Kitchen design is ever-evolving. That's why the kitchen design and remodeling business is thriving. Not only do certain styles and looks eventually become outdated (hello avocado appliances!), design elements that make your kitchen more functional come on the scene and suddenly, not only does your kitchen look outdated, but it feels functionally behind the times, too.  There was a time in the not-too distant past when the only way to have an extended countertop was to support it with legs or corbels. The look aligns with the more traditional design styles, but the functionality is lacking. Plainly speaking, they get in...

What are the top trends in home improvement? From generational shifts to the most popular upgrades, here's a look at what's happening in the residential remodeling market.  Trend 1: Generational Shift The role of older homeowners continues to grow, with those ages 55+ driving over 50% of the home improvements spend. This group of homeowners is contributing the most to renovation activity in terms of larger project scopes as well as larger investments in the higher-end products, materials, and finishes. Trend 2: Kitchen Upgrades Kitchen remodels will continue to be more expensive yet will look increasingly similar. Since 2017, spending...

The kitchen island has become the icon of the modern kitchen. For many homeowners, no kitchen design can be considered complete without an island at its center. And for a good reason: kitchen islands work—when properly designed. A well-designed island is ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks from food prep to dining in addition to acting as homework central, a place to play games, or a workstation for hobbies and crafts. Islands take up lots of space; therefore, they must work hard and work well to earn the kitchen real estate they occupy. Here are some things islands can...

There’s no doubt about it—outdoor kitchens are hot. An outdoor kitchen is not just a place for preparing food; it has become a natural extension of the trend toward home entertaining. Once the purview of luxury homeowners living in warmer climes, the outdoor kitchen trend is now big in the middle market, as well. Patio heaters, modular cooking stands, weather proof materials and other innovations have made the outdoor kitchen more appealing even to those who live in cold weather climates. What Homeowners Want In Their Outdoor Kitchens According to NKBA A recent NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) Market...