Kitchens and bathrooms often get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to decorating and renovation. After all, these are spaces where people spend significant amounts of time. The kitchen is frequently the focal point of the home, a communal place to gather with family and friends, while the bathroom serves as a private retreat devoted to wellness and relaxation. 

Both rooms need an occasional update to evolve with the latest styles or to meet the changing needs of the household. Fortunately, many of today’s most popular design trends are easily worked into renovation plans, from adding new hardware and finishes to splashing out with a new kitchen sink or a fabulous tub or shower system. 

Let’s take a closer look at a few smart ideas that can elevate any kitchen or bath in both form and function.

Dramatic Water Delivery

Bid farewell to the same old shower and say hello to a shower series unlike anything else on the market. Lenova is rightly proud of its new Thermostatic Shower System that provides unprecedented control over shower operations and maintains water temperature within 1 degree. A single valve controls three functions — volume, pressure and temperature — to create a shower experience consistent from beginning to end, even when the showerhead and body sprayers are used together. 

This extraordinary shower truly highlights the brand’s advanced technology and engineering skills. The Thermostatic Shower System is crafted according to Lenova’s exacting standards using solid-brass valves and beautifully durable finishes in polished chrome and brushed nickel.

Curves Ahead 

Bathrooms are typically filled with hard surfaces and straight lines, so adding gentle curves is a smart way to introduce a sense of ease and softness. The freestanding Alva tub by MTI features an exquisite oval-shaped bowl cradled on a low-profile base. Its pure design and graceful silhouette bring sensual beauty to the bathroom. 

As a soaker tub with a semi-rolled rim and a continuously curved interior bowl, the Alva is sized for two bathers with a pair of comfortably sloped backrests. It is crafted from MTI’s proprietary SculptureStone, a mostly organic blend of natural minerals and resins mimicking the look and feel of molded stone. 

Made by hand in the United States, Alva tubs are available in a soft matte white finish or hand-polished deep gloss. Add unexpected color to the bathroom with a choice of exterior colors, including vibrant options such as sapphire blue, terracotta and onyx. 

Curated Detailing

Little details make a big difference when it comes to good design, even down to doorstops and outlet covers. Ageless Iron introduces a new line of accessories that perfectly complements its premium iron door hardware. All are finished in a rich black patina that is perfect for modern farmhouse or industrial decors. 

We love its Blacksmith Coat Hooks that can easily accommodate jackets, bags or aprons in the kitchen or towels and robes in the bathroom. Their doorstops are offered in two lengths with round heads and tapered stems that fasten directly into doors. 

Swap those plastic outlet covers and switch plates in exchange for elegant steel versions made by Ageless Iron. Both are offered in a variety of configurations to fit any room and are finished with beveled edges and a textured surface. 

As a brand known for exceptional craftsmanship, Ageless Iron ensures that all hardware and accessories are zinc-plated and powder-coated for exceptional durability. Mounting hardware is included with every order for easy installation, and all products are backed by an extensive five-year warranty. 

Cottage Chic 

With an eclectic mix of vintage, shabby chic and rustic elements, Cottage Chic is one of the hottest looks on the interior design scene. This style is a natural fit for the kitchen with open shelving, beadboard detailing, wicker accents and pretty fabrics. 

The kitchen sink is a great way to enhance the cottage feel, too. The Chelsea Fireclay Sink by HamatUSA is a charming choice for a cottage-inspired kitchen. Each sink is crafted from a proprietary blend of natural fireclay, carefully sponged and brushed by hand, and then glazed and fired in a kiln for more than 20 hours at 2,200 F to create a nearly impenetrable surface that will last a lifetime. Available as undermount installations, Chelsea sinks are offered in a variety of sizes and layouts in four lovely finishes.

Also a winner for a cottage-inspired kitchen is an impressive stone apron-front sink by Lenova. The NovaGranite Composite Sink is made from an exclusive blend of 85 percent crushed granite, creating an extremely durable surface that is scratch-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures. The distinctive stone front adds character and a touch of luxury to the kitchen. 

As part of Lenova’s Ledge Prep Sink Collection, this hard-working basin easily converts into a prep station, thanks to integrated ledges that allow handy accessories to slide into place as needed, including a bamboo cutting board, roll-up drainer and stainless-steel colander. The NovaGranite sink is available as a 30-inch, single basin design in an antique white or black finish.

A New Line on Design 

Add a minimalist vibe to the bathroom with the decidedly modern Apex tub from Acquabella. Its straight lines and sleek slants are a fresh departure from the curves of more traditional tubs and offer an edgy geometric look. Amp up the drama even more by choosing an exterior shell in shades of black, grey or brown, along with a coordinating interior in beautiful snow white with a gloss or matte finish. 

The Apex freestanding tub is offered in two sizes with a roomy sloped interior built for comfort. This exceptional tub is crafted from the brand’s signature Dolotek material, a premium mineral composite with a silky-smooth surface and flawless finish. Dolotek has the added benefit of having a durable, antibacterial surface that is easy to clean and maintain. 

Visual Flow

The new Libra Oval 6635 tub by BainUltra brings a wonderful visual flow to the bathroom. Its celestial inspiration translates into an elegant oval-shaped tub with distinctive raised ends. This freestanding tub is thoughtfully designed for two with symmetrical headrests and molded arm supports. It is crafted from 100-percent pure acrylic and carefully polished by hand. Finish options include a glossy white, a sophisticated black and white combination, or the brand’s luxurious UltraVelour matte finish. 

The Libra Oval is available with the full range of BainUltra’s therapy options: a soaker tub with optional WarmTouchShell integrated heading zones, or as part of the Thermomasseur collection with a heated backrest, the Geysair hot air system, and BU Touch to activate all options from a mobile device. Both versions are eligible for the exclusive Illuzio chromatherapy system with glowing lights built into tub walls for a true sensory experience. 

Bold as Brass 

Brass finishes are back in a big way, but not the flashy way that was popular during the 1980s. Today’s preferred brass is satin brass, a dramatic yet refined look bringing a warm glow to any surroundings and includes a lovely matte finish that naturally hides water spots and fingerprints. Satin brass is soft with a hint of sparkle and goes well with many backgrounds, from traditional white to darker colors. 

Isenberg recently introduced a satin brass option for its Serie 260 Collection of faucets and fixtures for basins, tubs, showers and bidets. The rounded base of the faucet and flat lines of the spout create a nice contrast that pairs well with the gleam of satin brass. The full range of components in the collection makes it simple to outfit a beautifully cohesive bathroom. 

All Isenberg fixtures are made with solid premium brass, meticulously finished and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Another clever way to introduce satin brass into the bathroom is through furnishings. The Furniture Guild creates heirloom-quality vanities with a variety of metal trimmings, from beautiful inlays to sturdy bases. Its latest offering is a decorative metal banding that wraps the edges of vanity doors and drawers in solid brass trim. 

The effect is very elegant, a small yet opulent detail making the bathroom feel rich and luxurious. Only a hint of metal trim is visible when doors and drawers are closed for a subtly refined look. 

The Furniture Guild achieves a beautiful satin brass finish by first polishing the brass, then applying a soft texture by hand and coating it with a urethane topcoat for impressive durability.

These are a few ideas to give a kitchen or bathroom a design boost in line with today’s biggest trends. Changes do not need to be big or time-consuming to have a significant impact. Switching out fixtures and finishes are small additions to inject great appeal. Investing in larger items such as a new tub or sink are improvements that will add value and enhance the enjoyment of a living space for years to come. 

Take the time to study what’s new now and find those looks and styles that reflect your clients’ personal tastes, adding them to the kitchen and bath to make the house truly a home.