes to renovations, kitchens and bathrooms are at the top of most homeowners’ lists. After all, these are busy spaces that need to be as functional as possible — and most homeowners don’t want to compromise style in doing so. With old favorites leaving and newer trends making an impression, many people are looking for a way to upgrade their dated spaces while also adding personal touches to the design.

“Homeowners like flexibility and personalization,” says Elle H-Millard, industry relations manager for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). “They’re looking for things that can be used to customize their home, but that doesn’t date the home, either.”

The Kitchen

Kitchen Design – Amy Crovetti

It’s safe to say that open-concept living is making a comeback: more than ever before, people are looking for ways to expand their space to share with friends and family. Opening common living areas not only provides more space, but it also improves the home’s feel and function.

Kitchen Design 2 – Amy Crovetti

For this renovation, Gilmans focused on the kitchen’s new functions and design purposes. Upon immediate entry, you’ll notice the signature design elements that also serve as excellent features, such as:

• Sizeable farmer’s sink
• Oversized waterfall island
• Custom cabinetry
• Dishwasher
• Stove and range with six burners
• Extra-spacious refrigerator

Kitchen Design 3 – Amy Crovetti

All of the appliances are at a three-point angle, also called a work triangle. This is done on purpose to force movement across the entire space, which allows for optimal utilization of counter space, as well as a better way to facilitate the cooking process.

Kitchen Design 4 – Amy Crovetti

One of the unique points in this kitchen is also a floating nook in the corner of a kitchen with two sliding windows, which allows for optimal airflow and sunlight. In addition to natural light, the room has an abundance of overhead recessed lighting with decorative yet functional pendant fixtures over the island.

Kitchen Design 5 – Amy Crovetti

But perhaps the most daring part of this renovation is the combination of colors and patterns. The cabinets are custom from Bellmont 1900, which pair perfectly with the Color Rift White Oak and Laminate vertical grain flooring. The oversized waterfall island has veined marble countertops with a Nero Super matte black recessed stool area, matching the unique, black honeycomb lines in the tiling on the appliance walls. Here’s a close up:

Kitchen Design 6 – Amy Crovetti

The Bathroom

Bathrooms might be the smallest room in the house, but most homeowners want the same things they want in a kitchen: a change in look, feel, and overall functionality. Coming in behind kitchens, bathrooms remain one of the most popular areas to renovate as it trumps renovations in any other living space.

For this project, Amy mixed materials and textures. The dedicated vanity space has his-and-her sinks with chrome and matte black fixtures. The backsplash is daring and unique, boasting a vertical black and white minimal pattern that creates depth in a smaller space. The light gray tile flooring helps direct the natural flow of the room while also complementing the dark accent wall.

Bathroom Design – Amy Crovetti

“There are so many tile options, including porcelain, natural stone, and ceramic tile, so we’re seeing a lot of people mix and match the size of the stones or tiles,” says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist with Houzz. “Some people are using large slabs of stone or tile for the flooring and walls, and using a variety of tiles in the shower.”

There are multiple ways to help open a small space like a bathroom, where large mirrors and playing with textures is a definite must-have. The Design-Build team also utilized a unique feature to help the open flow: by installing a frameless shower door, there is a significant improvement in openness and lighting.

Conclusion

Gilmans worked alongside the client to develop a personalized look in a custom space with an abundance of mixed textures and designs. This project is an excellent example of how contrasting colors and patterns can mesh together to create a unique and cozy space without overwhelming the eye.

If you are considering renovating your kitchen or bathroom, be sure to visit our showrooms to see what else Gilmans Kitchens and Baths can offer. There, you can meet with our expert staff who can set up an in-home estimate and answer any questions you have!