The flooring of choice for bathrooms these days is tile, while granite and engineered stone, such as quartz, are popular for countertops.  Undermount sinks, simple cabinet designs (Shaker style is a term you'll hear frequently when it comes to both bathroom and kitchen cabinets), and toned-down colors that range into the beige and off-white categories are also on the rise.

 

When it comes to fixtures, brushed and satin nickel finishes are still reasonably safe choices, although the warm metallic colors and rougher finishes that gained ground over the past few years can still be a good way to go if they tie well into a non-extreme bathroom décor.  Double vanities are being asked for more and more frequently by home buyers, even in the first-time buyer price range.

 

In upscale bathrooms the 'spa concept' still applies, with high end showerheads, steam showers, and media centers creating a luxurious environment.

 

 

 

The Fixr blog recently posted a nice article about up-and-coming kitchen trends.  Here are a few highlights:

 

According to Fixr, reclaimed hardwood is the most trendy choice for kitchen flooring, followed by bamboo, hardwood, and natural stone.  The top trend for countertops is engineered stone (quartz), followed by concrete and granite.  Stainless steel is the trendiest refrigerator material, while a 'table as island' concept is the most trendy kitchen island style. 

(Tip:  It's a good idea to include plenty of electrical outlets when you install a kitchen island.)

 

 

 

In times of uncertainty people tend to turn back to the tried and true.  This includes staying conservative in the types of materials and colors they use in a remodel, as well as in the total amount they are willing to spend.  Expect to see more clean-looking, traditional styles and a focus on smaller projects.

 

Another important thing to remember is this: 

 

 

For example, hardwood is an enormously popular flooring choice overall, but some people worry about its susceptibility to water damage in a kitchen setting.  Tile and natural stone are more resilient, and both come in many beautiful flooring styles.  Likewise, engineered stone and granite countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and are somewhat easier to maintain than concrete countertops.

 

 

 

 

In case summer activities have distracted you lately, here's a quick reminder that interest rates are historically low these days.  As of mid-August they have been hovering in the mid-four percent range, making this a great time to get a low fixed rate on a home purchase or refinance.

 

 

Shopping for a New Refrigerator? 

  

New appliance models hit stores in September and October, which means that many Americans shop now in preparation for older models going on sale.  Here are some tips on how to pick the right refrigerator:

 

Green is still a huge factor in household buying, and people want energy-efficient appliances.  At the Energy Star website you'll find brands that meet energy conservation standards.

 

In refrigerator terms, of course. :)  The most popular style of refrigerator these days has the freezer in a slide-out bottom compartment, rather than at the top or as part of a side-by-side style.

 

Don Vandervort of the HomeTips website advises that a good warranty will cover your appliance's parts for one year, and the sealed refrigeration system for five years. (There are more good tips on his Refrigerator Buying Guide page.)

 

 

Long-time SPCA volunteer Sherri Franklin did, and in 2007 she founded Muttville, a non-profit organization that finds caring homes for senior dogs who would otherwise be euthanized or spend their last days in a shelter.

 

Since that time she has helped save over 700 dogs aged seven or older, many of whom were great family dogs who were simply abandoned or who lost their owners to illness.

 

So, it doesn't just have one of the cuter company logos you'll see out there, it's also a great organization!  You can click this link to see the senior dogs available for adoption at Muttville.